Thursday, May 29, 2008

Red Bull Air Race comes to Detroit

The third stop of the Red Bull Air Race World Series is still two days away, but preparations for the international event -- which hits Detroit this weekend -- are well underway.

While dining at the Ren Cen last night, I noticed that the Wintergarten has been gussied-up with RB Air Race paraphernalia, and that numerous hospitality tents have been set up outside the building. This morning and afternoon, I had the pleasure of hearing and watching the planes take practice runs along the Detroit River.

New to Detroit, the international, two-day event features 12 race pilots, 12 planes and an aerial race track that requires impeccable precision and intense maneuvers at high speeds. The race in the Motor City will take place on the Detroit Riverfront between Rivard Plaza and Cobo Hall.

There will be two ticketed areas for the race along both the Detroit and Windsor riverfronts, but spectator tickets for the Detroit side of the race are already sold out. Spectator tickets in Windsor are still available (prices start at 10 CAD), as are tickets for the Detroit High Flyer's Lounge, which start at $600 each. To purchase tickets, click here. Andiamo Detroit Riverfront is also offering ticket packages -- which include a Riverfront seat of the races, parking, non-alcoholic beverages, continental breakfast, an Al Fresco lunch and a select dinner menu -- on one or both race days. These tickets range from $175 - $325 each and can be purchased by calling 313-567-6700.

The qualifying rounds of the Red Bull Air Race in Detroit take place on Saturday, May 31. The fastest 8 pilots advance to Race Day, which takes place on Sunday, June 1, and includes Point One (determines 9th to 12th place finishes), Super Eights (determines 5th to 8th place), Semi Finals, Third Place (determines 3rd and 4th place) and the Finals (determines the winner and runner-up). 
 
Detroit is only one of two cities in the U.S. to host a Red Bull Air Race in 2008 (San Diego is the other). 

For more information on the Red Bull Air Race World Series in Detroit, click here.

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