NASCAR: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returning to Daytona 500
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are back for the Daytona 500 at The World Center of Racing, showcasing the sights, speeds and sounds of F-16 fighter jets in front of a sold out crowd, just before the deep rumble of stock car engines roars throughout the venue ahead of NASCAR’s season opener – the DAYTONA 500.
This will be the 15th consecutive year and 16th overall that the Thunderbirds will perform a flyover ahead of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.
“The Thunderbirds flyover is a tradition that perfectly captures the electric atmosphere of The Great American Race and has done so for the last 15 years,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “The sound of those jets soaring across the sky is something all of us here at The World Center of Racing look forward to every year. Between the pure adrenaline that comes with watching their performance and the energy of kicking off the NASCAR season in front of a full house, it’s a feeling you don’t get anywhere else.”
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”, also known as “America’s Team,” will perform their signature “Delta” formation just before the green flag drops for the 2025 DAYTONA 500.
The Thunderbirds are comprised of 12 officers along with more than 120 of the Air Force’s finest enlisted Airmen from across 32 different career fields. The Thunderbirds are a diverse group of individuals who are united, mission-focused and strive towards an almost unbelievable attention to detail. The pilots fly with extreme precision, sometimes closer than 16 inches apart, in the Air Force’s premiere multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. As Ambassadors in Blue, their commitment to the mission and to each other inspires hope for America’s future.
“As America’s Team, the Thunderbirds are a unifying force, focused on inspiring America and communities across the world to pursue perfection and capture excellence,” said Thunderbird 1, Commander/Leader, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan “Sheik” Malafa. “We are excited to return for the Daytona 500. As the most prestigious race in NASCAR, it signifies the beginning of a grueling season for the drivers who will push themselves to perfection and our team shares that same commitment to excellence that will lead us through a very demanding and successful 2025 season. It is our honor to kick off this race for the 15th consecutive year, drivers get ready to start your engines!”
The iconic Thunderbirds flyover is just one portion of the entertainment and racing packed week that is Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.
The action begins on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, setting the field for the Duel At DAYTONA, which occurs the following night on Thursday, Feb. 13, where drivers will battle it out for a spot in the coveted Great American Race.
The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Friday, Feb. 14, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 15, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.
Then Sunday, Feb. 16, directly following GRAMMY® Award Winning Artist Pitbull’s pre-race show, the USAF Thunderbirds will perform their flyover, preparing both fans and drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for an intense battle in the DAYTONA 500.
For more information regarding the DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Daytona International Speedway PR