Famed Snowbirds to make ICAR fly-by

From Frontline CSBK Inc.

MIRABEL, QC – High speed thrills will not be limited to the track at this weekend’s Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada at Circuit ICAR. On Saturday afternoon fans will also be able to see action in the skies.

Calgary’s Fox Family Roadracing has announced it has been able to co-organize a Flat Fly By 10-minute show by the Canadian Snowbirds at Circuit ICAR for Saturday, May 28 as part of the Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada round. They event will run from 12:45pm-12:55pm.

“Bernedette and I, along with our daughter Allyssa will not make the Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada this year so enjoy the show we co-organized for all of you,” said Jay Fox of Fox Family Roadracing.

This history making spectacular air display marks the first time the Snowbirds have performed for a motorcycle racing event in Canada.

The Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron) is a Canadian icon comprised of serving members of the Canadian Forces. Their pilots and technicians work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the North American public. Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of professionalism, teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the Air Force and the Canadian Forces.

On Nov. 11, 1942, 431 Bomber Squadron formed at Burn, England. They were in England for the duration of the war and moved to RCAF Station Dartmouth, N.S. after V-E Day, disbanding there on Sept. 5, 1945. 431 Fighter Squadron formed at RCAF Station Bagotville on Jan. 18, 1954 in order to display the Sabre to the public at air shows. They were disbanded on Oct. 1, 1954.

They were re-activated on April 1, 1978 as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Snowbirds, flying the CT-114 Tutor. On Oct. 15, 1999, 431 Squadron was presented their Squadron Colours, for 25 years of service.

The pilots will be out to enjoy the race on Sunday as spectators.

Future plans are in the works for a complete 40-minute air show for 2012 at one of the Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada events.