Sprint Cup - Newman Marvels At Another Army Experience

WARREN, June 16, 2011: U.S. Army NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is the first to admit that witnessing firsthand the Army's state-of-the-art technology has been a privilege.

Since he started to drive the Army Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009, he has visited a number of military installations, and even at times took part in Army activities such as shooting high-powered weapons, driving a Stryker or free-falling in a vertical wind tunnel.

Newman, who will drive the U.S. Army 236th Birthday Chevrolet, honoring NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore in Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, enjoyed and marveled at another Army experience Wednesday.

He visited The United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren, Mich. TACOM's mission is to develop, acquire, field and sustain Soldier and ground systems for America’s warfighters. If a Soldier eats it, wears it, drives it, or shoots it, the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command develops, provides or sustains it.

"It was another incredible Army experience," said Newman. "Having the opportunity to get this close to some of the greatest technology in the world was not only inspiring, but makes you even more proud to be a representative on the racetrack for our Army Strong Soldiers."

As an engineering graduate from Purdue University, the visit to TACOM was also intriguing for Newman.

After a one-hour autograph session for the employees at TACOM, Newman visited the research and development center where he saw state-of-the-art armored vehicles and machinery.

While the R&D location was jaw-dropping for Newman, he got even more impressed with a robotics presentation.

"When you get to see what I saw you know that our Soldiers have the best equipment and technological support in the world," stated Newman. "I came away from the visit with a much deeper appreciation of the commitment, energy, knowledge and skill of our United States Army."