Red Bull Air Race World Championship Demo at SUN ‘n FUN

By: Jessica Roberts

Following its tradition of bringing exciting firsts to U.S. airshows, the 2016 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo will host an exciting preview of a true global motorsports phenomenon.

The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will present a high-energy demonstration of the excitement and spectacle patrons can expect when they attend one of the eight races taking place around the world in 2016. Flying at top speed around the signature 80-foot pylons in an abbreviated course, Master Class Red Bull Air Race pilots Michael Goulian and Kirby Chambliss will showcase their skill and daring for the fans at SUN ‘n FUN. While not an actual race, viewers of this example will learn how the races operate with regard to scoring, rules and timing. The new Challenger Class will also be described, showing how aspiring pilots hone their skills to one day fly in the Master Class. This is the first time such a demonstration has been presented at a North American airshow. The Red Bulls are scheduled to appear during the April 8, 9 and 10 afternoon airshows, weather permitting.

Red Bull Air Race World Championship Demo at SUN 'n FUN

Red Bull Air Race World Championship Demo at SUN ‘n FUN

“We are thrilled to be the inaugural venue for this exciting event. It will treat our guests to a rare and intriguing peek at one of the most prolific and famous aviation spectacles in the world,” said SUN ‘n FUN Airshow Director Greg Gibson. “We make a huge effort to bring new and exciting content to our show each year, and hosting the Red Bull Air Race Team really adds a fresh and exciting element to SUN ‘n FUN.”

Red Bull Air Race, General Manager, Erich Wolf said: “We are excited to be a part of SUN ‘n FUN for the first time. We have a fast growing fan base in the U.S. and our American pilots will certainly showcase our World Championship Series at its best.”

Fans will also be treated to a Red Bull Air Race World Championship exhibit on the SUN ‘n FUN grounds with tours of a full scale pylon, virtual reality simulators, merchandise and more. Ticketing will be available onsite for the two 2016 U.S. races in Indianapolis and Las Vegas later this year.

Read more about SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo on our blog.

THE RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Created in 2003, officially a world championship in 2005, the Red Bull Air Race has held over 65 races and is watched by millions of fans. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motor-sport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 230 mph while enduring forces of up to 10G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 80-foot-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was introduced, giving new pilots the chance to develop their low altitude flying skills. But one thing remains the same; The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is the ultimate motorsports competition in the sky.

SUN ‘n FUN, Inc.

With over 40 years of history as Aviation’s Season Opener, SUN ‘n FUN is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation located on the grounds of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, FL. Proceeds from all year-round events are returned to aviation-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, activities and facilities, and used to support on-going scholarship funding.

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