Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Airmen witnessed a first in motorsport history, Jan. 20, as former rivals Mario Andretti, Larry Foyt and Al Unser Jr. united as part of Indianapolis 500 Centennial Tour.

The tour, which is sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, is visiting overseas military bases throughout Europe and Southwest Asia.

Mr. Andretti, a four time IndyCar champion, shared his thoughts on why this tour was important and what made him want to come.

"I have a sincere appreciation for the military," said Mr. Andretti. "I don't think there's a (more noble) profession on this planet than the military ... because you're defending your country. And from that standpoint the other message is to let all of you know we think of you every day and you're not forgotten."

Additionally, racing fans were able to see other IndyCar greats such as Davey Hamilton, Johnny Rutherford, Sarah Fisher and others during their tour of the base.

The drivers began their time on RAF Lakenheath at the Strike Eagle Complex, home of the 494th and 492nd Fighter Squadrons. They were given a mission brief on the F-15 by Capt. Craig Nordgren, a fighter pilot with the 492nd FS, better known as the Madhatters, and were able to try on night vision goggles and helmets, followed by seeing an F-15 close up on the flightline.

Once the tour was completed, they headed to the Knight's Table Dining Facility for dinner with the Airmen before ending the night with a meet and greet for fans at the Liberty Club where they shared stories about their lives in the fast lane and showed appreciation to military members and their families. One fun feature for fans was the opportunity to see Mario Andretti's racecar.

According to Davey Hamilton, their mission was to send a message to military men and women.

"We're all praying for you and we really do appreciate what you do for our safety & our freedom," he said. "I don't think people back home fully understand the sacrifices people in the military make...it's amazing. You're away from your family, your friends and lot of times away from your children and I can't imagine having to go through that, so I hope to pass that on to people back home."

The tour allowed military members a unique opportunity to get up close, shake hands, and speak to these racing greats. However, it was the racecar drivers that felt they benefited the most from their visit. Johnny Rutherford, a three-time Indianapolis 500 champion, shared what he's taking away from this tour.

"What I've enjoyed most is seeing the passion that we've witnessed, the same passion that we race drivers have for our professions, I noticed it over here with the military keeping us safe," said Mr. Rutherford. "And it's very gratifying and satisfying to see all the work everyone in the military does first hand."