World-Renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform Flyover for the 56th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23
12/10/2013
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The U.S.
Air Force Thunderbirds, known worldwide for their precision aerobatics,
will return to Daytona International Speedway to perform the flyover
for the prestigious 56th annual DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season opener on Sunday, Feb. 23.
It’s the fourth consecutive year that the
flying team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration
Squadron, will be at the “World Center of Racing” to perform the flyover
for “The Great American Race.” For the 2013 DAYTONA 500, the
Thunderbirds were unable to fly their signature "Delta" formation
flyover due to cloud ceilings below mandatory minimums.
The Thunderbirds also provided the flyover in 2008 for the 50th running of the DAYTONA 500.
The Thunderbirds flyover will feature six
F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter
aircraft, soaring over the Speedway at the end of the national anthem.
“We’re deeply honored and privileged to
have the USAF Thunderbirds return, and we’re looking forward to
witnessing an exhilarating flyover during the pre-race ceremonies for
the DAYTONA 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood
III said. “The sight and sound of the Thunderbirds flying above Daytona
International Speedway will give goose bumps to the thousands of race
fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX Sports.”
After the federal budget sequester took
effect in the spring, the flying team was forced to cancel all but one
of their 2013 performances. In October, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
announced that the Thunderbirds will be back on the road next year.
“We are absolutely excited for another
opportunity to showcase American air power at one of the signature
events in our great country,” said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, Thunderbirds
commander and lead pilot. “The Daytona crowd is incredible, and we plan
on giving them a flyover they deserve.”
Assigned to Air Combat Command, the
squadron is composed of 12 officers and more than 100 enlisted Airmen
serving in about 30 Air Force job specialties.
Since the unit's inception in 1953, more
than 350 million people in all 50 states and more than 60 countries have
witnessed the distinctive red, white and blue jets in thousands of
official aerial demonstrations.
Tickets for the 56th annual DAYTONA 500 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
for the latest news all season long. Fans can follow the latest on
DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World
Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonar
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