Red Bull Air Race World Series Announces Ninth Stop with an Historic U.S.S. Midway Museum Take-Off in San Diego


San Diego, Calif. – August 8, 2007 - The U.S.S. Midway Museum, the longest-serving carrier in the U.S. Navy’s history, was the platform for a stunning take-off today by Red Bull Air Race World Series race pilot, Kirby Chambliss. The 2006 Red Bull Air Race champion performed his world-famous 90-degree “Cobra” take-off from the deck of the Midway to announce the ninth stop of the world’s newest form of high performance motorsport coming to San Diego’s Embarcadero Park on September 21st and 22nd, 2007.

Chambliss’ take-off is the first plane to launch since 1992 when the Midway was decommissioned. The Midway has been the home to many “firsts” in its history, and this unprecedented launch is yet another. Twelve other world-class pilots will be joining Chambliss for the Series’ pivotal, second-to-last stop in San Diego to compete for this year’s title of 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Series champion.


"San Diego has served as host for many world class sporting events and it is a privilege to welcome The 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Series to our prestigious list," said Mayor Jerry Sanders. "The Sports Council has delivered us an event that will not only showcase America's Finest City to more than 35 countries worldwide, but will also provide a spectacular new motorsport on our water front."

 

SMOKE ON!

 

The Red Bull Air Race World Series is unlike any other sport you’ve seen. Flying at speeds exceeding 250 mph just 10 feet above the earth, 13 of the world’s best race pilots duel for one of the three positions on the podium, leaving no room for error. Excitement abounds from the cockpit to the ground, as these pilots race against the clock, pushing up to 10Gs as they maneuver through, “Air Gate” pylons and a low-level slalom course.

"The Port of San Diego is delighted to collaborate with the Sports Council to host the 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Series," said Port Commissioner Stephen P. Cushman. "The opportunity to highlight the Big Bay to more than 20 million viewers worldwide in such spectacular fashion is terrific for all of our tenants."

Now in its third year, the Red Bull Air Race World Series has ten stops worldwide – from its launch in Abu Dhabi to making sporting history with more than a million spectators in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, to its first U.S. stop in Monument Valley, UT, and its second U.S. stop in San Diego before landing in Perth, Australia to close out the race season.

"The Red Bull Air Race World Series is truly one of a kind and the San Diego International Sports Council is proud to work with a sport that will highlight San Diego throughout the world," said Dick Semerdjian, San Diego International Sports Council Chairman. "San Diegans have never enjoyed the Big Bay as much as they will on September 22nd."

Tickets to the September event will be available for purchase online at www.redbullairrace.com starting on Monday, August 13, 2007.