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Detroit may get Red Bull Air Race date in 2009

Written by Scott Keller · August 16, 2008

Fan of air racing in the Midwest have something to be optimistic about with a report that the Red Bull Air Race series is considering a return to Detroit in 2009. Series officials were apparently planning on excluding Detroit for a race next year, one that was very successful for the local economies both sides of the US/Canada riverfront. It’s likely a reaction to the fact that Detroit’s Friday and Saturday practice and qualification days had to be canceled this year due to wind gusts.


Canada.com reports:

A number of issues, which Francis wouldn’t elaborate on, had race directors leaning away from a return the Windsor-Detroit area. But Francis said the London meeting helped put the Detroit River back in contention.

“We’re going to be meeting with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in the next two weeks to see how we can work with Detroit, in preparation for Red Bull to come here,” Francis said. “We expect Red Bull to come back with a schedule. And they will be bringing their operational people.”

Corporate sponsorship and logistics have yet to be worked out before Red Bull will consider a return in 2009.

Perhaps one of the “issues that they won’t elaborate on” is the concern about the wicked wind?  Hopefully this year’s wind was an anomaly.

Below are some video highlights of the 2008 race in Detroit. If everything works out, we will see these amazing pilots flying over the skies of Detroit and Windsor next year.

Filed Under Air Racing 

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