McMurray Gets Free Flight Ticket

Ford driver Jamie McMurray recently conquered more than the Daytona International Speedway but also the skies when he was taken for a ride by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Before the first race of the season, McMurray was invited to fly with the Thunderbirds according to The Auto Channel. Capt. Elizabeth Kreft, Thunderbird No. 12. pointed out that the reason why they chose McMurray.

"We invited Jamie out for a flight because as a NASCAR race champion he understands the dedication and teamwork involved in the pursuit of perfection," said Capt. Kreft. "We wanted to show Jamie - and thousands of race fans - the Air Force's commitment to those same professional goals."

"Each person who steps into our jets will know why we understand the power of speed and accuracy, and why we choose to put on the uniform and continue to serve our country," she added.

When it was time to take to the air, the Ford driver shared a plane with Major Tony Mulhare Flying Thunderbird No.8. After several maneuvers which I am sure would have had me throwing up, the two landed safely and Jamie was awarded a 9-G pin for being able to endure forces of up to 9G.

The Ford driver is full of praise for the Thunderbirds. "I can't believe we just did what we did," said McMurray. "What a thrill to be able to fly with some of the greatest pilots in the world. Today Major Mulhare showed me what it is like to fly at speeds of over 500mph. The minute we took off, I knew it was going to be a fun ride."

It's too bad though that he did not carry the jet's speed with him in Daytona.

Kvapil, Fastest Ford Driver

The 50^th staging of the Dayton 500 is close at hand and the pole qualifier was held recently. Jimmie Johnson, two-time defending champion took the pole position making another good start for Chevrolet. Beside Johnson on the starting grid is Michael Waltrip driving a Toyota.

Unfortunately, no Toyota driver was able to get into the top two spot. In fact, the fastest driver only had the seventh fastest lap time. And his name is Travis Kvapil. Just a tip here: if you are playing fantasy racing, you can use Kvapil as your fifth driver.

The final position of other drivers except Johnson and Waltrip will be decided on Thursday at the Gatorade Duel 150. Kvapil said that he is excited to get back on the tack again.

"I’m excited to get back here on Wednesday and see how these cars drive. I’ve talked to a lot of drivers and they didn’t have a lot of good things to say about how they drove, so hopefully we can get out there and work on our handling package and get it to drive comfortably and stable and worry about Thursday. Then we’ll worry about what we think we can apply for Sunday," reported the Kvapil who will drive the No. 28 K&N Filters Ford Fusion.

Kvapil is confident going into the duel. "We think we had a little bit in the bank, but you just never know. We’re happy with that. Anytime you can repeat or pick up just a little bit you’ve got to be pleased. We definitely made all the right moves and did all the right things over the past few days, so we’re happy with where we’re at. That should get us toward the front of the 150 and we’re excited to see what we’ll learn in the 150 that we can apply to Sunday," he added.

Krystal Enterprises On The Red Carpet

Ford.com reported last week that Ford Motor Company recognized Krystal Enterprises as this year’s top volume limousine and livery Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM). Now, we can really say that its going to be one hell of a show! The much awaited Hollywood awards will take place next week.

“We are proud of our longstanding relationship and partnership with Krystal Enterprises and appreciate the premium image that Krystal conversions create for the Lincoln Town Car and our SUVs. It’s a tribute to the entire Krystal team that they have been the only QVM coachbuilder to earn the QVM title for the limousine and livery industry since the introduction of the award,” says Kevin Koswick, the director of Ford North American Fleet, Lease, and Remarketing Operations.

According to Ford, Krystal Enterprises won the award for in seven consecutive years since the prominent awards night was launched.

“Our QVM coachbuilders are dedicated to delivering the highest quality products for the limousine and livery industries, helping make Krystal Enterprises and the Lincoln Town Car the industry leader,” stated Doug Walczak, Ford’s Limousine and Livery Manager.

"Krystal is dedicated to delivering high-quality, luxurious vehicles for the limousine and funeral industry, and Ford provides the industry-leading products for us to accomplish this. We are extremely proud of our long-term relationship with Ford Motor Company and the QVM program,” says Ed Grech, president & CEO of Krystal Enterprises.

“Krystal Enterprises is proud to showcase its extensive line of superior vehicles. As the world’s largest manufacturer of stretch limousines and a top producer of professional vehicles and luxury mid-size buses, Krystal remains committed to quality, safety and customer satisfaction,” added Grech.