Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Features

C. Force Takes Flight with U.S. Navy Blue Angels

CForce_BlueAngels_cockpit640Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award winner Courtney Force took to the skies with the famed United States Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron today (Mar. 7).

The driver of the Traxxas Ford Mustang flew in a Boeing F/A-18D Hornet strike fighter piloted by Lieutenant Ryan Chamberlain — Blue Angel No. 7. The pair took off from Naval Air Facility El Centro, California for an hour-long flight on Thursday morning. Prior to the flight Force spent time with the Blue Angels officers and enlisted support team.

Courtney Force

Courtney Force

“First I want to thank the men and women of the U.S. Navy and the Blue Angels for their commitment to the United States. These folks are the best of the best and I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they make every day along with all the other members of the armed services,” said Courtney Force.

“I had an incredible time. We hit 7.3 Gs and went over 700 mph and when we hit Mach 1 and broke the sound barrier I was amazed at the feeling. This day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Auto Club of Southern California and I know I will never forget this experience.”

Force is the third John Force Racing Funny Car driver to fly with the Blue Angels.  Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club Ford Mustang and 2005 Road to the Future Award recipient, also took flight with the world famous aviators in 2007. Prior to Hight’s flight, former JFR driver Gary Densham flew with the Blue Angels.

“There is an historic affinity between the high performance military aviation and motorsports communities, and events such as Courtney’s flight help bring them together to share technology and experiences while at the same time enhancing visibility for the Navy and all of us associated with John Force Racing,” said Rick Lalor, program administrator for the Automobile Club of Southern California’s motorsports and special events programs who organized today’s flight.

CForce_BlueAngels_plane1“But most importantly, Courtney’s flight reminds the racing community and Auto Club members and employees that the men and women of our Armed Forces are on guard around the world each day, and their sacrifices make it possible for us to enjoy our freedom and quality of life.”

An estimated 15 million spectators view the Blue Angels squadron during air shows each year. The fastest speed flown during a Blue Angels air show is about 700 mph (just under Mach 1) and the slowest is about 120 mph. The F/A-18 can reach speeds just under Mach 2, almost twice the speed of sound or about 1,400 mph.

Courtney Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang has reached speeds nearing 320 mph.  She experiences 3 Gs as she accelerates down the race track and negative 5 to 6 Gs when she pulls her parachutes at the finish line.

(Photos courtesy JFR/Ron Lewis; Click to enlarge)

This story was originally published on March 7, 2013. Drag Illustrated

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

News

It’s been four years since Jack Beckman turned a tire at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and 18 since last he hoisted...

News

MAVTV – the world’s premier media platform for passion-fueled motorsports, powersports and automotive programming – announced today an all-new original series, Racers Roundtable, set to...

News

Three weeks after a mechanical issue took him out of contention in the Texas Fall Nationals, Austin Prock resumes his drive to drag racing...

News

One of the most anticipated independent drag racing events of the year, the 28th annual Haltech World Cup Finals – Import vs. Domestic presented...

Since 2005, DI has informed, inspired and educated drag racers from every walk of the racing life - weekend warrior and street/strip enthusiasts to pro-level doorslammer and Top Fuel racers. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-worthy videos to electric live events, DI meets hundreds of thousands of racers where they live, creating the moments that create conversations.