The United States Air Force has secured Official Military On-Site Sponsor rights with IHRA for the 2009 season. Air Force will be at all eight IHRA Nitro Jam events held in the United States to recruit as well as take other active roles in the events. Air Force will visit local schools in event markets, display on Manufacturer’s Midway and offer once-in-a-lifetime on-track experiences for race fans.

“This is an excellent opportunity for IHRA as well as for the United States Air Force,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “Our crowds are full of the people the Air Force is targeting with their recruiting efforts…young, energetic people who love their country. Air Force always has an interesting display as well, it really adds a lot to our national event midway.”

The United States Air Force began its relationship with IHRA in 2008 to test the waters, joining the sanctioning body as presenting sponsor on certain events as well as sponsoring numerous IHRA Night of Fire sessions. The partnership was extremely positive, leading to Air Force assuming an expanded role for the 2009 season.

“The United States Air Force was very pleased with the results of their recruiting efforts at IHRA races last season,” Feld Motor Sports national sales director Scott Mendel said. “When we approached them to see if they wanted to take a more active role with our IHRA property they were very enthusiastic. IHRA is a growing property with unlimited potential and working with strong organizations like the United States Air Force will only help IHRA down the road. This is a fantastic relationship that will only grow stronger.”