Sailors join Navy #88 car in Daytona

Sailors from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Jacksonville, as well as local commands, were selected as honorary pit crew members for the race and were able to see the preparation and strategy that goes into a NASCAR event.

"I never knew how much went into NASCAR racing," said BM1(SW) Andrew Tinsley of the USS John L. Hall (FFG-32) homeported at NS Mayport. "I always though that they just drove around and stopped to get gas, but I can tell you, I became a fan today. Seeing the race first hand and being in the pits has really been one of my career highlights."

Even before the race began, the day was full of surprises for the Sailors. Prior to the race, American Idol contestant Kelly Pickler sang the national anthem and then decided to stop by to take photos with the Sailors in the pits.

Earlier in the day the Navy VIP Rear Adm. Stanley Bozin, director, Office of Budget, was invited to speak to the owner of the #88 Navy car, Dale Earnhardt Jr. This is the second year the Navy car has been owned by Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports team. This season Shane Huffman is driving the racecar.

"I'm looking forward to racing for the Navy today and for this season," said Huffman. "We've got a great team, great cars and I feel really good about our chances."

Navy Recruiter EN2 Warren James tries out the Navy's new 20-foot cargo net climb during the Daytona 500 festivities. Photos by MC1 Eric Dehm

Huffman qualified in the 40th position and was running as high as 27th before running into the aftermath of a multi-car crash. The Navy car tried to navigate the wreckage but another driver ran into Huffman, forcing the car into the garage for 30 laps and out of contention.

Despite that bad luck the honorary pit crew was happy with the way the car ran.

"That was too bad man," said AS2(AW) Hanif Bent of NRD Jacksonville. "He was moving up towards the front and to have something like that happen and it's not even your fault? That's just too bad."

The Navy car honored the HS-15 "Red Lions" during the race.

"I think we are going to do good this year though," added Tinsley. "I'm definitely going to keep an eye on how Shane does."

Huffman followed up his 36th place showing at Daytona with a 21st place finish at the California Speedway Feb. 25. The next race for the #88 Navy car will be in Mexico City March 4. Busch Series races will be broadcast on ESPN2 for the 2007 season.

While the race was the main focus, it wasn't the only thing going on for the Navy at Daytona. The SEAL Accelerator Tour, NRD's newest display, debuted in the fan area outside the track. The display, manned by NRD Jacksonville recruiters, included a 20 foot cargo net climb, pull-up bars and a digital photo area along with a walk through display that shows SEAL videos and includes two life size mockups of a SEAL and diver in full gear. Huffman also stopped by for an autograph sessions with his fans and Sailors at the Navy display on race day.

BM1 Andrew Tinsley of USS John L. Hall, follows the action on the track early on during the race.

Between the recruiting displays that will be shown at certain tracks and the growing popularity of the #88 car, 2007 looks to be a banner year for the Navy NASCAR team.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of the #88 Navy car, chats with Rear. Adm. Stanley Bozin, director, Office of Budget, and Capt. Tom Buterbaugh, director of marketing and advertising, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command.