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| RACETRACK PYLONS IN SAN DIEGO BAY |
When
I heard that the Red Bull Air Races were coming to San Diego, I
really did not know what to expect. I only knew that the Red Bull
beverage was way over-caffeinated for me. I had never heard of the
air race. However,
since they were held in San Diego from 2007 to 2009, many seemed to
know about them. I heard mixed reviews. For people who lived near the
bay it was generally negative. There were complaints about noise,
crowds, possible plane crashes, and the fact that it was being held
on Easter weekend. Others looked forward to the entertainment and, of
course, returning to the quiet of their homes in the suburbs when the
show ended.
When
the time came, tens of thousands of spectators came from all over to
view one of the most amazing aerial events in the world. Some compare
it to NASCAR races in the air. I have to agree that it was a
spectacular show.
The
races were launched in 2003 and have been held annually, except for
2011-2013. During that time they were they were stopped for safety
improvements following a fatal crash in 2010.
The
official viewing area was at the Embarcadero Marina Park with tickets
starting at $20. A perfect place to be if you wanted to know who was
racing, what their backgrounds were, and how the competition was
scored. However, the visual spectacle of high speed, low altitude,
and extreme maneuverability could be observed free from just about
anywhere along the bay.
The
planes were based at Brown Field Municipal Airport and approached the
track by flying over the Coronado Bridge.
The
free practice sessions began at noon on the Friday before, and
continued, almost nonstop, until 7 p.m. They stopped a couple of
times to allow for the military ships that needed to pass by.
Otherwise, no luck if you were hoping to enjoy some boating on the
bay, ride the Coronado Ferry, or even enjoy a conversation. It was
the loudest day without much time in between the practice flights. I
was beginning to understand the nay sayers.
The
event included a large black helicopter that was used for taking
photos and videos for the news media. It was televised all over the
world. Some said the helicopter was louder than the planes, and I
think they were correct.
Not
surprisingly, San Diego provided near perfect 70 degree days,
sunshine, and a mild breeze for the event. It was spectacular to see
these small planes, flying at speeds up 230 mph, quickly changing
directions, spinning around in the sky, and then swooping low through
the pylons, circling again and repeating the maneuvers, all in a
record speeds of 1-2 minutes. It was impressive. The downtown skyline
in the background made it even more so. The planes were colorful.
Some of the wings had stripes and other interesting designs which you
could see as they flipped over and flew sideways.
One
of interesting sideshows that took place on both days was the Red
Bull helicopter stunt show. I didn't know they could fly upside down
and flip around just like the small planes. Also, I used my
binoculars to view parachuters drifting down from overhead and
landing in a precise spot on the Embarcadero amongst the crowds.
* * *
It's
the day after the Red Bull Air Race in San Diego and there's an
incredible crew out there that is busy handling the logistics of
moving the entire infrastructure of the race track, the planes, the
pilots and their teams, race crews, and tons of materials to the next
stop which is Japan.
I
appreciated my peaceful walk along the bay more than usual and
secretly hoped that the races don't return anytime soon.
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| RACETRACK MOVES ON TO JAPAN |
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