Red Bull Air Race returns to San Diego, the home of naval aviation

Red Bull Air Race returns to San Diego, the home of naval aviation 
 
After a phenomenal start to the 2008 Red Bull Air Race World Series in Abu Dhabi this month and Paul Bonhomme’s resounding victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 350,000 spectators, the global motorsports competition moves on to its second stop of the 10-race season in San Diego, USA on May 3 and 4.
 
The Red Bull Air Race airport and flight operations will be set up at the Naval Air Station, North Island on Coronado Island, an active military facility, which will be the base for the twelve pilots and their teams during race week.
 
Britain’s Paul Bonhomme dominated the season opener in the United Arab Emirates with the fastest times in all flying sessions. He won last year’s race in San Diego and will be looking to repeat his performance there, but he is up against defending World Champion American Mike Mangold who is confident about racing in front of a home crowd. The Californian is hoping to improve on his third place result in Abu Dhabi after coming in behind 2007 rookie pilot Hannes Arch from Austria who took second place.
 
Last year’s race track in San Diego was considered one of the most challenging. This year will be no exception. Unlike the predominantly narrow tracks in the World Series, San Diego’s harbor provides a much larger open space to race. The track will be packed with many twists, high speed sharp turns and Air Gates that are more difficult to negotiate. Pilot judgement is critical in order to fly a perfect race line. If they misjudge it or cut corners too much they risk being unable to complete the turn into the next Air Gate, which could result in a slower time, penalty seconds or in the worst case disqualification. The race track will be located in the Big Bay between Coronado Island and the spectacular downtown skyline of San Diego.
 
Last year over 50,000 people turned out to watch the race in San Diego. Spectators will be able to enjoy unprecedented views of the action from the Embarcadero Marine Park peninsulas. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, May 3 followed by Race Day on Sunday, May 4.
Tickets are available at www.redbullairrace.com.
 
In another first for the Red Bull Air Race World Series, back to back races will be held in the United States. After the race in San Diego’s Big Bay, the competition will move on to the Midwest four weeks later, giving the American public a real chance to get to know these incredible sportsmen.