Beechcraft Announces Hawker 400XPR Order From NASCAR Driver Martin Truex Jr.

Beechcraft Corporation today announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. has signed an order for the Hawker 400XPR upgrade package, with delivery expected in the first half of 2014. Truex Jr. is the first NASCAR driver to select the 400XPR, which offers a value proposition ideal for the transportation requirements of professional race car drivers.

The Hawker 400XPR upgrade package offers several factory approved airframe modifications to significantly improve performance, operating cost and resale value of the Hawker/Beechjet 400. Truex Jr. recently purchased his first business aircraft – a Beechjet 400A – and his upgrade will combine the superior aerodynamics of genuine Hawker winglets with the increased power of new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, along with a refurbished interior and new exterior paint.

“An owner like Martin Truex Jr. very much appreciates an aircraft that provides light jet operating costs, but allows for non-stop flights to nearly every NASCAR track from his home in North Carolina,” said Brian Howell, Beechcraft vice president, Aftermarket Sales and Business Development. “And he is choosing the XPR knowing the upgrade is supported by our worldwide network of factory-owned and authorized service centers.”

Truex Jr. added: “I have evaluated many aircraft that have the speed and efficiency to get me to 36 NASCAR events annually. However, only the Hawker 400XPR provides me and my team with the needed range, cabin volume, operating costs and support along the way that I expect from an aircraft partner. The overall value proposition of this aircraft made this a very simple decision for our team.”

Importantly, the XPR enhancements are the exclusive factory-designed, engineered and supported upgrades available for the Hawker/Beechjet 400. The more powerful Williams International FJ44-4A engines enable the Hawker 400XPR to climb directly to FL450 in only 19 minutes at max takeoff weight, whereas a competitive aircraft using the smaller -3A engine requires some 70 minutes at lower altitudes before it can step climb to realize the greater efficiencies without sacrificing speed.

Truex Jr. won back-to-back Nationwide Series championships then became a full-time Sprint Cup driver, twice securing berths in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup. He is the No. 78 driver for Furniture Row Racing. Away from the track, the New Jersey native and North Carolina resident helps his communities through the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, which has raised more than $1.5 million for a number of causes.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., the Global Customer Support organization is dedicated to improving the value of both Hawker and Beechcraft aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance / training support).