Ivanoff only two points behind Arch
SALZBURG, Austria - French pilot Nicolas Ivanoff will be looking to repeat his recent success when the Red Bull Air Race lands in Windsor, Ontario on 13/14 June. After winning the last race in San Diego, USA, Ivanoff is just two points behind defending champion Hannes Arch of Austria in the 2009 World Championship standings going into the 3rd leg of the 6-race season.
This will be the first race to take place in Canada with 15 of the most talented race pilots from across the world flying at speeds reaching 370 km/hr (230 mph) and pulling up to 12 g through a course set up on the Detroit River, a busy shipping lane that separates the City of Windsor from the U.S. motor city Detroit.
6.2 kilometre race track with difficult turns
The most demanding aspect of the 6.2 kilometre (3.8 mile) race track made up of 15 Air Gates will be a complex flight sequence which requires the pilots to make several changes of direction in quick succession. Changing wind conditions will also play a factor and although speed is crucial, total concentration to ensure they successfully navigate the track correctly will be equally important. Enjoying full scope of the race track, spectators are in for an exciting and spectacular race.
Ivanoff eager to be on podium again after back-to-backs
Arch still leads the championship with 23 points despite finishing third in San Diego due in part to a bird strike, Ivanoff has 21 points and Bonhomme, who was second in both Abu Dhabi and San Diego, is still within striking range in third with 20 points. San Diego marked the second career victory for Ivanoff, who had never finished higher than seventh place overall in his first four years in the championship but has now turned into a bonafide contender for the 2009 title with back-to-back podiums for the first time in his racing career.
Ivanoff is trying to guard against overconfidence with only a third of the season completed. “It’s only the beginning of the season,” he said “Everything is still wide open. It’s important to be in the top three in every race if you want to accomplish anything. Consistency is the key. Clearly that’s what’s important.”
Race on home ground for McLeod
Making his eagerly awaited home debut this year is Canada’s very own Pete McLeod, one of four rookies who will be searching for his first championship points. At 25 years old, McLeod is the youngest ever Red Bull Air Race pilot. Despite slipping to the bottom of the rankings, which the team attributes to a slow, heavy and underpowered aircraft, they remain optimistic. “We are looking to shed a few pounds in the next few races to help increase the speed and performance,” said McLeod. “Having a number of primary modifications in the pipeline we are hoping to bring a bit of speed to the track in the second half of the season”.
Qualifying takes place on Saturday 13th June at 2:00 pm followed by Race Day on Sunday 14th June beginning at 1:00 pm. For tickets click here .
Comments
Add a comment