Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. toured the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Thursday with crew members Daniel Gonzalez and Charles Gordon prior to the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex.

"Any time we have an opportunity to go out and do extracurricular activities and take a break from racing to clear your mind - and then also to go out there and hang out with the military who do so much for us who enable us to be able to do this sport - it's always a privilege," Arana Jr. said.

Hosted by the Air Force Reserve, Arana Jr. and team members got an up-close tour of F-16 Falcon fighter jets used by the 457th Fighter Squadron out of the 301st Fighter Wing headquartered at the base. Arana Jr. was able to learn about many aspects of the F-16, including maintenance of the venerable plane and ejection techniques taught at the base.

Arana spent time with Lt. Col. John Marusa - call sign "Farmer" - and his crew chief, Sgt. Steve Joubert, learning about preparation for flight. Arana Jr. and his crew then watched from the flight line as F-16s took off on sorties.

Plus, Arana Jr. learned about various transport vehicles and weapons as was able to meet and interact with numerous reserve personnel working at JRB.

For photos from this visit, please CLICK HERE.

Photo by Matt Polito