The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are back with high flying thrills for the 2026 DAYTONA 500, showcasing the power, speed, and technique of F-16 fighter jets. The iconic Thunderbirds flyover tradition will once again be an extravagant spectacle before the deep rumble of stock car engines roar throughout The World Center of Racing ahead of NASCAR’s season opener – the DAYTONA 500.
This will be the 16th consecutive year and 17th overall that the Thunderbirds will perform a flyover ahead of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.
“The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover is one of the best traditions in all of sports and never fails to give you full body chills,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “It’s an honor to have them represent The Great American Race every year and their performance will fill the venue with pure American energy before we watch the green flag fly in the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500.”
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” also known as “America’s Team,” will perform their signature “Delta” formation just before the green flag drops for the 2026 DAYTONA 500.
The Thunderbirds are comprised of 12 officers along with more than 130 of the Air Force’s finest enlisted Airmen from across 31 different career fields. The Thunderbirds are a diverse group of individuals who are united, mission-focused and strive towards an almost unbelievable attention to detail.
The pilots fly with extreme precision, sometimes closer than 18 inches apart, in the Air Force’s premiere multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. As Ambassadors in Blue, their commitment to the mission and to each other inspires hope for America’s future. The Thunderbirds team is comprised of the following officers for 2026:
#1 Lt Col Alexander Prevendar
Lt Col Alexander Prevendar is the Commander/Leader for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 1, flying the No. 1 jet. He is a 2008 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in electrical engineering. He enjoys lifting weights, running, all sports things, and spending time with his wife and kids. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the Chief, Commander’s Action Group, for Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central Command). He is an F-16 command pilot who has logged more than 3,300 flight hours, including more than 1,000 combat hours. He is in his first season with the team and hails from Esko, MN.
#2 Maj Joshua Burress
Maj Joshua Burress is the Left Wing Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 2, flying the No. 2 jet, and serving as the dedicated Instructor Pilot for Thunderbird 1. He is a 2015 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in economics. He enjoys watching sports and hanging out with his family and dogs in the mountains. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as a Flight Evaluator in the T-38C as the Operations Group Chief of Standardizations and Evaluations assigned to the 14th Operations Group at Columbus AFB, MS. He is an A-10C pilot who has logged more than 1,500 flight hours, including more than 100 combat hours. He is in his second season with the team and hails from Greensboro, NC.
#3 Maj Brandon Maxson
Maj Brandon Maxson is the Right Wing Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 3, flying the No. 3 jet. He is a 2014 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in economics. He enjoys golfing, surfing, and hiking. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the Director of Staff for the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB, AZ. He is an F-15C/F-35A pilot who has logged more than 1,400 flight hours. He is in his second season with the team and hails from Ontario, CA.
#4 Lt Col Tyler Clark
Lt Col Tyler Clark is the Slot Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 4, flying the No. 4 jet. He is a 2009 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in systems engineering management. He enjoys 80s rock, the great outdoors, and spending time with his family. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as an instructor pilot in the 114th Fighter Squadron at Kingsley Field ANGB, OR. He is the first Air National Guard demonstration pilot. He is an F-15C evaluator and instructor pilot who has logged more than 2,600 flight hours. He is in his third season with the team and hails from Florence, SC.
#5 Maj Laney Schol
Maj Laney Schol is the Lead Solo Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 5, flying the No. 5 jet. She is a 2014 graduate of the University of North Texas, where she majored in radio, television, and film. She enjoys hiking, fitness, traveling, and skiing. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she served as an Instructor Pilot for the F-35A Formal Training Course assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, FL. She is an A-10C/F-35A pilot who has logged more than 1,550 flight hours. She is in her second season with the team and hails from Columbus, TX.
#6 Maj Bryce Turner
Maj Bryce Turner is the Opposing Solo Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 6, flying the No. 6 jet and serving as the squadron’s Mission Planning Officer. He is a 2011 graduate of the University of Virginia, where he majored in aerospace engineering. He enjoys playing and watching basketball, building Lego, and grilling. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the T-7A Chief Test Pilot and Integrated Test Director for the 416th Flight Test Squadron. He is an F-16/T-7 developmental test pilot who has logged more than 2,300 flight hours. He is in his third season with the team and hails from Yorktown, VA.
#7 Lt Col Tyler Keener
Lt Col Tyler Keener is the Director of Operations for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 7, flying the No. 7 jet. He is a 2010 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in economics. He enjoys surfing, mountaineering, reading, and music. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the Director of Operations for the 19th Fighter Squadron at Hickam AFB, HI. He is an F-16/F-22 pilot who has logged more than 2,000 flight hours, including more than 800 combat hours. He is in his second season with the team and hails from Jacksonville, FL.
#8 Maj Samuel Larson
Maj Samuel Larson is the Advance Pilot/Narrator for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 8, flying the No. 8 jet. He is a 2015 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in management. He enjoys the great outdoors, general aviation flying, traveling, and movies. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as an instructor pilot for the 71st Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. He is an F-22 evaluator and instructor pilot who has logged more than 1,400 flight hours. He is in his first season with the team and hails from Davenport, IA.
#9 Maj (Dr.) Megan Berberich
Maj (Dr.) Megan Berberich is the Flight Surgeon for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 9. She is responsible for providing medical care for 130 squadron members and their families. She commissioned in 2016 through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, earning her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2019. She enjoys hiking, spending time with her dog, and trying new foods. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she served as the Flight Surgeon for the 524th Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field, FL. She is in her first season with the team and hails from West Chester, PA.
#10 Capt Janilie Vecchio
Capt Janilie Vecchio is the Executive Officer for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 10. She is responsible for the team’s resource management, training, manpower, and personnel actions in support of 135 members. Additionally, she exercises command authority on G-series orders for day-to-day oversight of squadron operations on behalf of the Commander/Leader. She is a 2017 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where she majored in behavioral science. She enjoys visiting National Parks, playing pickleball or tennis, and reading. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she served as the Operations Officer for the 432nd Force Support Squadron at Creech AFB, NV. She is in her second season with the team and hails from Las Vegas, NV.
#11 Maj Susan McLeod
Maj Susan McLeod is the Maintenance Officer for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 11. She is responsible for leading 96 Airmen across 13 logistics specialties to maintain the squadron’s F-16 aircraft and support equipment. She is a 2016 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where she majored in biology. She enjoys cooking, fitness, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and corgi. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she served as the Director of Maintenance Tactics at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. She is in her first season with the team and hails from San Antonio, TX.
#12 Capt Hannah Durbin
Capt Hannah Durbin is the Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbird 12. She is responsible for the team’s strategic communication, marketing, recruiting, and outreach. She is a 2018 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where she majored in political science. She enjoys running, cycling, and exploring new places. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she served as the Chief of Public Affairs for the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, TX. She is in her first season with the team and hails from Richmond, KY.
“I can’t think of a better way to kickstart our 2026 season,” said Lt Col Alexander Prevendar, Thunderbird 1, Commander/Leader. “We’re honored to be a part of this day that inspires the very best of speed, precision, and patriotism.”
The iconic Thunderbirds flyover is just one portion of the entertainment and action-packed week that is Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.
The action begins on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, setting the field for the Duel At DAYTONA, which occurs the following night on Thursday, Feb. 12, where drivers will battle it out for a spot in the coveted Great American Race.
The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Friday, Feb. 13, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 14, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals 300.
Then Sunday, Feb. 15, the USAF Thunderbirds will perform their flyover, preparing both fans and drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for an intense battle in the DAYTONA 500.
— Daytona International Speedway —