Mack Trucks Launch Event
| Industry | Automotive |
| Drones | 750 |
| Achievements | 2 Shows Simultaneously, Drone Tunnels |
| Partners | Multi Image Group |
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Show Date |
March 2nd, 2026 |
Creating the Impossible
Ahead of ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026, Mack Trucks unveiled two major additions to its vocational lineup at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: the reimagined Mack Granite® and the all-new Mack Keystone®.
To create a reveal moment worthy of the brand, Sky Elements partnered with MIG (Multi Image Group) to design a drone show that blended live vehicles, creative storytelling, and stadium-scale production.
The result was a synchronized spectacle where drones formed illuminated tunnels over the racetrack as Mack trucks drove through them, culminating in the dramatic reveal of the new models.
The Concept
Turning the Launch into a Coordinated Reveal
Rather than simply announcing new trucks on a stage, the production team transformed the speedway itself into the reveal platform.
Two fleets of drones were deployed across the venue:
• A large-scale drone show above the stadium
• A second fleet performing lower-altitude tunnels over the track
This allowed the drones to interact directly with the trucks driving on the track while simultaneously delivering large-scale visuals for the audience.
As Sky Elements Creative Director Brian Geck explained:
“This drone show is a bit different from other typical drone shows in that we have two drone shows going simultaneously. We’ve got a large fleet out back over the stadium, and then we have a smaller fleet in the infield performing low and closer to the action.”
The highlight moment came when drones split into formations and built glowing tunnels over the track.
“The real big surprise is that we are going to form tunnels for these trucks to drive through to reveal them.”
The Drone Tunnel Reveal
At the center of the production was a sequence that had never been attempted before by the team.
Drones launched from the speedway split into two formations and created parallel illuminated tunnels spanning the racetrack. Mack trucks then drove directly through these structures before pulling into position for the final reveal.
For Chief Pilot and General Counsel Preston Ward, the moment represented both a creative and technical milestone.
“These drones behind me take off, split into two different formations, and make a tunnel on each side of the track. Then we have Mack trucks drive through them while simultaneously having a big show in the back with fireworks.”
The drone tunnels turned the vehicle entrance itself into the reveal moment.
Months of Preparation
Although the show itself lasted only minutes, the team spent months planning and programming the experience.
Creative design, drone animation, safety planning, and technical rehearsals all had to align before the live reveal.
Ward reflected on the scale of the effort:
“So much has gone into today. We’ve had to coordinate with the firework team, the lighting team, and the production team.”
A full rehearsal the night before the event confirmed the concept would work in the real environment.
The drone show was only one component of a much larger production environment that included:
• fireworks
• stadium lighting
• music
• stage visuals
• live vehicle choreography
To ensure everything aligned, the systems were tied together using a shared timecode signal.
Brian Geck described the process:
“It takes a lot of coordination and effort, timing, and planning to make sure we are in sync with the music and the trucks that are driving around.”
He continued:
“We’re going to be running time codes, so their system pushes the exact time, and we have millisecond timing of the drone cues.”
This level of precision allowed the drones, trucks, lighting, and fireworks to operate as a single unified performance.
Regulatory and Safety Challenges
Flying drones above moving vehicles introduces a unique layer of regulatory and safety considerations.
To pull off the concept, Sky Elements worked with authorities to secure special FAA authorization, something rarely granted for drone shows.
“We had to get special permission from the FAA to have the trucks drive under a drone show,” Ward explained.
“We don’t normally get to drive vehicles under a show, but we got special permission to do it today. It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like this.”
The team also implemented additional safety planning and mitigation procedures to ensure the show could run safely while maintaining the creative vision.
The Impact
By transforming the vehicle reveal into a coordinated performance, Sky Elements helped Mack Trucks introduce its next-generation lineup in a way that matched the scale of the brand.
The combination of drones, vehicles, fireworks, and stadium visuals created a moment that captivated the audience and elevated the product launch. You can watch the full, live-streamed production on Mack's YouTube channel here.
This project highlights how drone shows can transform product launches, trade shows, and corporate events into unforgettable moments that combine branded storytelling, technology, and live spectacle.
As Geck summarized:
“We make these really cool, amazing moments, and tonight’s going to be one of those great nights.”
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