Thunderbirds’ Flyover To Welcome Indy 500 Fans Back Home Again on Race Day
December 16, 2021 | By Curt Cavin
SEE: Fan Video of 2020 Thunderbirds Flyover
The return of full-capacity crowds at the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will coincide with a return of the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds performed their fabulous flyover for the 2020 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the grandstands were empty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Bringing them, along with the fans, to IMS on Sunday, May 29 will truly give the event a “Back Home Again” feeling.
“America’s Ambassadors in Blue” – officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron – will fly in their signature “Delta” formation over IMS in an impressive display of their skill and their precision. 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.
The Thunderbirds made two dramatic passes over IMS in 2020, a race won by Takuma Sato. The first was the traditional north-to-south path down the front straightaway. Then, the group of six F-16 Fighting Falcons swooped toward downtown Indianapolis and made an east-to-west pass over the iconic track, finishing with a vertical move known as “the Delta Burst.”
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet.
The 2022 team of Thunderbirds will be commanded by Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, who assumed command of the team Dec. 6. The Thunderbirds’ season begins March 19-20 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
Click here or visit the IMS Ticket Office to buy tickets for the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.