Posts Tagged ‘Windsor’

The next installment of the Red Bull Air Racing World Series moves to a course built over the Detroit River between Detroit in the USA and Windsor in Canada and will be held on May 31st and June 1st.

Created in 2001 the air show now visits 10 cities worldwide, each with its own unique features and recognizable backdrop. The automotive city, aviation beacon and stunning skyline will be the stage for 12 world class pilots who will be judged on speed, flying precision and skill. Not only is the air race being held in two countries for the first time but it is the first time this world series has been to Detroit.

Pilots must navigate their lightweight planes on a low-level race track made up of air-filled pylons, flying at speeds reaching 230 mph, while withstanding forces up to 10 Gs. The object is to complete the course and steer through 65 foot high inflatable pylons – or air gates – in the fastest possible time.

“Planes race only 10-20 feet above the water. Unlike other air shows, the Red Bull Air Race takes place at eye-level providing amazing views of high performance race planes flown by some of the best pilots in the world right in front of you,” says Maddy Stephens, Red Bull communications manager.

Speed is not all. Pilots must also pass between the air gates in the correct position, if not, penalty seconds are tacked on. The pilot who accumulates the most points at each race and at the end of the season wins the Red Bull Air Race World champion crown.

Spectators will also get a chance to check-out the race pits from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31st at the Metro Airport. Tickets on the Detroit side are sold out, but tickets are still available on the Windsor side. Another extreme sport which is certainly attracting the crowds.

Pilots in the Red Bull World Series Air Race scheduled to race in Detroit over the weekend May 31st/June 1st