Thunderbirds to soar over Daytona 500 crowd

Hear the roar!

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over the crowd at Daytona International Speedway as part of the opening ceremonies for the Daytona 500 on February 21, 2016.

“We’re honored to have the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds join us for the DAYTONA 500 pre-race ceremonies the next two years,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race is being held in our new motorsports stadium and we will have the best stock car drivers in the world on the track; it’s only fitting that we have the best Airmen in the skies performing the flyover.”

The Thunderbirds will fly in the Delta formation as the singing of the National Anthem ends.

"We're looking forward to flying over the DAYTONA 500 again this year," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hammond, Commander and Leader for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. "This event has kicked off our demonstration season for the past six years, and we're grateful for the partnership between the Speedway and the Thunderbirds."