Print
E-Mail
tool name
closeAir Force flyover jump-starts Daytona 500
Senior Airman Stephen Linch/509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Senior Airman Stephen Linch
Two F-15C Eagles from the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., fly over Daytona International Speedway before the start of the Daytona 500.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Airmen thrilled about 200,000 spectators at the 52nd annual Daytona 500 when two F-15 Eagles performed a flyover Sunday at the Daytona International Speedway.
The Daytona 500 was seen by millions of viewers worldwide as the aircraft from the 2nd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., opened the event after the national anthem.
“It is a great opportunity to show airpower to the United States of America and participate in a great event like the Daytona 500,” said Lt. Col. Steven Burgh, the squadron commander.
“Anytime we get an opportunity to show the citizens of America the F-15 and get them excited, we take it.” The fans, who came to see 43 of the world’s best stock car drivers compete against each other in the biggest race in NASCAR, appreciated the display.
“It was absolutely impressive,” said Rich Bulkley, a NASCAR fan from Kansas City, Mo., of the flyover. “I got such a sense of pride when they roared by.”