WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Great American State Fair is celebrating different American industries and achievements. On Thursday, July 2, the fair highlighted “Horsepower of America,” where American innovations, from space travel, to the thrill of racing, and the power of flight were on display.Colonel Justin “Astro” Elliott, commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, spoke with the Washington Examiner about how American “horsepower” today is the innovation and courage of the people pushing aviation to new limits.“It’s not our machines, it’s our people, and it’s the freedom we have to think,” Elliott told the Washington Examiner. “That is American horsepower — it’s that initiative that we continue to take to lead the world in innovations and exploring the unknown.”
The Freedom 250 IndyCar on display for ‘Horsepower of America’ at the Great American State Fair on July 2, 2026. (Maxie Brock/Washington Examiner)
Elliott’s comments came as he stood in front of an array of displays showcasing American horsepower and thrill. From American-themed Harley-Davidson motorcycles to a custom-wrapped IndyCar slated to participate in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Aug. 23. Alongside the on-the-ground displays, the Thunderbirds created their own showcase in the sky, with flyovers of the U.S. Capitol and National Mall. Cutting hard banks and leaving behind their famous smoke trails.“First time in history to do it over a capitol like this,” Elliott said. “You’re looking at a human being performing at the utmost level, I think that’s what draws us to those flyovers and those air shows.”Since the Great American State Fair started, one thing has been consistent among attendees: the flyovers are their favorite parts of the day. As soon as the jet engines were heard by the crowds echoing through the streets of D.C., everybody in attendance rushed to the lawn to take out their phones and capture them flying overhead. Cheering and clapping were heard every time they did a pass, and everyone was helping locate what direction they would be coming from next.“It’s going to kick off three days of very intense flying here,” Elliott said. “I’m really excited to see the crowd reaction.”
