WATCH: “X-Men flying over”- Fans awed as the B2 Bomber does the ceremonial flyover at Kansas Cup race days after it went over the Arrowhead Stadium for Chiefs’ kickoff game
At $2 billion per unit, the B-2 is the most expensive military aircraft.
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Packed fans at the Kansas Speedway (Left) and the B-2 Spirit flying over (Right) [Credits: Screenshot, @NASCAR]/NBC}
One of NASCAR’s traditions is the breathtaking flyover that takes place before the start of a race, one that captivates fans and drivers alike. During the NASCAR Cup Playoffs at the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, fans were treated to a sight that left them in amazement as the B-2 Spirit warcraft (bomber) graced the sky. The NASCAR flyover tradition dates back to the late 1950s and is a cherished part of the pre-race ceremonies.
It’s a moment when fighter jets or other aircraft soar above the race track, accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic displays. The star of this particular flyover was the B-2 Spirit, a multi-role bomber aircraft designed during the Cold War as the world’s first low-observable or “stealth” strategic bomber. A similar warship was used in the flyover in the season opener game of defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs days ago.
The Hollywood Casino 400 marked the second race of the NASCAR Cup playoffs. The race was characterized by numerous lead changes and intense moments, culminating in a thrilling finish. Tyler Reddick, representing 23XI Racing, clinched the win with a bold overtime maneuver, narrowly outpacing Denny Hamlin.
In the aftermath, Reddick celebrated his triumph, while Hamlin expressed surprise at the outcome. Reddick advances to stage 2 of the playoffs into the top 12, accompanying Darlington’s winner, Kyle Larson. However, the 23XI Racing team faced disappointment as Bubba Wallace fell 19 point of the playoff cutoff.
Discover: Denny Hamlin admits he isn’t enjoying Tyler Reddicks’ Kansas win, says ‘it stings more’
Fans have a chuckle about the B2 Spirit for being not so ‘stealth’
The B-2 Spirit’s design is anything but ordinary. Its flying wing structure, devoid of a conventional fuselage or tail, evokes a sci-fi aesthetic. This unique form minimizes radar reflections, granting it stealth capabilities. The aircraft’s dark grey hue makes it seem like a machine from a futuristic fantasy. The sight of the stealth plane flying overhead left fans in awe, with many comparing it to something out of the X-Men comics.
On the other hand, some fans playfully questioned its “stealth” label, visible to the naked eye. While most fans marveled at the spectacle, some voiced concerns about the taxpayer money spent on such air parades. It sparked a debate about the allocation of resources in a country with various needs.
In the midst of racing intensity, the B-2 Spirit’s appearance added a touch of the extraordinary. It ignited fan emotions, from admiration to satire, underlining the diverse world of NASCAR.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)