thedrifter
05-03-03, 12:03 PM
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 20035219632
Story by Cpl. Robert W. Wynkoop
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR(May 2, 2003) -- Team Marines race car driver, Bobby Hamilton Jr., toured Marine Corps Air Station Miramar April 24, staying for a free autograph signing for station personnel and their family members and a visit to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101.
Hamilton started his visit with an autograph signing at the Marine Corps Community Services Marine Corps Exchange. Marines, Sailors, spouses and children patiently waited in line for a signed picture. Many participants brought replicas of the Ford Taurus that Hamilton drives and other memorabilia to be signed.
Hamilton doesn't let being a professional driver go to his head; he talked candidly with fans about his past races.
According to Hamilton it is good for a driver to talk with the people he represents on the racetrack.
"We have a good thing going with the Marines," Hamilton said. "They've been a great sponsor."
Once the autographs were done Hamilton spent some face time with the Marines of VMFAT-101. He walked throughout several workstations and talked with air framers and mechanics.
Hamilton, whose passion has always revolved around fast cars with big engines, was right at home with the aviation mechanics.
"I've been a NASCAR fan for years," said Gunnery Sgt. Frank Durdin, maintenance control chief, VMFAT-101. "It was great to have the chance to see a driver up close."
A much-discussed topic was the similarity in fine-tuning a race car and the Marines' jobs as aviation mechanics. Even the slightest adjustments can make a difference in performance.
Once he and the Marines were finished talking "shop," Maj. Jonathan Gackle, aviation maintenance officer, VMFAT-101, presented Hamilton with a squadron patch, making him an honorary "Hornet Handler" - a designation held in the highest regard by aviation crews.
One usually is named a "Hornet Handler" for exceptional performance of duties at the squadron.
Following the Miramar visit, Hamilton traveled to the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., for the 1-800-PITSHOP.com 300.
Hamilton has been the driver of the number 25 car in the Busch Series for two years.
Sempers,
Roger
Story Identification Number: 20035219632
Story by Cpl. Robert W. Wynkoop
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR(May 2, 2003) -- Team Marines race car driver, Bobby Hamilton Jr., toured Marine Corps Air Station Miramar April 24, staying for a free autograph signing for station personnel and their family members and a visit to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101.
Hamilton started his visit with an autograph signing at the Marine Corps Community Services Marine Corps Exchange. Marines, Sailors, spouses and children patiently waited in line for a signed picture. Many participants brought replicas of the Ford Taurus that Hamilton drives and other memorabilia to be signed.
Hamilton doesn't let being a professional driver go to his head; he talked candidly with fans about his past races.
According to Hamilton it is good for a driver to talk with the people he represents on the racetrack.
"We have a good thing going with the Marines," Hamilton said. "They've been a great sponsor."
Once the autographs were done Hamilton spent some face time with the Marines of VMFAT-101. He walked throughout several workstations and talked with air framers and mechanics.
Hamilton, whose passion has always revolved around fast cars with big engines, was right at home with the aviation mechanics.
"I've been a NASCAR fan for years," said Gunnery Sgt. Frank Durdin, maintenance control chief, VMFAT-101. "It was great to have the chance to see a driver up close."
A much-discussed topic was the similarity in fine-tuning a race car and the Marines' jobs as aviation mechanics. Even the slightest adjustments can make a difference in performance.
Once he and the Marines were finished talking "shop," Maj. Jonathan Gackle, aviation maintenance officer, VMFAT-101, presented Hamilton with a squadron patch, making him an honorary "Hornet Handler" - a designation held in the highest regard by aviation crews.
One usually is named a "Hornet Handler" for exceptional performance of duties at the squadron.
Following the Miramar visit, Hamilton traveled to the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., for the 1-800-PITSHOP.com 300.
Hamilton has been the driver of the number 25 car in the Busch Series for two years.
Sempers,
Roger