SecAF paces the Monster Mile

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Racing at speeds in excess of 165 mph in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans and millions more watching on television, there is no other experience quite like a NASCAR race. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James did not go that fast, but still had an adrenaline pumping experience as she drove three laps around the Monster Mile to kick off the race.

Secretary James took part in the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race by driving the pace car at the start of the race Oct. 4, 2015, at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. 

Secretary James was invited to drive the pace car by Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, who wished to increase the Air Force's national exposure. Tatoian, who formerly served as an honorary commander at Dover AFB, is currently serving a four-year term as an Air Force Civic Leader with 29 other distinguished civilians across the U.S.

"I have been an advocate for the Air Force since I first moved here in 2007," said Tatoian. "Secretary James agreed to come over and spend some time with us on Sunday, we are genuinely honored and privileged to have her and her husband, Frank, here."

Driving the pace car involved Secretary James taking three laps around the mile long track with all 43 stock cars keeping pace behind her at a steady speed until they received the green flag to start the race. 

"Throwing out the first pitch at a World Series game, that's pretty cool," Tatoian said. "Personally I think of this from an experience perspective; this is way cooler than that. Because you are literally on the track with the cars behind you, they're following you, everybody's eyes are on you in the pace car and you started the race." 

Prior to the start of the race, Secretary James toured the Monster Mile, meeting with drivers, pit crew members and Team Dover Airmen who were taking part in the race weekend.

"She led 43 of the world's fastest NASCAR drivers around the track," said Tatoian. "She also leads the world's best air force."