Red Bull Air Race

Kirby Chambliss, the 2006 champion, is a perennial candidate for the title and always a force to be reckoned with. The man from Arizona with the steely determination has the talent, skill and drive that make him a threat to win any race. He has 6 career victories, trailing only Paul Bonhomme (11 wins) among active pilots. With the right engine he is a master of the track.

Normally a friendly and jovial American, Chambliss turns into an intense warrior when he climbs into his cockpit. His flying style is smooth yet often aggressive as he goes all-out for the wins, a tenacity which sometimes costs him untimely penalties. Chambliss loathes second place, regularly disparaging it the “first loser”. His goal for 2010: winning the title again.

After sorting out his engine woes in mid-season last year, Chambliss had a strong second half with two podiums in Windsor and Budapest. He flew well all year and is proud that he did not hit any pylons in races, striking only two Air Gates in training all season. With a powerful engine in his Edge 540, Chambliss is optimistic about challenging for the title in 2010 even though the field will be more competitive than ever.

Chambliss has been flying since age 13. He became the youngest commercial pilot at his U.S. air carrier at 24. By the time he made it to captain at 28 he was already polishing his aerobatic skills, an interest acquired during aerobatic training for his job flying a business jet. Chambliss has won five U.S. National Aerobatic championships. He is married to a fellow pilot. They live on the “Flying Crown Ranch” with their daughter between Tucson and Phoenix – with a hangar and runway in the backyard.