Feb 01

WEIGHTY ISSUES FOR TEAM CHAMBLISS

In an effort to level the playing field, a new rule has been issued creating an average weight requirement for pilots competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships. Following the 2009 season, each pilot was put to the scale and 178lbs was deemed the average pilot weight. Now for 2010, all pilots who weigh less than the average will be forced to carry the additional weight in their plane in order to meet the minimum requirement.

For Team Chambliss, the new rule is great news considering Kirby has traditionally been one of the largest pilots. Up until this point, he has made up the deficit through his extremely technical, precision flying. This year with an average weight in place Team Chambliss will look to have an immediate edge on the competition as the scales are finally balanced.

In the Red Bull Air Race, striving for a fast plane means achieving an extremely light plane as well. Something many people often overlook is concept of G’s and how they affect a pilot’s flying. For instance, 1 lb is actually 12 lbs. at 12 G’s. That can create a pretty hefty load for the planes to carry around each corner. Last year Matt Hall, the smallest of all the pilots weighed in at 140lbs and Kirby tipped the scales at 204 lbs. Sixty four pounds is hardly a big deal but at 12 G’s that poses a significant disadvantage with Kirby carrying an extra 768 lbs!

To make full use of the new average weight rule, Kirby has dedicated the off-season to slimming down and shaping up for 2010. With a personal gym at his house, Kirby’s been on the treadmill or the stationary bike 4 days a week since October.

“With my height and build I am a stick at 185. Last year my race weight was 204 lbs and right now I’m hovering around 195. I’m still hoping to shed a little more and ideally will be around 190 by the first race.”

In addition to the new workout regime the team as a whole has been trying to eat healthy and encourage Kirby’s weight loss goals.

“I always eat healthy but I tried to cut out a lot of breads and pasta. I like salads but I also like a lot of salad dressing. You know, I’m one of those I’ll have a little salad with my dressing sort of guys. So I’m trying to cut back on that.”

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