BANGKOK, 16 October, 2017 – Thailand is revving up to full throttle as it prepares to host the prestigious Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 from 17 to 19 November, at U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport located on the Royal Thai Navy Base in Sattahip, Chon Buri province.
The Air Race 1 is considered as one of the fastest, most thrilling motorsports in the world and is sure to excite all who attend this high-octane aerial event.
According to H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the fantastic success of last year’s test event in Thailand proved once again that the kingdom is Asia’s most reliable sports event host.
“Thailand is passionate about sport, especially motorsport. The Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 presents a unique opportunity to showcase our multifaceted tourism, as we are very keen to welcome international Air Race 1 fans to the Kingdom,” she added.
Last year, Thailand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific to successfully host a pylon air race during a test event in preparation for the full World Cup of Air Racing this year.
The sport is growing dramatically year on year and is the only international air race that allows aeroplanes to race at the same time.
The Air Race 1 is the international level of the sport known for 100 years as formula one air racing. It is true air racing in which eight aeroplanes race competitively against each other at speeds up to 450 kilometres per hour trying to finish first after eight laps around a tight five-kilometre circuit just 10 metres off the ground.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said: “Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 will enhance Thailand’s position as a must-visit destination for international travellers.
“We are always striving for new ways to attract visitors, and this event helps us distinguish Thailand as an ever-changing innovator and leading global tourist destination.”
The event is pulling in the crème de la crème of international air racing. Among them, the top five pilots who will be maxing out their aeroplanes include:
- Des Hart from Scotland flying with the ‘Sleeper’ team in a ‘Stock Cassutt IIIM’ aeroplane;
- Justin Phillipson from the United States flying with the ‘No Strings Attached’ team in a ‘Shoestring’ aeroplane;
- Scott Holmes from Canada flying with the ‘Outlaw’ team in a ‘1993 Cassutt Racer’ aeroplane;
- Trevor Jarvis from the United Kingdom flying for the ‘Sonic Zoom’ team in a ‘Cassutt’ aeroplane;
- Steve Temple from the United States flying for team ‘Quadnickel’ in a Cassutt IIIM aeroplane.
This elite international pylon air race marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding, and is part of the 10-day International Fleet Review 2017 to be held from 13 to 22 November in Pattaya City and Chon Buri’s Sattahip District.
