OCTOBER 27, 2023 — Soldiers were treated to a little something more than just a quick bite over lunch Oct. 11 at the III Corps Express Shoppette.
The Red Bull Pit Stop Tour made a special stop at the III Corps Express Shoppette here at Fort Cavazos.
“We love doing military events and whenever they request us, we try our best to fulfill that request and come give away some prizes to some deserving Soldiers,” said Adrian Nunez, Red Bull Pit Stop Tour manager.
Nunez explained that the event is primarily for promoting Formula One racing, but it’s also a prime opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of men and women in uniform.
“I think it’s just giving back,” he expressed. “They give so much and ask for so little and I feel like this is something fun they can do.”
With music pumping from a live DJ truck and free Red Bull beverages, the high-octane event appealed to many Soldiers seeking to shake up their normal lunchtime routine.
Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of driving or the thrill of watching some of the fastest race cars perform at their peak, Formula One racing seems to appeal to the adrenaline junky in most fans.
And anyone who knows racing, knows that an efficient pit crew can be the difference between winning a race by seconds or losing it by a mile.
Soldiers got a glimpse of the speed and precision required by actual pit crew members during the Red Bull Pit Stop Challenge, where participants were tasked with changing a tire on a Formula One replica in under six seconds.
Sgt. 1st Class Aleta Berry, Fort Cavazos Installation Reception Center, cheered as her husband Aaron successfully completed the challenge.
Not to be outdone, Berry, who is a bridge crewmember by trade, drew on her expertise with vehicles to change out the oversized tires in 10 seconds, and even though she didn’t best her husband’s time, it was still a unique experience.
“It’s good for morale,” Berry said. “It gives Soldiers something different to do during their lunchtime. Sometimes people don’t do anything, so it’s kind of nice to see something different going on.”
Cpl. Matias Salas, 57th Expeditionary Signal Battalion Enhanced, agreed.
“I really like stuff like this, but I’m always busy so I can’t really go to any races, but small stuff like this, it really boosts morale.”
Salas tried the state-of-the-art driving simulator that mimics racing around a Formula One track, and discovered it was unlike anything he anticipated.
“It’s completely different than driving a normal car,” he described. “The handling of it is just so sensitive.”
Nunez echoed the sentiments of increasing morale and said he hopes the event also inspires Soldiers and their families to head out to the track.
“I think (the event) is a morale boost,” he expressed. “If just getting a free Red Bull makes their day, imagine getting an official shirt, hat, backpack, whatever it is, it makes their day.
“It intrigues their interest,” Nunez added. “They have the race annually in October and I think it gets them more excited about the race and gets them interested in going to the race.”
Visit RedBull.com and click on the corresponding state to get more information about tour visits and events.
By Janecze Wright
Fort Cavazos Public Affairs