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02-12-2003
Circle Bar Racing Honors Strategic Air Command in Daytona
TruckSeries.com Report
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The #14 Circle Bar Racing Ford F-150 driven by Rick Crawford in the NASCAR
Craftsman Truck Series will display a patriotic look for the season opening
Florida Dodge Dealers 250 Friday at the Daytona International Speedway.
The Stars and Stripes Ford will feature a special insignia dedicated to the
honor of the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) and B-36 Peacemaker that
Circle bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served upon.
The mission of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) was to maintain a global nuclear
deterrent force. SAC maintained an everyday capability to carry out conclusive
long-range aerial bombardment against any target in the world. SAC conducted
strategic air operations on a world-wide basis and was ready to support area
commanders by attacks on suitable tactical targets.
The B-36 was the largest American bomber ever produced and for the first time
allowed SAC the capability for trans-Atlantic flights. The 230-foot wingspan’s
signature was the six rear massive engines that mounted with the propellers
facing the rear of the aircraft, the only bomber of its kind. During its eight
years of service, the B-36 Peacemaker was one of America's major deterrents to
aggression by a potential enemy.
Circle Bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served as a Sen. Mechanic in the early
fifties with the 42 BW at Loring Air Force Base in Maine in the 75th BS. Mr.
Mitchell’s service was under the command of famed Strategic Air Command leader
General George LeMay who led SAC from 1948 until 1957. It was General LeMay's
driving force that made "SAC" into a household word and the most potent military
force in history.
“Mr. Mitchell wanted to honor the command of Gen. LeMay and those that served in
the Strategic Air Command,” stated Crawford. “Daytona is the center of the
racing world and this was a perfect place to show our support for Mr. Mitchell
and SAC’s service to the freedoms we enjoy today.”
The truck will feature a silver and white paint scheme with the SAC shield and
famed star bar on the hood. The team will continue its patriotic theme
displaying the American Flag on the quarter panels. Another addition of American
pride is the Bald Eagle displaying the Circle Bar Motel and RV Park logo threw
its talons on the trucks bed top.
“The entire truck is a display of patriotism towards America,” explained
Crawford. “The reality of war is here and we wanted to show our support for
America’s past and present military initiatives.”
Making the scheme special to Crawford is the fact that he and fellow truck
series driver Brendan Gaughan spent five-days visiting troops throughout Europe
in January. The duo had the opportunity to visit troops in Germany, Italy,
Bosnia and Spain on a tour sponsored by NASCAR and the Department of Defense
Employers Support for the Guard and Reserve.
“We knew prior to the trip that we would be displaying the SAC logo on the
Daytona truck,” Crawford said. “When the opportunity to visit Europe presented
itself I was quick to say yes. It’s hard to explain the feeling when visiting
all our service men and women in their given rolls. Without their dedication and
support we would not have the freedoms to do what we do each weekend at the
racetrack, it was an amazing experience.
Rick Crawford is set to drive the #14 Strategic Air Command Stars and Stripes
Ford Friday, February 14th as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series begins its 2003
season at the Daytona International Speedway. Live coverage of the series can be
found on the Speed Channel beginning at 12:30 pm, with a live radio broadcast on
MRN affiliates starting at 12:45 pm.
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