Stewart, his Father Jump with Golden Knights — U.S. Army Parachute Team;
LEBANON, Ohio (May 14, 2010) — NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart and his father – Nelson Stewart — said they experienced a thrill of a lifetime Thursday (May 13) by participating in a tandem jump with the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team. The jump took place outside of Cincinnati at Warren County Airport here in Lebanon.
Before the Stewarts boarded the U.S. Army Golden Knights airplane to make the 13,500-foot jump, they attended a pre-jump instruction class and then were outfitted in Golden Knights gear.
Though Tony Stewart appeared to be a little timid prior to the jump, his feelings took a 180-degree turn after landing with his tandem partner Staff Sgt. Joe Jones.
“I just got to experience one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life,” said the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. “I would do it again – right now if I could. Yes, I was a little nervous before the jump, but when you’re with the Golden Knights you’re with the best of the best. These guys are Army Strong Soldiers and that was a comforting feeling before the jump.”
Stewart, who owns the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman added, “I am so proud to be affiliated with the U.S. Army. We have a great partnership and to have the opportunity of jumping with the Golden Knights is a privilege that I immensely appreciate.”
Stewart’s 72-year-old father, Nelson, said jumping with the Golden Knights was something he wanted to do for a long time. “I knew beforehand that this was going to be a blast and it was everything and more,” said the elder Stewart. “The Golden Knights are the best and it was an honor to jump with them. I had a great teacher and partner in Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott.”
Nelson Stewart’s excitement following the jump became a concern for his son. “My dad is 72 going on 15,” said Stewart. “I am not sure what he wants to do next — I am afraid to ask.”
The Golden Knights jump was in conjunction with U.S. Army activities for this weekend’s Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals at Cincy’s Great American Ball Park. The Golden Knights will jump into the ballpark on Friday and Saturday as part of the pre-game festivities.
While the Stewarts were jumping out of an airplane, Newman paid a visit to Fort Belvoir Thursday, an U.S. Army installation located outside of Washington D.C. Newman conducted an autograph session at the PX followed by lunch with the Wounded Warrior unit. He also paid a visit to the base’s Night Vision Live Fire Range where he had the opportunity to fire an M-4 rifle.
“It was another great experience to have a personal visit with our Soldiers and learn more about our high-tech Army,” said Newman. “I sure enjoyed pumping lead with the M-4. The training and equipment that our Soldiers have are without a doubt the absolute best. It was a lot of fun, and I look forward to my next Army base visit. “
