Air Race through the ages

Early on Friday afternoon visitors to AirPower09 in Zeltweg were treated to a snapshot of 100 years of air racing history: the first highlight on the agenda was an air race between three historic machines: a Blériot XI (1908), Boeing PT-17 Stearman (1934) and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair (1945) took part in a race over Hinterstoisser air base's 1,400 metre runway. The excitement was heightened by an SMS competition in which the public could bet on the outcome of the race in the hope of winning a very special prize. And the lucky winner was Christoph Weidinger, who wins a ride in a Boeing PT- 17 Stearman owned by the Flying Bulls.

The air race between the precious gems from the days of yore was followed by the high-tech machines of the present: in an impressive Red Bull Air Race demo, World Champion Hannes Arch and fellow pilots Peter Besenyei, Alejandro Maclean and Matthias Dolderer showcased the manoeuvrability and speed for which the "Formula 1 of the skies" is renowned. "My Edge 540 is more fun to fly," said Hannes Arch, comparing the machines of today with those of yesteryear, "but during take-off and landing there is something special about historic aircraft."