Apr 14

RED BULL AIR RACE SAN DIEGO: PRE-RACE

Kirby Chambliss of the United States performs during the training at the second stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in San Diego, United States on April 14, 2017.

Kirby Chambliss of the United States performs during the training at the second stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in San Diego, United States on April 14, 2017.

After enduring multiple time zone changes for our season opener in Abu Dhabi, the team is thrilled to be just a stone’s throw away from home! Okay… maybe not that close, but a short hour and a half flight from Arizona has the team in high spirits!

“The American races usually close the season, so it’s great to be flying in the states this early on. It’s especially great to be back in San Diego! This city is kind of like my second home, so it’s extra special to be here,” says Kirby.

It’s been a busy week leading up to the weekend. Pilots had to complete their annual SWET (Shallow Water Egress Training). Nothing like being placed in a mock-cockpit and flipped upside down in a pool waiting for the air to disappear! While it may sound overwhelming, it trains the pilots how to access and breathe out of their spare air bottle in the event of a water landing.

The team also spent a day at iFly San Diego with members of the Red Bull Air Force and local media. If you know anything about Team Chambliss, you know we LOVE the wind tunnel!! We had a great time watching media partners take their very first flight!

And the week wouldn’t be complete without some flying, of course! After spending a couple of days test flying, pilots moved to the track on Friday.

“We haven’t had a race in San Diego since 2009, so it feels great to be back over the bay. Our training sessions were okay, but we’re still hoping to shave off some more time. We have some ideas on where we can save so we’re ready to get back out on Saturday and fly a little faster,” remarks Kirby.

After a disappointing finish in Abu Dhabi, the team is ready to get back on track and shift our momentum in the right direction!

 

 

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