Kangaroo and koala help open Red Bull Air Race Airport in Perth

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Kangaroo and koala help open Red Bull Air Race Airport in Perth

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Kangaroo and koala help open Red Bull Air Race Airport in Perth

by Erik Kay, Apr 14, 2010

Western Australia’s sport minister Terry Waldron and Red Bull Air Race CEO Bernd Loidl opened the Red Bull Air Race Airport on Wednesday at a ceremony in Langley Park on the banks of the Swan River in Perth ahead of the weekend’s second race of the 2010 season. They were joined not only by championship leader Paul Bonhomme of Britain, Australia’s Matt Hall and the 13 other pilots battling for the 2010 title but two local denizens of Australia as well – a kangaroo and a koala.

“As a sports minister I get invited to a lot of sporting things,” Waldron told the pilots ahead of the fourth race to take place in Perth since 2006. “When I open a swimming pool I tend to be big and brave and do the first lap of the pool. And when I open tennis courts, I tend to get out there and play the first set of tennis. When I was asked to do this I was very, very concerned. Because basically I haven’t got the intestinal fortitude or courage of you guys,” Waldron deadpanned.

“I was sort of confident then because I heard there’s only one seat in the plane. Then I heard there’s a special plane with two seats,” he added with a laugh before pointing to the rainy weather outside that had cancelled any flying on Wednesday. “I hope the weather’s magnificent on the weekend but I’m not that worried it’s not too good today.” Waldron presented each of the pilots with boomerangs, which date back ten thousand years in Australia.

Loidl praised Perth for its commitment to the Red Bull Air Race right from the beginning of the world championship in 2006 and said the Western Australian capital is a sterling example of how putting the race in the heart of a city is a win-win for the development of the Red Bull Air Race and the host region.

“It’s a unique location,” Loidl said. “It’s set a benchmark for host cities around the world. You’ve got the runway right here in downtown and across the river is the race track. There’s outstanding hospitality in Australia and there’s been a true partnership that dates back from the early days of the Red Bull Air Race.” Loidl thanked Waldron for the heaps of extra effort authorities in Perth and Western Australia put into making it one of the favourites among the pilots, crews and fans.

“Literally transforming a city into a racing arena requires commitment, support and a clear understanding of a shared vision with all the authorities being so involved,” Loidl said. “So a big thank you.”

Also welcoming the pilots was local Nyungah Tribe Elder, Reverend Sealin Garlett. “As you’ve come to my country, you’ve come to a very old land,” he said. “And for me as an indigenous man from this land, I welcome you to this place. This is the home of the eagle. This is the home of the black swan and for me as you walk and share our land I give you our blessing. I’m privileged to welcome you to my country.”

Australia’s Hall, who began his military flying career in Perth in 1991, said he was thrilled to be flying in front of his compatriots for the first time after becoming the first rookie in Red Bull Air Race history to finish as high as third overall last year even though he acknowledged the pressure to please the home town crowd is high. “I’m trying to look at it that everyone here really wants me to do well and I want to harness that energy,” said Hall. “I’m trying to represent Australia as best as I can.”

The last remaining tickets are still available for Grandstand seating and Hospitality areas located at Sir James Mitchell Park on the South Perth foreshore. Visit the Tickets & Hospitality section or www.ticketek.com.au for further information and bookings.