USA’s Chambliss unbeatable in Budapest

Two-time Red Bull Air Race titleholder Kirby Chambliss put his 2017 season on track with a confident win at the World Championship stop in Budapest on Sunday. Canada’s Pete McLeod was scintillating in second, while Japan’s Yoshihide Muroya retained the head of the overall standings by clinching third. Budapest is the prestigious grail that every pilot wants to win, and Chambliss now has six podiums and two victories at the stop that first hosted a Red Bull Air Race in 2003. A weekend crowd of 80,000 lined the banks of the Danube to see the raceplanes dart under the city’s Chain Bridge, where Chambliss’s 1:00.632 was just 0.108 ahead of his fellow North American McLeod. Muroya’s third place was also his third consecutive race podium, after wins in San Diego and Chiba. As the midpoint of the season, Budapest marked a critical milestone, and Chambliss jumped up five spots to fourth in the World Championship standings with four races left to go. Muroya, meanwhile, tightened his grip on the top of the leaderboard ever so slightly, with 39 points to the 37 of the Czech Republic’s Martin Šonka, who finished fourth in the Budapest race, and McLeod moved to third overall. The day was disastrous for defending World Champion Matthias Dolderer, who edged over the G limit in the opening round for a “Did Not Finish” (DNF) penalty and dropped to sixth on the leaderboard, a full 16 points behind Muroya. “I love Budapest. I can’t thank my team enough – it’s not a one-person effort. I over G’d in Chiba and our tactician Paulo (Iscold) told me I needed to rein it in at Budapest, so I just went out and put down a nice, clean, fast time. And it worked,” said Chambliss, who had last won a race in 2008. “I had started to forget what the Champagne tastes like, so I’m excited. Winning is easy when you’re winning – it’s not when you’re not.” Tickets for the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship – including the fifth stop, the World Championship’s debut in Kazan, Russia on 22-23 July – are on sale now. For more information on tickets and all the latest, visit www.redbullairrace.com   Results Master Class Budapest 2017: 1. Kirby Chambliss (USA), 2. Pete McLeod (CAN), 3. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN), 4. Martin Šonka (CZE), 5. Petr Kopfstein (CZE), 6. Mikaël Brageot (FRA), 7. Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA), 8. Matt Hall (AUS), 9. Juan Velarde (ESP), 10. François Le Vot (FRA), 11. Cristian Bolton (CHI, 12. Michael Goulian (USA), 13. Matthias Dolderer (GER), 14. Peter Podlunšek (SLO) World Championship standings after four races: 1. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN) 39 points, 2. Martin Šonka (CZE) 37 pts, 3. Pete McLeod (CAN) 26 pts, 4. Kirby Chambliss (USA) 25 pts, 5. Petr Kopfstein (CZE) 23 pts, 6. Matthias Dolderer (GER) 23 pts, 7. Juan Velarde (ESP) 15 pts, 8. Michael Goulian (USA) 14 pts, 9. Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA) 14 pts, 10. Peter Podlunšek (SLO) 12 pts, 11. Matt Hall (AUS) 11 pts, 12. Mikaël Brageot (FRA) 9 pts, 13. Cristian Bolton (CHI) 4 pts, 14. François Le Vot (FRA) 4 pts About Red Bull Air Race: Created in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship celebrated its landmark 75th race at the 2017 season opener in Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision, and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370kmh while enduring forces of up to 10G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was conceived to help the next generation of pilots develop the skills needed for potential advancement to the Master Class that vies for the World Championship.

Bird's Eye View over Budapest

Red Bull Air Race legend Peter Besenyei led current World Championship leader Yoshihide Muroya (JPN) and rising star Petr Kopfstein (CZE) on a flight through the heart of Budapest, right along the Danube and past the magnificent Hungarian Parliament. “This amazing series has its roots right here in Budapest,” said Besenyei, who retired in 2015. “My heart will always be with the Red Bull Air Race, and it’s a pleasure to show these pilots my city from the sky. Approximately 8 years ago I was in Tokyo and Yoshi was leading me over the city. So now I`m very happy to lead him over Budapest.”   Muroya and Kopfstein also soared past the dramatic Liberty Statue that overlooks the region from high on Gellért Hill. They’ll see her again when the racing begins with Qualifying on Saturday, 1 July, followed by Race Day onSunday, 2 July 2017.         About Red Bull Air Race: Created in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship celebrated its landmark 75th race at the 2017 season opener in Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision , and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370kmh while enduring forces of up to 10G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was conceived to help the next generation of pilots develop the skills needed for potential advancement to the Master Class that vies for the World Championship.

Statement from the Reno Air Racing Association Regarding Mike Crowell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2017

              

Statement from the Reno Air Racing Association Regarding Mike Crowell

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) Board of Directors this afternoon issued the following statement:

“Micheal Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, informed the Board of Directors today that he has resigned his position, effective immediately. Crowell, who has held his post for the last two and a half years, is stepping down to focus on his wife’s health.  We are thankful to Mike for his hard work and dedication to continuing this one-of-a-kind event.

“While we conduct a search for a new CEO, Joey Scolari, CEO of Scolari’s Markets and a board member, will serve as interim CEO. Joey will work with RARA staff, including new COO Tony Logoteta, to continue planning for the 54^thNational Championship Air Races in September.”

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About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The 2016 event generated more than $91.7 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:

Mary-Sarah Kinner

The Glenn Group

775.686.7777

mkinner@theglenngroup.com

RARA Announces Aerobatics Performer for 54th National Championship Air Races

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2017

              

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association today announced that Brad Wursten Airshows will perform at the 54^th National Championship Air Races this September 13^th – 17^th in his MXS-R aerobatic aircraft by MX aircraft.

“Brad Wursten brings power and performance to each airshow,” Mike Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “We are very excited for our fans to be able to watch as Brad pushes the envelope and amazes the crowd while remaining well within his tight margin of safety.”

Wursten’s plane, one of the most highly sophisticated airplanes in the world, features a complete carbon fiber airframe that weighs an impressive 1100 lbs.  The Lycoming engine has 385 HP and can reach a top speed of over 300 MPH, a roll rate at 420 degrees per second, and “G” loading at +/- 15 “G’s”.

Wursten joins previously announced performers the Texas Flying Legends Museum.

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About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The 2016 event generated more than $91.7 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:

Mary-Sarah Kinner

The Glenn Group

775.686.7777

mkinner@theglenngroup.com

Japan’s Muroya Captures First Win at San Diego Red Bull Air Race

The second stop of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship was full of surprises on Sunday, as none of names on the podium matched those of February’s season opener. Yoshihide Muroya of Japan claimed the win, while Slovenia’s Peter Podlunšek was second, and defending World Champion Matthias Dolderer of Germany took third. San Diego, California (USA) – As one upset followed another at the second stop of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in San Diego, California on Sunday, Yoshihide “Yoshi” Muroya of Japan was the only pilot with the consistency to earn the triumph. Dazzling more than 40,000 fans across race weekend, Muroya ended up dominating the Final 4 with a time of 58.529.  While Peter Podlunšek was almost two seconds back at 1:00.454, the first Slovenian Red Bull Air Racer surprised everyone - including himself - by capturing second place in his first-ever Final 4. Peter has made incredible improvements from last year - his rookie season. He  Reigning World Champion Matthias Dolderer was third after a pylon hit, and America’s own Kirby Chambliss finished fourth after a high call on the final pylon.  . Earning 15 World Championship points with the victory, Muroya jumped up 10 places in the overall standings, to third behind Martin Šonka of the Czech Republic (21 points) and Dolderer (16). The result was especially meaningful because the next stop of the season is in Muroya’s home skies at Chiba, Japan – where he earned his first race win just last year. “I’m quite happy. We had a very hard time at the season opener in Abu Dhabi, and we’ve been working really hard for months,” said Muroya, who had an over-G penalty at the 2017 kickoff. “My crew and my family have been helping a lot to help us get more stable and consistent, and I thank them. The next race in Japan is going to be a big one, and it’s an important step forward to win here as I head to my home country. It’s a huge crowd and pressure for me, but I will have fun there.” Tickets for the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship –including October 14-15 in Indianapolis - the next USA stop. – are on sale now. For more information on tickets and all the latest, visit www.redbullairrace.com Results Master Class San Diego 2017: 1. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN), 2. Peter Podlunšek (SLO), 3. Matthias Dolderer (GER), 4. Kirby Chambliss (USA), 5. Martin Šonka (CZE), 6. Petr Kopfstein (CZE), 7. Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA), 8. Michael Goulian (USA), 9. Matt Hall (AUS), 10. Pete McLeod (CAN), 11. Juan Velarde (ESP), 12. François Le Vot (FRA), 13. Mikaël Brageot (FRA), 14. Cristian Bolton (CHI) World Championship standings after two races: 1. Martin Šonka (CZE) 21 points, 2. Matthias Dolderer (GER) 16 pts, 3. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN) 15 pts, 4. Juan Velarde (ESP) 12 pts, 5. Peter Podlunšek (SLO) 12 pts, 6. Pete McLeod (CAN) 10 pts, 7. Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA) 10 pts, 8. Michael Goulian (USA) 8 pts, 9. Kirby Chambliss (USA) 7 pts, 10. Petr Kopfstein (CZE) 5 pts, 11. Cristian Bolton (CHI) 4 pts, 12. François Le Vot (FRA) 3 pts, 13. Matt Hall (AUS) 3 pts, 14. Mikaël Brageot (FRA) 2 pts Above photography used with permission from Red Bull Air Races Below photography is mine.  Pylon - up close New Flavors and these are from Jason Fisher Media Boat Pylon Cutter Recreating the course - with Red Bull cans.

RARA Announces Two Fan Favorites Will Race in the Unlimited Class in 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2017

              

RARA Announces Two Fan Favorites Will Race in the Unlimited Class in 2017

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association today announced that two fan favorite airplanes will return to Reno for the 54^th National Championship Air Races and race in the Unlimited class.

“We’ve spoken to Bob Button, who owns Voodoo and Tiger Destefani who owns Strega, and they have informed us that both planes will be coming to Reno this year for the 54^th National Championship Air Races,” Mike Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “We’ve heard from our fans that they want more excitement in the Unlimited class and we are thrilled to help bring that excitement back to Reno this year.”

Voodoo won Unlimited Gold in 2016 and Strega won Unlimited Gold in 2015. 

“The two fastest piston airplanes on earth are coming to race in Reno this year,” Bob Button, owner of Voodoo said. “Voodoo is looking forward to racing Strega for gold in September.”

“It looks like it’s gonna be a shootout between Voodoo and Strega,” Tiger Destefani, owner of Strega said.  “Jay Consalvi will be flying Strega and he’s looking forward to his first win!”

Red Bull Air Races - in San Diego this weekend!

So - what are you doing this weekend?