Here are some pics from the recent Red Bull Air Race that took place in Europe - this has to be one of the coolest races to see! Has anyone ever gone to one of these races?
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air01_16057127.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air02_16054297.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air03_16305229.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air05_16054291.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air06_16305083.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air11_16071801.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air12_16069669.jpg)
(http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/air_10_20/air14_16299379.jpg)
I went when it was in San Francisco two years ago. (3 years ago?) It was pretty cool. Highly recommended. Smoke on.
Isn't there a member on here who flies in that?
Reno has comparable races every year in mid-September. Not sure if sanctioned or part of the Red Bull circuit, but they're still kewl nonetheless.
A friend of mine is part of the RareBear (http://www.rarebear.com/) crew. These guys are nuts.
Info on the Reno races here (http://www.airrace.org/indexJS.php).
Saw the one at San Diego this year - it was pretty cool. I'd recommend it if you can get to one.
Couple of shots:
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z166/trdtaco98/RB%20Air%20Race%2008/RB5308011.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z166/trdtaco98/RB%20Air%20Race%2008/RB5308008.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z166/trdtaco98/RB%20Air%20Race%2008/RB5308007.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z166/trdtaco98/RB%20Air%20Race%2008/RB5308016.jpg)
i too was there in SD this year and it was teh awesome. worth going for sure!
i wanna go!
I've seen the Reno ones a couple times. Friggin' cool! [thumbsup]
Quote from: Triple J on October 21, 2008, 01:44:24 PM
I've seen the Reno ones a couple times. Friggin' cool! [thumbsup]
It just looks amazing!
First evolution - Air Racing
(http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/red%20bull%20close%20up2.jpg)
Second evolution - Pod Racing
(http://www.technovelgy.com/graphics/content07/front-runner-podracer.jpg)
Third evolution - Speeder Bike Racing
(http://www.robotoys.com/SWSpeederBike.gif)
Fourth evolution - to heck with air, I'm going retro digital:
(http://www.standingrockimaging.com/pics/tron.jpg)
I went to the one in Budapest in 06. It was Awesome. Unfortunately, I picked the wrong bridge to stand on, so I had to watch the second half of the course. The first had the planes starting by flying between the bottom of one of the Chain bridge and the Danube.
I am not sure of the format at other locations but this was pretty much an all-day affair. The opening act to the race was a parade of planes of various vintage - this was capped off by a commercial airliner virtually buzzing the crowd. This actually freaked me out a little bit - there was a very 9/11 vibe to that stunt.
Then, just prior to the race, there was a stunt plane expo, which was incredible. As far as I can tell, the the object of stunt flying is to end up in a situation that would normally be fatal to lesser pilots. And then just effortlessly fly out of at will, like, whatever fiery death, up yours. I think this was one of the guys flying that year, Zoltan Veres (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyTIeznRg2Q)
I wonder how many G's those guys pull?
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 21, 2008, 02:56:34 PM
I wonder how many G's those guys pull?
They pull over 9 on some of the maneuvers - sometimes over 10.
Quote from: DCXCV on October 21, 2008, 03:22:03 PM
They pull over 9 on some of the maneuvers - sometimes over 10.
:o Dang!
they weigh almost nothing (less than a light car) and have over 300 HP... it's amazing to watch them change direction!
Quote from: DCXCV on October 21, 2008, 03:22:03 PM
They pull over 9 on some of the maneuvers - sometimes over 10.
edit: i found this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fL-JsnnoU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fL-JsnnoU&feature=related)
AHHHHHH 10Gs on THAT FRAME?!! holy crap. Ive done 6Gs max, and that was pretty intense. I wonder waht 10gs feels like
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 21, 2008, 02:09:25 PM
It just looks amazing!
First evolution - Air Racing
Second evolution - Pod Racing
Third evolution - Speeder Bike Racing
Fourth evolution - to heck with air, I'm going retro digital:
I have to question your timeline. Starwars was "A long time ago in a galaxy far away..." [cheeky]
Can't wait till Rossi takes up this sport
Quote from: BWClark on October 22, 2008, 12:07:46 AM
I have to question your timeline. Starwars was "A long time ago in a galaxy far away..." [cheeky]
LOL, it did sort of go backwards didn't it!! [cheeky]