Magnificent men and their flying machines

THE WORLD’S fastest motorsport series, Air Race 1, is making its Asia-Pacific debut in Thailand this weekend at the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport. The demonstration is a pre-event to qualify Thailand to host the Air Race 1 World Cup next year as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Asean international fleet review.
“Implementation of the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s integrated sport tourism initiative was given to the Sports Authority of Thailand and culminated in the hosting of the Asian premiere of Air Race 1 Thailand presented by Chang. The Air Race 1 is the world pinnacle of flying races with a growing fan base around the world. Hosting the race in Thailand will positively contribute to the image of the country while boosting tourism and the economy,” Pongpanu Svetarundra, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, said during the recent press conference.

“Formula One air racing dates back to the 1930s. The small aircraft used today can reach speeds of some 450 kilometres an hour and are specifically designed and built for racing under an established set of rules.
“Air Race 1 promotes the marriage of the finest flying skills and aeronautic technologies in the world,” added Sakol Wannapong, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
“Thailand is known as a fantastic destination for so many reasons. The country not only has the capacity to hold the race but also the right attitude, reasons and skills, thus opening the doors for our sport to expand around the world. We are looking for a new destination. Thailand could be our home in Asia, the place where we can develop the sport,” said Jeff Zaltman, chief executive of Air Race 1.
“Air Race 1 is incredibly popular wordwide. It stands out from the rest of sport and is exciting and unique.
“We race at 450kmph. We race over the same size of most car circuits but at 10 metres above the ground. Our pilots all have amazing backgrounds and we are looking forward to the interactions between the pilots and participants.
“All motorsports are dangerous and it takes a very delicate attitude and concentration to make sure that it is safe.”
The pilots coming to Thailand include Thom Richard, who won the gold in Monastir, Tunisia, at the first Formula One Air Race ever held on the African continent. Also taking part are Justin Meaders, Stanislas Damiron, Philip Goforth, Justin Phillipson and Steve Temple.

Admiral Paladej Charoenpool, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, says strict safety and security measures will be implemented both within the venue grounds and the surrounding areas. To facilitate the expected tens of thousands of spectators, a massive car park for several thousand vehicles has been arranged along with amenities such as mobile toilets and other essentials.
“Thai Beverage is delighted to sponsor the Asian and Thailand premiere of the world’s fastest |motorsport event, the Air Race 1 Thailand. This is the first of its kind in Thailand and we hope to receive a warm welcome from the Thai motorsport fans. On top of the |sponsorship, we will also be showcasing many of our unique and exciting activities in the Air Race exhibition zone,” said Vichate Tantiwanich, senior vice president of Thai Beverage.
Apart from the air race demonstration, the event includes an exhibition of top race planes and helicopters, muay thai boxing, a Canon photography workshop, car club and big bike gatherings plus great food and a sale of products by the Naval Officers’ Wives Club.

UP IN THE AIR
- The Air Race 1 demonstration takes place at the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport today and tomorrow.
- Tickets are Bt300 at the gate of the event. Kids in school uniform get in free. Pit Walk tickets will be available at an extra Bt300 per person.
- For more information, |call (063) 268 5532 or visit www.AirRace1thailand.com.