B-25 Flyover at Indy

Geez, is today a major fix for a racing junky or what. Unfortunately, I slept through the F1 race, maybe because it started at ODarkThirty.

When the National Anthem started playing at Indy there sure seemed to be a couple B-25s for the obligatory flyover. Sure enough, a bit of Googling:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans, will be honored by a special flyover of two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers at the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 24.

The B-25s, named Special Delivery and Take Off Time, are fully restored, World War II-era aircraft. These warbirds will twice pass over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the National Anthem before the beginning of the race.

"The DAV is honored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's decision to use the world's most prestigious auto race as an opportunity to turn the national spotlight on our wounded veterans," said DAV National Commander Raymond E. Dempsey. "It still amazes me to think about the brave men who flew these awesome aircraft into battle."

Said Joie Chitwood, president and COO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: "It is fitting that we honor our nation's wounded veterans with this extraordinary flyover. The sacrifices these brave men and women have made for their country make them true heroes."

While modern military aircraft are standard for such flyovers, IMS chose the venerable B-25 "War Dog" as a symbol of the courage and can-do spirit of our veterans and active duty military throughout history.

I've always thought the B-25 was cool. I built several models back in the day. Among many of their wartime accomplishments was the Doolittle Raid. Some argue that the B-26 was a better medium bomber. There is no denying that the B-25 is an icon. Nuff said, AFAIC.

Oh, and just a thought - just saw the Izod car crash - driver ok and uninjured - good. Ya know, this is one of the differences between the IRL, F1 and upper echelon open wheel racing vs NASCAR. The only place you might find Izod at a NASCAR race would be in the corporate suites. Just sayin.'