Andretti Autosport announced Thursday the launch of MilitaryToMotorsports.com, a unique hiring initiative to help U.S. military veterans transition into the civilian workforce upon retirement, specifically into the motorsport industry.
The initiative started with the help of David Tilton, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and Andretti Autosport chassis owner. Tilton sought a way to give back to our nation’s armed service members by hiring the most qualified veterans to join Andretti Autosport across its family of race teams.
The initiative will be highlighted this weekend at the ABC Supply 500, where Andretti Autosport driver Alexander Rossi’s No. 98 Honda will feature a MilitaryToMotorsports.com livery.
“I’m extremely proud to be joining with David to launch the Military to Motorsports campaign and want to thank him for his service to our country and friendship over the years,” said Michael Andretti, Andretti Autosport CEO. “I firmly believe that we’ve built crews of the best in the business, and I am honored to welcome retired military members into our organization. The dedication and skill sets of our veterans will make for a perfect fit in the motorsport world.”
After serving 20 years with the U.S. Navy, Tilton retired in 2003 with honors, after sustaining a broken neck and back during service the previous year. He now specializes in consulting and intelligence gathering equipment work. Tilton became an Andretti Autosport Indy car chassis owner this year, capturing a thrilling victory at the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil with Takuma Sato.
"As a retired service member, I am very excited to be part of the launch of the Military to Motorsports program with Andretti Autosport,” said Tilton. “This program will give well-deserved military personnel the opportunity to utilize their skills and discipline, gained during their service, as part of one of the most successful teams in motorsports. Serving our great nation as a military member is something to be extremely proud of and I know that Andretti Autosport will be honored to have these heroes as part of the team's success moving forward."
Interested U.S. veterans can apply via MilitaryToMotorsports.com for immediate consideration of upcoming openings.
Olympic great Joyner-Kersee to be grand marshal of Gateway race
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the track and field start who won three Olympics gold medals, has been named the grand marshal for Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Valvoline at Gateway Motorsports Park on Aug. 26. Joyner-Kersee will issue the command for drivers to start their engines before the Verizon IndyCar Series race at the 1.25-mile oval in Madison, Illinois.
"I am humble," said Joyner-Kersee, a native of nearby East St. Louis, Illinois. "I do not take this honor for granted to be the INDYCAR race's grand marshal at Gateway Motorsports Park. Very few people are asked to give the command and I am grateful to be one of the few. Thank you!"
Joyner-Kersee won three gold medals, as well as one silver and two bronze in Olympic competition from 1984-92. She was the first American to win gold for the long jump and the first woman to earn more than 7,000 points in the seven-event heptathlon, making her the most decorated female athlete in Olympic track and field history.
Chuck Wallis, vice president of the Bommarito Automotive Group, will serve as honorary starter and wave the green flag to start the race.