US Air Force Pilot Gears Up for NASCAR Debut at Martinsville

Gearing up for his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Martinsville this weekend, United States Air Force Pilot Ryan Roulette described the opportunity as nothing short of “amazing.” This makes him the only Air Force pilot to be racing in NASCAR at present.

With a racing past in the ARCA Menards Series, Roulette opened up on how he reflected on his racing career thus far with his wife last week, as he looks forward to the big opportunity.

“I found the first car I ever raced,” he said. “I found pictures of me racing lightning sprints and legends cars. (I was) just thumbing through, living those memories with my wife the other night.”

The 39-year-old driver was introduced to Freedom Racing Enterprises team owner and driver Spencer Boyd last year through a mutual friend, but little did he know that he would be racing in the team’s No. 67 Chevrolet Silverado the next year.

Things progressed in August 2024 when the two did a track walk at the Milwaukee Mile, where Boyd learned about Roulette’s interest in competing in the Truck Series. Discussions are said to have intensified eventually, ultimately leading to the January 22 announcement that Roulette would make three race starts with Freedom Racing Enterprises in 2025.

“It’s only their (Freedom Racing Enterprises) second season, but what I really appreciate it is the way they’re going about it,” Roulette said. “They’re not looking to run a second truck full time. It’s strategic, how we’re trying to both build my brand and their brand together for (what is) hopefully a long-term relationship between the two of us.”

Considering the four races that have gone by in the 2025 campaign so far, Roulette noted the progress his team had made and revealed his preparation for his Truck Series debut. He said:

“There’s substantial growth for them overall, which is exciting to be coming in and running that second truck.”

“It’s a lot of sim time, a lot of cycling.That’s kind of my big thing to prepare (for races).”

He added:

“The trucks have a lot more data available that I’m able to study. (I’ve been) sitting down with Spencer and going over film, just being a rookie.”

One big advantage for Roulette will be Jeff Hammond, his tutor, who will be on top of the pit box during Roulette’s race starts. Addressing his debut at Martinsville, the North Dakota-based driver predicts some chaos.

“It’s a tough, elbows up kind of track,” he said. “(There’s) definitely going to be some bumping and banging. Whether you want to do it or not, it’s going to happen. I think it’s going to be chaos in a good way.”

However, looking back at his racing career, which seems to have switched to the fast lane, Roulette described his NASCAR Truck Series opportunity in one word.

“When I first started racing, I was lucky to run a car. When I got the run a different track, that was a big deal,” he said. “To be able to do this is amazing.”