Six military aircraft that played a vital role in the United States and its allies winning World War II will soar above the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the traditional flyover before the start of the 97th Indianapolis 500 on May 26.
A North American B-25 Mitchell twin-engine medium bomber will be joined in formation by five North American T-6 Texan trainer aircraft in the flyover that will appear above the Speedway at the conclusion of the national anthem.
The B-25, nicknamed “Axis Nightmare,” and T-6 military aircraft performing the flyover will be provided by the Cincinnati Warbirds EAA Squadron 18 and the Tri-State Warbird Museum that jointly promote the preservation of historic military aircraft, remember those who fought for our freedom and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 'building for the future'
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner Dennis Reinbold says the team is "building for the future again."
The team announced last month that it would not enter IZOD IndyCar Series races this season following the Indianapolis 500 with the No. 22 car.
"Last year we had a fourth-place finish, and we want to improve upon that," he said. "This (Indianapolis 500) is a journey of love. I am very passionate about the sport of racing and the Indianapolis 500. We have Mecum Auctions back with us next year, so we are pretty certain of the Indianapolis 500 next year. They want to grow with us, and they have been a great supporter and sponsor.
"The Mecum auctions are going on in Indianapolis this week and that’s great timing. It is also a cornerstone and gives us a cornerstone and gives us a jump start on everything else for 2014."
Of note
No. 91 Lazier Partners Racing car will carry primary sponsorship from Advance Auto Parts. ... Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports driver Simon Pagenaud celebrated his 29th birthday May 18. ... Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was the honorary starter. ... ESPN's Heather Cox recorded footage for a Indy 500 promo during her Indy Racing Experience two-seater ride. ABC Race Day host Lindsay Czarniak also got a two-seater ride. ... Practice from 9-11 a.m. (ET) May 19 precedes Old National Armed Forces Bump Day at noon. ... The championship team in the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge on May 24 will be awarded $50,000. ... Allison Jacob of Indianapolis, a Ball State University student, was named the 500 Festival queen.