Air Force Featured Stories

AIR FORCE PARTNERS WITH ONDCP TO PUT ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE “ON TRACK”

  • Published
The U.S. Air Force announced a partnership today with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to carry anti-drug messages to millions of young people with a specially designed “Racing: My Anti-Drug” car to be driven by rookie Stuart Kirby during 15 televised races this year.

The Air Force kicked off their participation in the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign at a press conference April 5th at the Texas Motor Speedway outside of Ft. Worth. Kirby will drive the car on its inaugural race April 6th in the O’Reilly 300. NASCAR has a fan base of 75 million; three million of whom are teenagers, the media campaign’s target audience.

“Our partnership is a natural fit,” said Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service. “One of our core messages to young people is they must graduate from high school drug free. We want young men and women to keep all of their career options open. Drug use closes many of the doors they have otherwise open.”

“The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign encourages youth to seek out the positive things in their lives that stand between them and drugs,” said John P. Walters, director of ONDCP. “We know that for many young people, being involved in sports is a powerful deterrent to using drugs. Joining efforts with the U.S. Air Force and a young talent such as Stuart Kirby drives home the message that by rejecting drugs, your goals can be achieved.”

Kirby is a 20-year old Kentucky native who began racing go-karts at the age of 11. After winning local and state races, he moved on to world competitions and fulfilled his teen-age dream of racing at the Daytona International Speedway. He attributes his success to the influence of his father and his devotion to the sport.

“Racing has always been the one thing that keeps me going,” said Kirby. “Driving in NASCAR is a goal I would never have accomplished if I had wasted my time with drugs.”

By carrying the “Racing: My Anti-Drug” brand on his car, Kirby plans to promote anti-drug messages to NASCAR fans and youth across America. He will join veteran NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer in using interviews and appearances to engage youth in considering and declaring their Anti-Drugs, or the positive things that stand between them and drugs.

For more information or images, contact Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs at (210) 652-5993.