The internationally known Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will fly above Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 3 prior to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. 

The Blue Angels have performed at some of the most popular sporting events in the country, including this year's Super Bowl.  The Blue Angels squadron consists of six F/A-18 Hornets, which are high-performance, tactical aircrafts designed to operate from aircraft carriers and land bases.  These twin-engine, multi-mission strike fighters are flown by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and seven international air forces.  The Hornet's two engines deliver about 36,000 pounds combined thrust and a top speed of more than mach 1.8.
 
Recognized across the country as one of the most exciting flight demonstration teams, the Blue Angels will perform a fly-by in conjunction with the National Anthem, which will be performed by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
 
In addition to the fly-by performance, some of the Blue Angels team members will be making appearances at RIR throughout the weekend.  Several of the Blue Angels will visit the Green Flag Zone fan hospitality on Saturday, May 3, and the Party Zone fan hospitality on Friday, May 2. 
 
Tickets are available now for the Crown Royal Presents The Dawn Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at RIR on May 3. Tickets start at $80 and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223. 

The preceding was compiled from a Richmond International Raceway news release. For more details about next week's NASCAR events, check back with Richmond.com next week as we bring you full coverage of the festivities.