NASCAR flies at Luke

Senior Airman Mason Bergeron, a 56th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment continuation training instructor, explains the proper way to egress an aircraft to NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. Luke members met and got signed photos of Mr. McDowell before his orientation flight in an F-16. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sergeant Christopher Hummel)

NASCAR rookie takes F-16 ride

Published April 14, 2008
By Airman 1st Class C.J. Hatch
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- After walking away from one of this year's worst professional racing wrecks, a NASCAR rookie from Glendale tried a different kind of ride.

Michael McDowell, driver of the no. 00 Aaron's Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing, visited Luke Wednesday for an orientation flight and other activities.

"It's awesome to be here at Luke," Mr. McDowell said. "I grew up around here and used to come out for the air shows as a child."

Mr. McDowell's day began at 8:15 a.m. as he arrived on base for a visit with the flight surgeon to ensure, after his accident, he was still fit to fly. When the flight surgeon gave him the green light Mr. McDowell raced off to begin egress training.

"To be able to fly in an F-16 is incredible," Mr. McDowell said. "I thought about whether or not I would do it after having my accident, but I feel fine and I don't want to pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

During his training Mr. McDowell learned how to use the controls in the back seat of the F-16, how to turn on his oxygen and how to egress the jet if needed. Being no stranger to the critical safety process, Mr. McDowell asked many questions to clarify the procedure.

After egress training, he was taken to wing life support to learn about the safety equipment and be fitted for a helmet and mask. Members of life support briefed him on the G-suit and how it helps to keep blood flow to the head while pulling high Gs.

Before his flight, Mr. McDowell met with local media for interviews. He also met with Luke Thunderbolts at an autograph signing event that included lunch and a four-car racing simulator.

"I can't believe you all came to see me!" Mr. McDowell said to the more than 600 Luke members who came out to see the NASCAR rookie.

At the 310th Fighter Squadron Mr. McDowell met his pilot, Capt. Thomas Juntunen, 310th FS instructor pilot, and both attended a pre-flight briefing where they reviewed what Mr.
McDowell had learned during his morning training. Soon Mr. McDowell stepped into an F-16 bearing his name to begin the flight.

After the F-16 landed, Mr. McDowell returned to the 310th FS where he received a certificate and a photo collage from Lt. Col. Scott Gierat, 310th FS commander.

Departing Luke Mr. McDowell expressed his gratitude to Luke Thunderbolts.

"Thank you for serving this wonderful country," he said. "We are all proud of you and I hope to see a lot of you at the race."