Red Bull has decided not to continue the Red Bull Air Race World Championship beyond the 2019 season.
Three races remain for this year: Kazan, Russia, June 15-16; Lake Balaton, Hungary, July 13-14; and Chiba, Japan, Sept. 7-8.
“There have been more than 90 races since Red Bull Air Race began in 2003,” officials said in a prepared announcement. “These have given the world’s most exceptional pilots the opportunity to compete in high speed flying at low altitude with extreme maneuvers. The Red Bull Air Race provided sports entertainment of highest quality, but did not attract the level of outside interest as many other Red Bull events across the world.”
Very sad, but not surprised. Obviously, pilots would have been the key spectators and there’s just not enough of us. I only saw one event live and that was on the Thames in London, UK… a day I will remember forever. They laid a special runway down on London City Airport for the team and broadcast the ATC frequencies throughout the event and live footage from the cockpits on huge screens. I can’t imagine a more exciting sport event ever. Thank you, Red Bull, for allowing us to experience this phenomenal sport for as long as you did.
I will miss the Red Bull Races although it was often difficult to find them televised locally. Reportedly the decision to end the races is due to lack of commercial success, and why is that? The magic excitement of Lindberg’s Atlantic crossing that caused every young boy to burn with the desire to fly is long gone. Aircraft viewed by those outside the aviation community are now perceived as noisy inconveniences interrupting sleep or TV viewing. Thanks to media hype and “drone” hysteria even model airplanes are now demonized in the minds of the general public, police, government officials, including aviation officials who should know better. Those who travel have come to detest the airlines because of their inconvenience, cost, degradation, deplorable public service and media induced perception of danger. Maybe the races have been under publicized by a too sensationalized media to too narrow a market segment at too few venues for too long. As someone else pointed out all those exotic foreign locations made delightful viewing but holding them at the National Air Races, Oshkosh and Sun-n-Fun just might have brought in more cash.
?????? Possibly get to air show venus. Oshkosh, Sun n Fun, others. Like other sponsors. Ford, John Deere.
Sponsor drinks, health drinks. Possiblly have a DC-3 and various old planes going from event to event. Sponsor the old planes. ??? Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. ???? Web site. Bone Yard National Park. 6 to 10 events per year. One a month. Possibly a permanent ‘Bone Yard National Park’ somewhere that Cookie Monstors and Airplane guys can work on airplanes.
Great people at Redbull and an exceptional run of support for this elite group of pilots and spectators.
The reality is the economic structures are changing and the reality of it will hit many events that companies use to reach target markets.
Simply put not enough products get sold by the events.
But these people are hats off professionals with awesome pride and dedication.
Very sad news as I loved those races flown by some of the best pilots in the world! We will miss you!
Half news ! Did Red Bull say why ?
Guess you only half read it…. The Red Bull Air Race provided sports entertainment of highest quality, but did not attract the level of outside interest as many other Red Bull events across the world.”
BUMMER!!! At least they had the opportunity to perform for 16 years.
Very sorry to hear this, as it brought aviation skills to the highest level, and the performers along with their teams, gave it their all. Aviation has never been for everyone. I am so glad Red Bull Air Races lasted as long it did, and I got to see a race in NY Harbor. Hats off to Mike and Kirby! Well done!!!!