Road America proudly welcomes the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and 355th Wing for a military flyover during the pre-race ceremonies for the NTT INDYCAR Series Sonsio Grand Prix presented by American Medical Response on June 18.
The 22nd Air Refueling Wing, based out of McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, will pilot a KC-135 Stratotanker across the sky. Directly behind the KC-135 Stratotanker will be the 355th Wing based out of Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, in three A-10 Warthogs to honor our country, our heroes, and pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of air refueling.
Air refueling, also known as aerial refueling, was first demonstrated on June 27, 1923, by the United States Army Air Service when a De Haviland DH-4B passed 75 gallons of gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B flying beneath it. This was the first air-to-air refueling using a gravity-flow hose. The technique has since become crucial to military and civilian aviation operations worldwide. Air refueling enables aircraft to extend their range and endurance, allowing them to complete missions that would otherwise be impossible or require multiple stops. As a result, this capability has become essential for strategic and tactical operations and humanitarian relief efforts. Today the U.S. Air Force employs multiple aircraft for refueling, including the KC-135, KC-10, and the KC-46.
Fans are encouraged to look to the skies on Friday around 5:30 p.m. as a practice is planned before Sunday’s flyover.
The weekend schedule, June 15-18, will also be bolstered by Vintage Indy and the Radical Cup series, plus two junior development series, including the INDY NXT Series presented by Firestone, the USF Pro 2000 series, and the USF 2000 series of which many drivers of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are graduates.
Tickets are available, and the paddock will be open to fans. Additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16 years old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine.
To plan your visit, check out Road America’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.roadamerica.com/faq
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