Red Bull Air Race

Perth, Australia 19 November 2006

by Damien Nott

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It all began in March 2006.  During the week, a 30-second ad on TV told me of a program I needed to watch that weekend, something about an air race.  My interest piqued, I quickly reserved the rights to the big-screen in the lounge and started counting down the days, like a child eagerly awaiting Christmas.  The law was laid down - "From 12:00 until 12:30 you shall not disturb me as I immerse myself in the sights and sounds eminating from the widescreen!"........OK, it was more like "please may I have a half-hour of peace whilst this show is on.....please?" Anyhow, as I watched pilots like Mike Mangold, Kirby Chabliss and Peter Besenyei flying their aircraft to their absolute limits, I knew where I wanted to be in November. 

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Throughout the year, there were more programs on the race, each one serving to further whet my appetite and tease me with the promise of spectacular flying displays from the world's greatest if I could only make the trip across this great continent.  Unbenknowst to me, on that fateful day in March, my wife was within earshot as I let out a sigh and wished out loud to go to Perth and witness the spectacle first hand.  Fast forward to August, and a birthday I'll never forget for 2 reasons....first, a phone call at work from my wife "My waters have broken - come and get me!".......second, whilst sitting in an observation room at the hospital, a small parcel is given to me.  Inside, some folded pieces of paper.  I reach in, remove a piece of paper and unfold it.........confirmation of a return flight to Perth - departing Melbourne, Friday 17th November, returning Monday 20th November!

The trip itself, well, what can I say?  Absolutely, it lived up to every expectation.  I couldn't think of a better place in Australia to hold such an event....the temporary airstrip set up on the site of the original Perth Airport, just across the road from the river.  The view from the banks on either side was amazing - I could feel the aircraft as they wound up over my head to attack the course.  Strolling down the runway as the "Paddock" was open to the public on Sunday morning, meeting all the pilots for an all too brief few words, a photograph and an autograph (I'd have been happy to get through 5 or 6 - I got all 11 of them), and the atmosphere on both sides of the river.  I'd go again in a second!

Damien

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Photos and text © by Damien Nott