SAN DIEGO, 20 September 2007 — The world’s best race pilots will take to the skies of San Diego in the United States on Sept. 21 and 22 for the penultimate leg of the 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Series. Thirteen pilots will be racing for ranking points as they fly through a slalom track just meters above the water, at speeds reaching 400 km/h and pushing up to 10 Gs.
Touching down in San Diego for the first time, the Red Bull Air Race will kick off ‘Fleet Week’, the month-long celebration that pays tribute to the US military.
As the spectacular 10-race season draws to a close, the competition is set to become even more intense in San Diego and spectators are in for an exciting race. Californian Mike Mangold currently leads with 41 points having recently overtaken Britain’s Paul Bonhomme who has led for most of the season and now stands in second position just two points behind. San Diego will be a critical race for both pilots and Hungary’s Peter Besenyei, currently in third with 30 points, has the ability to pressure on the leaders.
Mangold, the 2005 World Champion, has made an incredible comeback this year and cannot wait to race in front of a home crowd. “I’m looking forward to showing all my friends and family the aerial motor sport of the 21st century and securing the 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Championship very close to my home,” said Mangold.
This will be the second US race of the season. In May, Monument Valley, Utah was the setting for the first stop on American soil.
After racing through a narrow river track at the last two races (Budapest and Porto), the pilots will face a different challenge in San Diego. The large open space in the harbor will result in many twists, sharp turns and air gates that are more difficult to negotiate.
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders is thrilled to be hosting the race and said: “San Diego has served as host for many world class sporting events and it is a privilege to welcome the 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Series to our prestigious list.”
The qualifying rounds will be held on Sept. 21 and the race finals, which include the elimination rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals and final, will take place on Sept. 22. The action will take place in the Big Bay with viewing from the North and South peninsulas of Embarcadero Marina Park.
The grand final will be in Perth, Australia on Nov. 3 and 4.
