#14-Tony Stewart and his father – Nelson Stewart — said they experienced a thrill of a lifetime Thursday (May 13) by participating in a tandem jump with the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team. The jump took place outside of Cincinnati at Warren County Airport in Lebanon, OH. Before the Stewarts boarded the U.S. Army Golden Knights airplane to make the 13,500-foot jump, they attended a pre-jump instruction class and then were outfitted in Golden Knights gear. Though Tony Stewart appeared to be a little timid prior to the jump, his feelings took a 180-degree turn after landing with his tandem partner Staff Sgt. Joe Jones. “I just got to experience one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life,” said the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. “I would do it again – right now if I could. Yes, I was a little nervous before the jump, but when you’re with the Golden Knights you’re with the best of the best. These guys are Army Strong Soldiers and that was a comforting feeling before the jump.” Stewart, who owns the #39 U.S. Army Chevy driven by Ryan Newman added, “I am so proud to be affiliated with the U.S. Army. We have a great partnership and to have the opportunity of jumping with the Golden Knights is a privilege that I immensely appreciate.” Stewart’s 72-year-old father, Nelson, said jumping with the Golden Knights was something he wanted to do for a long time. “I knew beforehand that this was going to be a blast and it was everything and more,” said the elder Stewart. “The Golden Knights are the best and it was an honor to jump with them. I had a great teacher and partner in Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott.” Nelson Stewart’s excitement following the jump became a concern for his son. “My dad is 72 going on 15,” said Stewart. “I am not sure what he wants to do next — I am afraid to ask.”(Stewart Haas Racing)(5-15-2010)
