With the first stop of the 2015 Red Bull Air Race season complete, Team Chambliss (TC) didn’t get the start that it was hoping for. Kirby lost his canopy while in the holding area over Lulu Island and was unable to race. After returning from Abu Dhabi, the team sat down with Kirby to ask a few questions and get his perspective on the first race of the season.
TC: Kirby, you had a great week in Training and then Qualified 4th. What were you expecting on race day?
KC: “I was expecting a great finish after a great week of training. I was expecting to make the podium.”
TC: You were in the hold over Lulu Island when your canopy departed. What was your initial thought?
KC: “I won’t be able to race! I was super disappointed!!
TC: You have been called lucky many times. Do you think you’re lucky?
KC: “No, not really…I guess I’m sort of lucky. Not lucky because it happened, but lucky because it could have been worse!”
TC: Have you ever been afraid? Flying or otherwise?
KC: “I have been afraid! My daughter Karly was 18 months old and I was letting her taste watermelon and she swallowed it and started choking. I was seriously afraid, because I didn’t know what to do. My wife grabbed her, turned her over and patted her back. Next thing you know, out came the piece of watermelon and Karly started crying. That was a helpless feeling!”
TC: Anything you want to share with us about the upcoming race in Japan?
KC: “I am looking forward to Japan! I performed there as part of the World Grand Prix in the late 90’s, and really enjoyed the people and the country! Of course, I’ll have a new canopy and ready to go for it!”
