Reserve racer announces 2013 race schedule Published March 18, 2013 By Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- An Air Force Reserve-sponsored drag racer announced his schedule for 2013, March 18. Master Sgt. John Fitzpatrick, aircraft structural maintainer, 931st Maintenance Squadron, receives sponsorship from the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service. The 2013 motorcycle drag racing season will open with the Pro Bike Racing Series at Kansas International Dragway in Wichita, Kansas, April 13 During events, Fitzpatrick assists Air Force Reserve recruiters by meeting and talking with potential recruits. The racer helps recruiters build rapport with mechanically-inclined race attendees. "At every race I work with local recruiters to generate interest," said Fitzpatrick, who manages the Aircraft Structures Section for the 931st Maintenance Squadron. "People who go to races tend to be 'gear heads' who are more interested in aircraft or in maintenance jobs. I have a background in maintenance and as a racer, so they see me as someone who can speak from experience." Fitzpatrick said he helps recruiters deliver the message about the available career fields and that he hopes to compete at more than 20 racing events throughout Kansas and Oklahoma from April to October. "I'm excited about the opportunity to represent the Air Force Reserve doing something I enjoy," said Fitzpatrick. "If everything goes well, I hope to compete in every race and talk to people about the Air Force Reserve along the way."