The U.S. Air Force continues sponsorship with Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43

 

Jim Fluharty/HHP for Chevy Racing

    Today at the 2021 U.S. Air Force Snocross National in Deadwood, South Dakota it was announced that the United States Air Force would continue their sponsorship with Richard Petty Motorsports, and the No. 43 of Erik Jones.

The United States Air Force first entered NASCAR as a sponsor for the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 back in 2001, though for the past 13 years the United States Air Force has sponsored Richard Petty Motorsports in some shape or form. 

The U.S. Air Force agreed to sponsor the Richard Petty Motorsports flagship No. 43 for 2 cup series races; on April 25th at Talladega Superspeedway, and on September 18th at Bristol Motor Speedway. 

This decision was expected to be announced by many fans, as in the past couple weeks photos of Erik Jones (the newest driver of the No. 43) surfaced, wearing a fire suit displaying the Air Force logo. 

Erik Jones told reporters Saturday, “I think it is a great partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports, one that I feel really comfortable with and am really thankful for.”

“Partnering with them, I think, is a really good fit. I have always been supportive of our military in this country and the people who serve. Personally, I have a connection with friends who are members of the U.S. Air Force and have had great careers.” 

The U.S. Air Force hopes that this sponsorship with continue to help them inspire, engage, and recruit the next generation of airmen and guardians. This partnership between the U.S. Air Force and Richard Petty Motorsports will be beneficial to both parties, especially since Erik Jones brings less funding to the No. 43 than recent driver Darrell Wallace Jr. . 

The Untied States Air Force will also be an associate sponsor of the No. 43 team for the entirety of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.