The U.S. Army Accessions Command  announced today that the U.S. Army will continue its sponsorship of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 2010.   

“Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman [NASCAR] are not only outstanding drivers, they are also powerful and effective advocates for the great men and women of our Army.  Both drivers possess and demonstrate a passion for our Army Strong Soldiers and their families.  They and their teams share our Army values and demonstrate the mental, emotional and physical strength which are the hallmark of our Soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command.  “We are very excited about the opportunities our participation in the National Hot Rod Association and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series present us to tell our Soldiers’ stories and connect with Americans across the country.”

The U.S. Army Accessions Command  announced today that the U.S. Army will continue its sponsorship of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 2010.   

“Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman [NASCAR] are not only outstanding drivers, they are also powerful and effective advocates for the great men and women of our Army.  Both drivers possess and demonstrate a passion for our Army Strong Soldiers and their families.  They and their teams share our Army values and demonstrate the mental, emotional and physical strength which are the hallmark of our Soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command.  “We are very excited about the opportunities our participation in the National Hot Rod Association and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series present us to tell our Soldiers’ stories and connect with Americans across the country.”

The 2010 season will mark the Army’s 10th with Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA since its return to the sport in September 2000.  Tony Schumacher has won five consecutive championships while piloting the 22-foot U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster.  He enters the weekend as the points leader for the 2009 championship.  Should Schumacher capture the crown, it will be the Army’s 10th including four won in the mid-1970s as the sponsor of Don Prudhomme’s Funny Car.

“I am extremely proud and humbled to represent the U.S. Army and the brave men and women who make it possible for us and our families to live in freedom,” Schumacher commented.  “My team and I are motivated by the dedication, sacrifice, and service of our Soldiers and their families.  It is also an honor to team up with Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart to help tell young Americans about the wonderful opportunities the Army offers.”

The U.S. Army will serve as the primary sponsor on Schumacher’s top fuel dragster for all 23 NHRA national events and as an associate sponsor on all Don Schumacher Racing cars.  In addition, the Army will return as the Official Military Partner of the NHRA and presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth and Education Services Program (Y.E.S.)

The U.S. Army Motorsports Program began in September 2000 when Congress directed the Secretary of the Army to conduct a five-year motorsports outreach test.  In 2003, building upon the success of the NHRA program, NASCAR was added.  In addition to sponsorship of Newman and Schumacher, the programs also include an educational outreach to high school, vo-tech and junior college students focusing on career planning, goal setting, and career opportunities in motorsports and the Army.  In addition, on-site interactive displays allow prospects and their influencers to experience what it is like to be a Soldier and to interact with Soldiers.

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