Allow me to introduce you to the exhilarating world of Red Bull Air Racing. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, watch it, because you’re in for a treat.
The new season kicks off in Abu Dhabi on March 26 and will continue all the way through to the final race in Lisbon on September 4. Format is simple; pilots must navigate their way through the tricky course in the quickest time possible to rack up maximum points without touching any of the pylon gates on the way. Simple no? No. Not with 12G’s tearing your neck muscles at every turn, not at speeds of up to 230mph and not when you have some of the worlds most spectacular landscapes distracting you around the race course.
I managed to catch up with British racer and Current World Champion Paul Bonhomme to find out how he’s feeling ahead of the new season and if he believes anyone is capable of stealing his crown come September 4.
“I think the racing will once again be closer this year than last. A simple change to a better engine can make a huge difference [so] watch out for tiny gaps on the time sheets between the 1st and 15th pilot. The nerves of the pilot will be what counts.”
There is no scheduled UK race this year as there is most years. Paul’s homeland has lost out to various other places around the world, a saddening thought for him, but sadder still for his loyal fans.
“Not having a UK race is sad for all of the loyal UK based fans but it means for me less workload as the home races are always the toughest for any race pilot.
“I’m pleased to be going back to Abu Dhabi, Perth and Rio (great set-up in Perth, the hotel is about 100 yds from the hangar!) and of course Windsor, Ontario, where they know how to have fun in a big way. New York will be huge as it will be such an iconic race location. Back into Europe we have the delights of Germany, Hungary and Portugal again. I think we might see a Championship Winner before the final race of the year too.”
With a couple of new racers in the Hangar Paul’s Championship could be under new threat, but he was quick to reinforce the difficulties involved in Acrobatic racing and hopes new racers Adilson Kindlemann, 36, from Brazil and Czech pilot Martin Sonka, 31 don’t get to grips with their planes too quickly
“Good luck to them. It is a steep learning curve especially when you consider the commitments around the Air Race other than the flying. I wish them all the best but hopefully not too much luck in the speed department!”
Of course, anyone wanting to steal the trophy from Paul’s grasp will have to wade through the other awards in his trophy cabinet first. In April, Paul will be awarded with the Royal Aero Club’s 2009 Britannia trophy, awarded to an individual who shows outstanding achievement in aviation.
“I’m sure they’re giving it to the wrong bloke… are they sure they mean me? Seriously though, I’m totally delighted by the award of the Britannia Trophy and will look forward to the award ceremony immensely.”
An amazing feat for a man who started off as a commercial pilot flying Boeing 737’s for Welsh Airline Air Cymru. He has shown great skill and determination at all levels of flying and will hope to emulate his success this season. After watching the UK race in London next year I can assure those interested that you’re missing out if you don’t get involved. Make sure you follow Paul’s progress when the season kicks off on March 26 and find out more about Paul’s achievements at www.teambonhomme.com or follow his exploits on facebook group ‘TEAM BONHOMME’. Alternatively find out more regarding this year’s Championship at www.redbullairrace.com because come March 26, we’re in for a treat.
