POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- Airmen and Soldiers from Pope Army Airfield and Fort Bragg had the unique opportunity to tour the manufacturing facility of NASCAR legend Richard Childress in Welcome, N.C., Aug. 11.
The service members toured the Earnhart-Childress Racing that builds and maintains engines for three NASCAR series - the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Cup Series, as well as ARCA Series, Sprint Car Series and ISMA Daytona Prototype division.
They were impressed with the facility's sheer magnitude, organization and cleanliness and compared it to touring a medical research laboratory rather than an automotive production plant.
It was not long into the tour when Staff Sgt. Richard Golden, a battalion motor sergeant with the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade at Ft. Bragg asked "How do I get a job here?"
As the tour at ECR continued, the extreme attention to detail was apparent as the service members watched a video of the internal workings of a race engine while it was running.
After touring the ECR facility, it was onto the Richard Childress Race facility where car frames are designed, manufactured and the final race cars are assembled.
"I am amazed by the time, effort and money that goes into the entire business," said Golden. "I am a gear head, but knowing about the marketing aspect and business end of racing, I could still be involved in racing just not as a mechanic."
The tour continued with a walk through four 53-foot transporters that carry the cars, spare engines, and numerous parts and tools needed to support the team during a race.
"The transporters head out on Thursday, unload on Friday at the particular race track and usually arrive back late Monday so we can unload and begin preparation for next weekend's race," said Burleson.
After a few group photos in front of the number three car and a tour of the main assembly bay and fabrication shop the RCR pit crew team geared up and demonstrated the finer details of what it takes to refuel, adjust and change four tires on a race car within 13 seconds.
"I always looked at Pit Crews and thought that anyone could do that job, but after today's demonstration I quickly realized that you have to be fast, focused and strong at your job to keep the car in the best position to win," said Tech. Sgt. Marvin Davis, assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing headquarters staff.
Once the tire is removed it requires speed, strength and technique to properly get the new tire in place.
"It is different than picking up a regular tire. You are in an awkward position and have to use good technique to lift the tire into place," said Private Tyler Gregory, 91st Civil Affairs, S6 shop. "I have been watching NASCAR since I was little and this has been a great experience."
Although he was unable to stay and enjoy lunch with the service members, Richard Childress stopped by and thanked the service members for attending and for their service to our country.
"The United States of America is the greatest country on earth. After the events of 911 we showed how we can rise up together and be strong as a nation," said Childress. "I want to thank the service members for attending today because it is what they do that allows us the opportunity to do what we do best."
The day ended with a raffle for RCR ball caps and the opportunity to meet with a few of the NASCAR drivers.
"I really liked the family aspect of the RCR enterprise. They look out for one another," said Golden. "Coming here was like experiencing a nugget of race paradise."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)