We do not forget that in early 2020, adverts on social networks had given hope of a return of pylon races, on the mannequin of these we knew when the model of power drinks presided over their future…. A purchaser from China, relying on the expertise of the previous RBAR organizers, even introduced a resumption of races for the tip of the identical 12 months … The Covid passing by means of there, all communications ceased and the web site created for the chance disappeared from the net, leaving us unhappy.
Very spectacular, the pylon races often entice a number of hundred thousand spectators all through the circuit © RBAR
More than a 12 months after the primary publication of an upcoming takeover, Willie Cruiskshank, Managing Director of WCAR once more communicates: “We are delighted to announce a new exclusive agreement for the next 15 years between the FAI and the World Championship Air Race to revive downtown air races, to the delight of the public (…) World Championship Air Race has now received the promise of the best racing pilots in the world to come back to contention… ”. He concludes by asserting that the primary race will happen at first of the 12 months 2022 ”
Mikaël Brageot in coaching in Abu Dhabi (UAE), in February 2019 © Predrag Vuckovic / Limex Images
The nice outdated ones can be there!
The pilots registered within the Red Bull Air Races competitors are once more current, in a big majority. So, we must always see Mika Brageot, Cristian Bolton, Juan Velarde, Kevin Koleman, Matt Hall and some others once more, face off once more in these aerial contests. The administration of Yoshi Muroya’s staff can also be at present in talks with the WCAR group. For the time being, no resolution to return to the race has been formally declared by the Japanese staff.
Mattias Dolderer, one of many oldest drivers within the self-discipline, most popular to take a step back, asserting that it was excessive time for him to consider retirement. Ben Murphy, for his half, is delighted with this resumption of races and really a lot hopes that this announcement of the return to competitors will permit him to verify his place within the first locations of the standings. On the opposite hand, the organizer’s announcement doesn’t point out the choice of the previous pilots entered within the Challenger Class.
The Hungarian Parliament, in Budapest, served because the backdrop to many rounds organized on the Danube © RBAR
If the 2 ranges of the race change names, two lessons are nonetheless recognized: essentially the most skilled pilots, 12 in quantity, will now compete within the Aero / GP1 collection (stage similar to the RBAR Masterclass), and the Aero / GT collection can be reserved for much less seasoned pilots, competing in three separate groups.
The gifted French driver François Le Vot, who entered the Master Class in 1015, was typically handicapped within the race by issues adjusting his Edge 540. © RBAR
The opponents will use kind of the identical planes as up to now (Edge 540 and MXS-R…) however the organizers hope that these plane can be in a position, within the coming years, to make use of a extra “green” gasoline, with hydrogen or with low particle emissions. .
Among the novelties, the organizers are additionally asserting the creation, in the long run, of the “WCAR Academy”, with the intention of discovering new abilities around the globe.
Australian Matt Hall throughout the RBAR remaining in Chiba, Japan in May 2018 © RBAR
Another main goal of WCAR is to diversify its leisure provide and to stage stay music concert events. Before every race, an “Aviation Tech Village” can even be erected in every metropolis internet hosting the occasion, making it attainable, amongst different issues, to advertise careers in aeronautics.
If the race schedule shouldn’t be but actually outlined, WCAR and its companions announce, whereas at present researching one of the best locations, that they may happen in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia, India, China, South Africa, UK and France. These ought to be unveiled within the coming months.
Philippe Chetail
Mika Brageot: “The dream of flying won’t be extinguished! “
Uncertain future for the Air Races World Championships
