FitzBradshaw Racing Team Visits Pentagon Navy

Topics:  FitzBradshaw Racing

Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
U.S. Navy
December 15, 2004

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- David Stremme, the new driver for the Navy-sponsored #14 “Accelerate Your Life” NASCAR team, and FitzBradshaw Racing co-owners Armando Fitz and Terry Bradshaw, visited Sailors, Marines and top Navy leaders at the Pentagon Dec. 8.

A packed conference room of Sailors, Marines and Department of the Navy civilians welcomed the team during a question and answer session, an opportunity to learn about the team's new direction and meet the new driver.

"I'm very excited to be a part of this team," said Stremme, who took over driving the #14 car with four races left in the 2004 season and rounded out the year with a 10th place ranking.  "I look at all of us as team members.  When I'm out on the track, I'm not just representing myself, but the entire Navy."

Earlier in the day, the team visited Secretary of the Navy Gordon England and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Vern Clark.  During the meeting with CNO, Clark emphasized the potential for success in the 2005 season, the second full season since the partnership was established.

The 2003 Busch Series Rookie of the Year, Stremme said he’s looking for even better things for the Navy’s racing team in the upcoming season.

“Everyone is working seven days a week, getting ready for 2005 and we’re all very excited,” he said.

Yeoman 1st Class Alan J. Anglin was one Sailor on hand to meet the racing team.  The leading petty officer in the Secretary of the Navy's office, Anglin reenlisted earlier that day and received a personal congratulations and recognition from the FitzBradshaw Racing Team.

"I was stunned and a little overwhelmed because I wasn't expecting it," Anglin said.  "I found out later that my senior chief had arranged for Terry (Bradshaw) to say something to me."

He also got an autographed ball from Bradshaw that he will store in a hatbox.

Anglin, who until now didn't follow NASCAR, said now that he has met the team, he will be a fan of the #14 car.

After the question and answer session, the group toured the Navy Operations Center and Sept. 11 Memorial.  Before their visit to the Pentagon, the FitzBradshaw team visited injured service members at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Navy signed to be the full-time sponsor of FitzBradshaw Racing for the 2005 season Oct. 22.  Along with Stremme, other team changes this year include switching to a Dodge Charger vice last year's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and a partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing to provide engineering support.

For related news, visit the Chief of Naval Operations Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cno/.