Red Bull heads to Motown

Motown may be known for its music. But this summer, it’s going to be known for something else. Detroit is becoming the second city in America to host a round of the 2008 World Series Red Bull Air Race where the world’s best pilots reach speeds of 250 mph, enduring forces of up to 10 Gs as they navigate a low-level aerial racetrack made up of air-filled pylons. Altogether, 10 cities will comprise the 2008 Red Bull Air Race World Series calendar, with the race opening again in Abu Dhabi on April 10-11. Other new locations for 2008 include Stockholm, Sweden and a city yet to be determined in Spain. Returning 2007 host cities include San Diego, London, Budapest, Porto and Perth, while Rotterdam will be back on the schedule after a two-year absence. Bids from around the world were considered before the final calendar was decided. “This is an exciting time for the Red Bull Air Race World Series. With an adapted race format, a selection of spectacular and diverse host cities and the world’s best pilots ready to battle it out, I’m looking forward to an incredible 2008 season,” said Bernd Loidl, CEO of Red Bull Air Race. Each race will comprise two days of competition: Qualifying and Race Day. A new race format will see all 12 pilots compete on Race Day for the first time. South African Glen Dell will make his debut in the Red Bull Air Race World Series in 2008, with Dutchman Frank Versteegh and German Klaus Schrodt retiring from the sport. “I’m really looking forward to being part of possibly the most dynamic team in modern sport,” said Dell, who attended the Training Camp and remembers the “insane feeling” flying through the four gates of the Quattro the first time. “I’m also looking forward to visiting some of the most beautiful cities in the world and complementing in any way I can the success of the Red Bull Air Race in 2008.” The overall winner will be crowned Red Bull Air Race World Champion after the season finale in Perth, Australia in November. The 2007 world champion was American Mike Mangold.

The Red Bull Air Races combines the world’s best pilots flying aerobatic maneuvers in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Photo credit: Red Bull Air Races. Peter Besenyei, Paul Bonhomme and Mike Mangold fly in tight formation over the Swan River in Perth, Australia in 2007. Photo credit: (c)Jörg Mitter/Red Bull Photofiles. 2008 Red Bull Race Schedule Race location - Race dates Abu Dhabi, UAE - April 11-12, 2008 San Diego, USA - May 3-4, 2008 Detroit, USA - May 31-June 1 Stockholm, SWE - July 5-6 Rotterdam, NED - July 19-20 London, GBR - Aug. 2-3 Budapest, HUN - Aug. 19-20 Porto, POR - Sept. 6-7 Tbd, SPAIN - Sept. 27-28 Perth, AUS - Nov. 1-2

• 2008 - 07/22 - Rotterdam Red Bull Race
• 2008 - 07/18 - DOT/FAA Partner with X Prize to Encourage Green Fuel Innovation
• 2008 - 07/17 - Search for Missing Adventurer Resumes
• 2008 - 07/17 - Marking Another Milestone
• 2008 - 07/17 - Hy-Bird: The Ultimate Hybrid Plane?