IndyCar drivers next stop: Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Indianapolis 500, a few well-known Indy 500 drivers took a pit stop at Incirlik Air Base Jan. 18 and 19, during a 10-day tour through Europe and the Middle East.

Indy 500 winners Mario Andretti, Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser Jr., plus Indy 500 veterans Sarah Fisher, Davey Hamilton, Larry Foyt and Firestone Indy Lights race winner Martin Plowman gave motivational talks and participated in autograph sessions and photo opportunities with the Incirlik community.

In addition to receiving gifts, several lucky Airmen got to experience the thrill of being an IndyCar passenger in the specially modified Dallara racecar built-for-two.

"The experience means a lot," said Airman 1st Class Kyle Matlock, of the 39th Medical Group and one of the Indy500 riders. "This definitely helps you get through the time here."

Those Incirlik Airmen got the rare opportunity to face the G-forces and encounter the speeds involved in IndyCar racing with Mario Andretti at the wheel.

"It was amazing!" said Airman 1st Class Marcus Pace, of the 39th Security Forces Squadron and one of the Indy500 riders. "I didn't know the car had that much power."

After their tour of Incirlik, the drivers took a trip to one of the top public universities in Turkey, the Cukurova University.

The tour is designed to use the experiences of the IndyCar crew as sportsman to help build bridges and promote understanding between different cultures.

"This was an incredible opportunity for Incirlik as a community to host the Indy car league," said Col. Anthony Butts, the 39th Air Base Wing vice commander.

The Airmen have been very excited, and this has been a very big morale boost for us, the vice commander added.

The Indy 500 Centennial Tour, coordinated by Morale Entertainment Foundation and Armed Forces Entertainment, in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, aims to increase troop morale by bringing the excitement of the 100th anniversary celebration of Indianapolis 500 directly to more than 10,000 troops overseas.