Experiencing the Daytona 500 live is one of the most exhilarating feelings for any motorsports lover. Having won the race three times, Denny Hamlin knows it better than most. With NASCAR marking its 75th anniversary, the season-opener had a special performance. Turns out, it quite impressed Hamlin.

For the 13th consecutive year, the US Air Force showed their amazing skills in the air, flying in their signature “Delta” formation. The Air Force’s “Thunderbirds” performed it over the traditional flyover. Interestingly, Hamlin was in awe of it.

The Thunderbirds impressed Denny Hamlin

Despite finishing 17 in this year’s Daytona 500, it was good to see Denny Hamlin relish the experience. He spoke about it on the recent episode of his podcast “Actions Detrimental.”

READ MORE – NASCAR’s $400 Million Investment Pays Off as Daytona 500 Shatters 12-Year-Old Record

Discussing the pre-race events, co-host Jared Allen asked the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, “Could you hear the jets and all that going on in your car? That was a big to do today. Everyone was happy with it, including the people on social media.”

To which, Denny responded, “Yes. I can tell you this. We had a NASCAR meeting the day before, maybe two days before and they were practicing. And, I am telling you, when I heard, there was one shift to seal and I’m like it’s over, this is it, Armageddon is here. They were close, but yeah, the fans loved it, that’s great.” Flying jets were one of the many events that took place.

What else happened pre-race at Daytona this year?

It’s no surprise that the Daytona 500 race was sold out this year. This is the eighth consecutive year that this has happened. No wonder NASCAR did some special arrangements to celebrate the sport’s 75 anniversary.

Well-known country artist Breland performed the national anthem at the race. In addition, fellow country singer Dierks Bentley was called upon for a pre-race concert. Nine Daytona 500 and NASCAR Cup Series champions came together for one of the most interesting events before the race.

WATCH THIS STORY | “He Executed Really Well” – Denny Hamlin Argues Why Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s Daytona 500 Win Wasn’t Actually a Fluke

Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Joey Logano served as grand marshals at the event. 2018 Emmy-winning actress Tiffany Haddish waved the green flag at Daytona. Without a doubt, this was one of the finest pre-race experiences for the audience at this year’s Daytona 500.