The roar of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Australian Defence Force marked a spectacular start to the Ipswich Super 440, as the aircraft thundered over the racetrack after the national anthem.
The precision flypast matched the high-energy weekend of motorsport, speed and skill at Willowbank Raceway.
Reinforcing the ADF's connection with the local community, local personnel across a range of Air Force, Navy, Army and recruiting teams staged a range of displays during the three-day event, giving motorsport fans a taste of the similarities between Supercars and the military.
Spectators were able to enjoy fast jet simulators, military working dog handling displays and two protected mobility vehicles.
The C-27J Spartan flypast and F/A-18F handling display were a weekend highlight, according to ADF Motivational Team member, Warrant Officer Adam Futcher.
"It's been a great weekend and we've met some awesome people from the Ipswich and local community," Warrant Officer Futcher said.
"We've even had a visit from Ducati Superbike rider Broc Parkes, who tested his skills on our fast jet simulator."
Several ADF members worked in pit crew teams for the Supercars event, assisting their racing counterparts in race preparation.
In among the action, Able Seaman Digby Stephens highlighted the transferable skills that he brings to high-pressure environments, including precision, safety and problem solving.
"I've certainly learnt a lot during my secondment year with the Supercars," Able Seaman Stephens said.
"Just like the Defence Force, it's all about teamwork. It's been great to work alongside these professionals and test my own skills in a new environment."
Ipswich is home to a significant Defence presence, including Air Force's largest airbase, and has longstanding ties with the military.
Super 440 provided another opportunity to celebrate the relationship, with the thousands of attendees engaging with Defence members both on and off the track.
