02-07-2003 | TruckSeries.com Report

Roush Racing announced today the U.S. Navy has teamed up with NASCAR's Roush Racing to sponsor Jon Wood in the 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series again in 2003.

The Navy sponsorship with Roush is part of an ongoing recruiting and retention effort, "Navy-Accelerate your Life." Wood and the No. 50 Navy Racing Ford F-150 will hit the circuit from coast to coast.

Besides having teamwork in common, the sport of racing, like the Navy, is also family-oriented. More than 75 million NASCAR fans along with their families turn out to enjoy a day at the races. "Jon Wood is part of a proud Wood family of racers just as the Navy is a family-oriented service and proud of it," said Navy spokesman, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bill Danzi.

The Navy plans to use the team, race truck and show truck as a motivational tool to attract young people to join the Navy, in addition to generating public awareness and pride for Sailors, Reservists, Veterans and civilians worldwide. Last year, Sailors around the fleet made the Craftsman Truck Series races one of the most watched events on the Armed Forces Television and Radio Networks. The entire racing season aired on ESPN, which fed to deployed ships worldwide via Direct-To-Sailor (DTS).

In 2002, Wood and the Navy Racing Team competed in 22 races around the country, including 10 top-10 finishes. They finished the season 12th in the overall point standings. Wood capped off his year by visiting the Sailors deployed aboard USS George Washington in December. He stayed on board with the crew as they returned to Norfolk, Va., for their homecoming after a six-month deployment.

To find out more information about the Navy Racing Team or to schedule a reenlistment ceremony or recruiting event featuring the popular Navy show truck, contact (901) 874-2274 or visit the Navy on the web at www.staynavy.navy.mil.