Saturday Flight Operations Were Cancelled

Our Friends at Red Bull have let ANN Know that, "Due to weather conditions at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Red Bull Air Race Committee has taken the decision to cancel all flight operations on Saturday 15 October, including both Challenger and Master Class Qualifying rounds."

Gusting winds of more than 30kts in the aerial racetrack exceeded the safety limit for safe flying operations.

"The strong wind and gusts today exceed our ability to conduct the race in a safe manner," said Race Director Jim DiMatteo. "We have safe conditions when the wind is not over 30 kts and we are facing gusts over 30kts today."

The air-filled pylons had to be deflated to ensure they do not become damaged in the winds. They are able to safely withstand up to 30kts of wind. Stretching 25 metres high, the pylons are made of an extremely lightweight material that's rigidly inflated at high pressure to burst harmlessly if grazed. "A safe track with stable Air Gates is the precondition for a race, and the pylons are designed to secure safe racing up to 30 knots," explained a representative from the Race Track Operations team. "A soft pylon would be very dangerous to hit – like a wet blanket around the airplane."

Sunday's race schedule will commence directly with the Round of 14. Ground activities will conclude at 1500 local time and fans on site can follow this revised event schedule:

• 1400 – signature session for all public in hangar viewing area
• 1430 – DHL Fastest Lap prizegiving
• 1430 – Hangar Walk for sponsors and hospitality
• 1500 – Public Doors Close
• 1600 – Hospitality Doors Close

Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of the Qualifying Session at the Red Bull Air Race in Las Vegas (15 October, 2016), the Red Bull Air Race World Championship advises its customers that all General Admission (including Hangar Viewing area tickets) for Saturday are valid for entry on Race Day (Sunday 16 October). All weekend tickets are still valid *.

Further details will be available on Monday 17 October 2016 on the red Bull Air Race website.

FMI: www.redbullairrace.com