Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, stands next to the Air Force-sponsored NASCAR car at Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an AFRS and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Four months ago, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, won an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS-sponsored design contest. The contest was to create a new paint scheme to be featured on one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored NASCAR cars.
On April 24, Brockman saw his Air Force heritage-themed B-29 design come to life and race for the win at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
As the contest winner, Brockman and his spouse, Valerie, toured the track and pit row, took a fast lap around the 2.66-mile track, met Erik Jones, driver of the #43 Air Force car, and watched the race from the Petty GMS pit box.
Erik Jones and the Air Force-sponsored #43 car leads the Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR race April 24, 2022 in Alabama. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, created the Air Force heritage B-29 Superfortress paint scheme that appeared on the car during the race. Jones and the Air Force car led the NASCAR race multiple times and was in front until the final lap, ultimately finishing sixth. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, and his spouse Valerie, pose for a selfie at Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022 in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the NASCAR race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)Erik Jones and the Air Force-sponsored #43 car flies by his pit box while leading the Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR race April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, created the Air Force heritage B-29 Superfortress paint scheme that appeared on the car during the race. Jones and the Air Force car led the NASCAR race multiple times and was in front until the final lap, ultimately finishing sixth. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Jones and the Brockman’s Air Force paint scheme car led at various points during the race and was in front until the final lap and ultimately finished sixth during a wild finish.
Brockman’s dark green paint scheme design was modeled after a B-29 Superfortress with glass up front and riveted panel design.
Brockman said his idea came from searching for Air Force beginnings with the Army Air Corps and images of the World War II bomber. He also wanted to bring attention to the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary this year.
“I wanted to somehow convey where we are and also how far we’ve come,” said Brockman, whose brother, both grandfathers and grandmother were Airmen.
“Bombers paved the way for victory throughout the Air Force’s reign in the skies.”
To read more about Brockman and his design, follow the link.
By Samuel King Jr.
Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, stands next to NASCAR driver Erik Jones, before the Talladega Superspeedway race April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an AFRS and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, (fifth in uniform) 96th Maintenance Group, salutes with other Airmen during the National Anthem and flyover at Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022 in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the NASCAR race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
