Red Bull Air Race Crosses the Ocean to the USA

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Paul Bonhomme at Longleat, UK credit redbullphotofiles

Press Release: September 25, 2006

RED BULL AIR RACE CROSSES THE OCEAN TO THE USA

On Saturday October 7, the Red Bull Air Race makes its penultimate stop in San Francisco, USA. Touching down in the city for the second year running, this year’s Air Race will again be flown over San Francisco Bay, against the fabulous backdrop of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Eleven of the world’s best pilots will race individually against the clock, through a tough obstacle course positioned just a few feet above the sea and just yards from spectators. Taking place between Marina Green and Aquatic Park, right next to the shore, spectators will have unprecedented views of the pilots as they fly over the water at speeds of more than 230mph in their bid to gain vital ranking points to win the Championship.

Speed however, is only part of the challenge – precision and skill are also crucial because the pilots have to carefully negotiate specially designed ‘Air Gates’ which make up the course and incur penalties for any mistakes they make.

Taking place during the Fleetweek Airshow, the Air Race is a stand alone competition and is part of the Red Bull Air Race World Series, which consists of nine international events. San Francisco is the only US stop in this year’s Series.

Currently leading with 28 points is American Kirby Chambliss, followed closely by California local Mike Mangold, the 2005 Red Bull Air Race World Series champion, and Hungarian Peter Besenyei, both tied in second place with 24 points. With three Americans competing, including newcomer to the series Michael Goulian who currently stands in fifth position, crowds can expect an exciting race and a possible podium position for one, if not more American pilots.

Perth, Australia will host the final of the Red Bull Air Race World Series in November.

www.redbullairrace.com
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Katharine Broughton
Communications.nz@nz.redbull.com
0275 495 277
Website: www.redbullairrace.com

FOR PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT: www.redbullairrace.com
Photos can be downloaded via the ‘media’ section on the Red Bull Air Race website by entering the following details.
username: redbullairrace
Password: media
Photos are free of charge for editorial use only.

TO POST FREE, HIGH QUALITY VIDEO FOOTAGE ON YOUR WEBSITE: http://www.freecaster.com/link/redbullairrace/longleat/

World Series 2006 Overall Standing

1 Kirby Chambliss USA 28 points
2 Mike Mangold USA 24
2 Peter Besenyei HUN 24
4 Paul Bonhomme GBR 17
5 Michael Goulian USA 8
6 Nicolas Ivanoff FRA 7
7 Klaus Schrodt GER 6
7 Steve Jones USA 6
9 Alejandro Maclean ESP 3
9 Nigel Lamb GBR 3
11 Frank Versteegh NED 0

Race Calendar 2006

Abu Dhabi, UAE 18th March
Barcelona, Spain 6th May
Berlin, Germany 27th May
St Petersburg, Russia 17th June (cancelled)
Istanbul, Turkey 29th July
Budapest, Hungary 20th August
Longleat, UK 2nd September
San Francisco, USA 7th October
Perth, Australia 19th November

ENDS

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