DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 25, 2008) – The “Mighty Gorillas,” of the  58^th Fighter Squadron, part of the 33^rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., will perform the flyover at the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, July 5^, Speedway officials announced today. 

 

“We’re excited to have the 58^th Fighter Squadron join us in the Coke Zero 400 Weekend festivities at Daytona International Speedway,” said Speedway President Robin Braig. “The ‘Mighty Gorillas’ will add to what is already a great show celebrating Independence Day.” 

 

It is the second time in two years the four-ship, F-15s have performed a flyover at DIS. The squadron, which flies the F-15C Eagle that can reach speeds of 1,875 mph, also did the flyover for the 2007 Daytona 500.

 

“It is a great opportunity to be a part of Daytona International Speedway events again,” said Lt. Col. Todd Jaax, 58^th FS commander. “What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday that than by showing NASCAR fans the awesome capabilities of the F-15 and the United States Air Force.”

 

The squadron has a long and distinguished history an as air superiority fighter squadron that dates back to World War II. They scored the first aerial victory in Desert Storm as well as the most aerial victories (16).

 

Tickets to see the “Mighty Gorillas” in action prior to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola are available online at http://www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.