From Warbirds to Stock Cars: Photojournalist Mike Killian Hits 170 MPH at Daytona
Aviation/aerospace photojournalist Mike Killian, 41, recently experienced the thrill of high-speed racing at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his extensive history with military aircraft, this was a new sensation for him.
Killian, known for his daring stunts like photographing Normandy's WWII landing beaches from a C-130, participated in a celebrity ride-along program at Daytona. Strapped into the passenger seat of a #20 stock car, he reached speeds up to 170 mph. Unlike his experiences in military planes, he felt the car hugging the pavement and the ground at Daytona.
The speedway, often referred to as the 'World Center of Racing', is renowned for its 500-mile Cup race, which can significantly impact a driver's career. Killian, who has flown in various military planes like a KC-135 tanker and a T-38 fighter jet, felt safe during the ride due to his trust in the Truist driver's capabilities, based on his 20 years of experience judging such trust.
Killian's recent aviation adventures include a ride in one of only two operational B-29s, FiFi, from Houston to Dallas. Currently, he is filming a full-length documentary about women who flew aircraft in WWII, including the historic B-29 Bomber.
Mike Killian's racing driver experience at Daytona International Speedway was a unique addition to his resume of extraordinary aviation and adventure feats. His trust in the Truist driver's capabilities, honed from years of experience, ensured a safe and thrilling ride.
