New pilot, new destinations

At the presentation of the Red Bull Air Race calendar 2008 there were two surprises straight off: Sweden was introduced as a new host country, and South African Glenn Dell as a new pilot.

Välkommen in Sweden

At a press conference in Hangar-7 at the airport in Salzburg, Austria, the final location of the series, a secret up until now, was revealed: On July 5 and 6 Mike Mangold, Paul Bonhomme and Co. will now also be exhibiting their aerobatic creativity over Sweden’s capital, Stockholm.

Newcomer with 30 years’ experience

For the first time, among the pilots’ dozen 2008, a South African will be competing: Glen Dell, 45 and helicopter pilot trainer, may be the newcomer in the field, but is very much used to sitting behind the control stick. The eight-time South African National Aerobatic Champion and Advanced World Aerobatic Champ 2004 has 30 years of flying experience – and adequate respect for the adventure of the Air Race: “In 2008 I want to learn as much as possible; in 2009 to celebrate my first successes.”

Thanks to new rules, even more excitement

This year the World Series will not only develop through the introduction of new faces and locations but also through a new mode of racing. In contrast to before, although the qualifying rounds and finals will be still be held over two days, spectators will now have the opportunity to see all twelve pilots in action on one racing day: In the ‘Point One Round,’ in the ‘Super Eight’ contest and finally in the duel for the podium placings. Points will be given to the nine best-placed pilots of each race.

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