Air Force flies into world of drag racing Published Sept. 23, 2008 By By Tech. Sgt. John Redding 344th Recruiting Squadron ENNIS, Texas -- The Air Force made its first foray into the fast-paced world of drag racing at the O'Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals Sept. 19-21 at the Texas Motorplex here. The event was the first of a four-race test program between Air Force Recruiting Service and Kenny Bernstein Racing Inc., designed to test the viability of the Air Force marketing itself at National Hot Rod Association events. In addition to sponsoring the race car, the Air Force invited 30 local high school teachers and potential Air Force applicants to meet six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, his primary driver Tommy Johnson, Jr., and his crew members. The Air Force's guests received a tour of the pit area, saw the car being rebuilt in the 75-minute window between races and got a chance to visit extensively with crew members. "Air Force members are trained with the best technology available and our ... team is steeped in technology, so there are a lot of obvious similarities and crossovers for our sport and potential Air Force recruits," said Mr. Bernstein, who spent both race days talking with the teachers and Air Force prospects. "This was a wonderful opportunity," said Michelle Ufkes, assistant principal at Burleson (Texas) High School. "It put a real-world perspective on what the Air Force and civilian jobs have in common."