The #14 Circle Bar Racing Ford driven by Rick Crawford in the CTS will display a patriotic look for the season opening Florida Dodge Dealers 250 Friday at the Daytona International Speedway. The Stars and Stripes Ford will feature a special insignia dedicated to the honor of the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) and B-36 Peacemaker that Circle bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served upon. The mission of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) was to maintain a global nuclear deterrent force. SAC maintained an everyday capability to carry out conclusive long-range aerial bombardment against any target in the world. SAC conducted strategic air operations on a world-wide basis and was ready to support area commanders by attacks on suitable tactical targets. The B-36 was the largest American bomber ever produced and for the first time allowed SAC the capability for trans-Atlantic flights… The 230-foot wingspans signature was the six rear massive engines that mounted with the propellers facing the rear of the aircraft, the only bomber of its kind…During its eight years of service, the B-36 Peacemaker was one of America’s major deterrents to aggression by a potential enemy. Circle Bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served as a Sen. Mechanic in the early fifties with the 42 BW at Loring Air Force Base in Maine in the 75th BS.. Mr. Mitchells service was under the command of famed Strategic Air Command leader General George LeMay who led SAC from 1948 until 1957. It was General LeMay’s driving force that made “SAC” into a household word and the most potent military force in history. The truck will feature a silver and white paint scheme with the SAC shield and famed star bar on the hood.. The team will continue its patriotic theme displaying the American Flag on the quarter panels.. Another addition of American pride is the Bald Eagle displaying the Circle Bar Motel and RV Park logo threw its talons on the trucks bed top. Making the scheme special to Crawford is the fact that he and fellow truck series driver Brendan Gaughan spent five-days visiting troops throughout Europe in January.. The duo had the opportunity to visit troops in Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Spain on a tour sponsored by NASCAR and the Department of Defense Employers Support for the Guard and Reserve.(Circle Bar Racing PR), for images of the truck, see my CTS Schemes.(2-12-2003)
