The more I watch the more I watch… do you know what I mean? I can’t seem to get enough of the Red Bull Air Races! This stuff is incredible. It meshes aerobatics, racing, speed, and thrills all into one venue that has the feel of an airshow on steroids. Terrestrial wise the only thing that could touch it is MotoGP.

What It Is
The Red Bull Air Race World Series was established in 2003 and created by Red Bull. It is an international series of air races with participation by the world’s most skilled pilots. The goal behind the formation of the sport was to challenge the world’s best pilots in speed, precision and skill.

The Rules
Competitors have to navigate a challenging obstacle course in the fastest possible time. Aviators fly individually against the clock and have to complete tight turns through a slalom course consisting of specially designed pylons, known as “air gates”.

Cinematography
They have mastered the filming in a way the captures the full essence of the sport. The techniques used bring the viewer into the cockpit and better yet slightly behind and above the aircraft, which is even more viewer thrilling. The cinematography in place does the sport justice, with a capital J. Enough said.

Race Schedule and Locations
Schedule wise, there are 11 races in 2007. Race locations and dates are:

• Abu Dhabi UAE 03/30-04/08
• Rio de Janeiro Brazil 04/13-04/22
• Monument Valley UT 05/05-14
• Andrews AFB VA 05/16-20
• Istanbul Turkey 05/24-06/02
• Interlaken Switzerland 07/14-16
• London United Kingdom 07/21-30
• Budapest Hungary 08/11-20
• Porto Portugal 08/23-09/03
• San Diego CA 09/16-24
• Perth Australia 10/25-11/05

The Aviators
Rank - Name - Nation - Team

1. Mangold Mike USA Cobra
2. Bonhomme Paul GBR Matador
3. Besenyei Peter HUN Red Bull
4. Maclean Alejandro ESP MRT
5. Chambliss Kirby USA Red Bull
6. Jones Steve GBR Matador
7. Lamb Nigel GBR Breitling
8. Versteegh Frank NED Lobo
9. Ivanoff Nicolas FRA MRT
10. Rakhmanin Sergey RUS Dragon Racing
11. Arch Hannes AUT Cobra
12. Schrodt Klaus GER Lobo

The Aircraft
Zivko Edge 540X, the MXR Technologies MX2, and the Extra 300, to name a few.

Caller Feedback Line
If you’ve been to one of the Red Bull Air Races, call in and leave a comment! I’ll put it in the next podcast.
~Capt’n Chris

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