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Speed, Popcorn Draw In NASCAR's Wallace for F-15 Flight

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Going fast is clearly a passion for NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. But 500 mph in a fighter jet? That's a little faster than what he's used to.

"We've got to find some speed in our car to match this speed," Wallace said after visiting Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina to test out the adrenaline rush from an F-15E Strike Eagle. The visit was a second take, of sorts, for him. He was supposed to fly on the jet last year but was ill, so he had to watch from the sidelines.

An airman adjusts a flight suit on another man.
Flight Suit
Air Force Senior Airman William Tittle fits a flight suit to NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. April 23, 2019. DoD photo by EJ Hersom
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-007C

This year, he was ready for the challenge.

"I'm whooped. I'm three for three and haven't thrown up or passed out," Wallace said, referencing this flight and two F-16 flights he's had in the past, "but this flight has kicked my butt."

Wallace's visit is part of the Defense Department-supported NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Salute to Troops that happens annually over the Memorial Day weekend. Wallace is one of five drivers who will be racing in honor of fallen service members.

A man gets fitted with a helmet and mask.
Flight Fit
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. gets fitted for a flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 23, 2019.
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-001C
An airman shows a civilian what gear to grab.
Flight Gear
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. puts gear in a flight locker temporarily assigned to him at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 23, 2019.
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-003C

At the air base, No. 43 got the necessary physical required to fly before heading over to the 333rd Fighter Squadron, where he met Air Force Capt. John "Wraith" Tilton and was fitted for a flight helmet, mask and flight suit. Then he got what's called a step brief by the aircrew, who filled him in on basic facts about the jet and what to expect. They showed him a map of the airspace and answered any questions he had.

Next up, Wallace joined the flight crew for one final brief on weather conditions, runway clearances, routes, airspace and other procedures. He and Wraith then climbed into the F-15, checked all systems and equipment one last time, and they were off!

A man in flight gear and a helmet sits in a cockpit.
Thumbs Up
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. gives a thumbs-up from the back seat of an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 23, 2019.
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-010C
An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet flies low.
Taking Flight
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. rides in the back of an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 23, 2019. Piloting the plane is Air Force Capt. John “Wraith” Tilton.
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-009C

"It was boring — one of the worst experiences ever," Wallace joked after his hour-and-a-half flight. "I enjoyed the hell out of it!"

Wallace did a few interviews and signed hats for the squadron before exchanging NASCAR and Air Force flags with the crew and giving them tickets to the big race. He was proud to have met them.

"I always heard growing up [about people] getting deployed or being in the military, and I thought, 'Oh, OK, you go over and defend our country.' Well, there's so much more than that," Wallace said. "Being able to see different perspectives and occupations inside the field here is always incredible. … I can't thank each and every one of these airmen enough."

Two men in flight suits stand beside each other.
Strike Eagle
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. and Air Force Capt. John “Wraith” Tilton stand beside the F-15E Strike Eagle they're about to take a ride in.
Credit: Harry Lockley, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-ZZ999-210C

So, what was Wallace's favorite part of the experience? The break room's jalapeno popcorn. He even remembered it from the year before.

"It's the real reason I came, let's be honest," he joked.  

A man eats popcorn while listening to an airman speak.
Flight Plan
NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. and Air Force Capt. John “Wraith” Tilton discuss a flight plan at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 23, 2019.
Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190423-D-DB155-008C

Keep an eye out on Defense.gov for more articles about the other drivers preparing for the Coca-Cola 600 at various military installations.  

Produced by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Melone, DOD

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