Planes that trained the “Greatest Generation” to Perform Fly-Over Prior to the Start of the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 19 (Talladega, AL) -- NASCAR fans will hear a different kind of engine roar at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the GEICO 500 on Sunday, Oct. 19th. Radial powered engines that trained all World War II and Korean War pilots will be on hand as the world famous Long-Island-based GEICO Skytypers showcase their aerial expertise in a special tribute to the United States Military. The GEICO Skytypers will perform a six-aircraft, wingtip-to-wingtip formation flyover in their WWII-era SNJs during the National Anthem just moments prior to the GEICO 500, the pivotal anchor event of the Contender Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in which the field of eligible drivers for the title will be reduced from 12 to eight. In addition to the flyover, the team will sky type giant dot-matrix style messages in the skies above the track earlier in the day during pre-race festivities. The GEICO 500 is scheduled for a 1 p.m. (CST) start. At the conclusion of the GEICO 500, the track’s newest tradition - the Freedom Trophy - which represents the five branches of the U.S. Military, will be presented to the race’s winner in Victory Lane by military personnel. “Behind every great NASCAR race are loyal fans and behind every pilot is the plane that taught him to fly,” says GEICO Skytypers Commanding Officer Larry Arken. “The vintage planes we fly for GEICO are national treasures for the role they played in helping the Allied Forces win the war and we’re looking forward to participating in the opening ceremonies for the GEICO 500.” GEICO is the long-time sponsor of the GEICO Skytypers and also the Official Auto, RV, Motorcycle and Powersport Insurance Provider of Talladega Superspeedway. This marks the first year that GEICO has been the entitlement sponsor of the fall 500-miler at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track. The 75-year-old planes flown by the GEICO Skytypers airshow team demonstrate low-altitude, precision-formation techniques demanded of Allied pilots flying missions everywhere from Korea to Kenya. For the GEICO 500, the airshow demonstration team will break away from the Wings over North Georgia Airshow (WingsOverNorthGeorgia) at Rome’s Russell Regional Airport and fly to Talladega for the special military tribute. “Most of our team earned their wings in the military and we always pay tribute to the brave pilots of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ ” says Steve Kapur, GEICO Skytyper pilot and team marketing officer. “We consider it a privilege to inspire young aviators, honor veterans and fly these warbirds on behalf of GEICO at air shows and special venues like Talladega.” For videos of the GEICO Skytypers and the historic SNJ airplanes that will be flying over the Talladega Speedway for the start of the GEICO 500, visit geicoskytypers. For tickets to the GEICO 500, or to the Saturday, Oct. 18, fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event, call the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, or log onto talladegasuperspeedway. Photo Attachment: GEICO Skytypers will showcase their aerial expertise in a special tribute to the United States Military at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the GEICO 500 on Sunday, Oct. 19. In addition to the flyover, the team will sky type giant dot-matrix style messages in the skies above the track earlier in the day during pre-race festivities. About Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR speeds back into Talladega Superspeedway October 17-19 for the GEICO 500 Sprint Cup Series race and fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola Camping World Truck Series event. NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), with the circuit’s steepest banking (33 degrees) and longest distance (2.66 miles), is also the most fun and fan-friendly, offering up hundreds of acres of free camping, amazing kids ticket prices and special offers for military members and college students. Talladega Superspeedway is NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield and world renowned Talladega Blvd. The historic venue has always worked hard to enhance the fan experience in every way and now features the most comfortable seats in motorsports, large video viewing boards (a new initiative planned for future implementation at all ISC tracks) lining the frontstretch and endless activities for fans throughout its event weekends. Log on to talladegasuperspeedway or call 877-Go2-DEGA for more information. This is more than a race, this is Talladega! About the GEICO Skytypers The GEICO Skytypers are the only flying unit in the world that performs at air shows typing messages in the sky. For more information on the GEICO Skytypers, visit geicoskytypers. The team can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:16:40 +0000
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