U-Tapao, Thailand, 17 November, 2017 – The prestigious Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017, being held from 17 to 19 November at U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, proves the sky is the limit when it comes to the Kingdom’s ability to organise international events that appeal to overseas visitors.
Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 Presented by Chang is considered one of the fastest, most thrilling motorsports of its kind and continues to attract a loyal legion of fans as it expands its global reach into Asia.
H.E. Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, said international calibre events like Air Race 1 World Cup enhances the position of Thailand as a sport and leisure tourism destination, and forms part of several international events and competitions scheduled during the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018, which is at the heart of the Royal Thai Government’s ongoing efforts to foster the success of the tourism industry as a key economic driver.
“We were delighted by the response from last year’s race in Thailand that proved once again that we are Asia’s most reliable sports event host. Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 Presented by Chang shows once again that Thailand is ready to expand our sports tourism offering and organise international events that diversify our leisure tourism appeal,” Mrs. Kobkarn added.
Last year, Thailand was the first country in Asia Pacific to successfully host a pylon air race during a test event in preparation for the full World Cup event this week.
Mr. Jeff Zaltman, Air Race 1 CEO, said: “We are just thrilled to be back in Thailand and ready to race. Last year’s event was such a fantastic success, proving once again that Thailand is a highly reliable organising partner.”
Mr. Mukkhaphon Amornwet (Paul), Thailand Air Race 1 Operation Director, said: “It is a great honour to be entrusted with this important organising task. The Thai sports audience is becoming very enthusiastic and sophisticated, so we look forward to introducing the sport to them.”
The event will be broadcast live to the nation via Thai Rath television to expand its appeal to the domestic Thai audience. After an opening ceremony introducing all 16 participating pilots by VIPs, terra firma-based activities include a ‘Food Zone’ with over 50 booths serving Thai culinary delights. There will also be a social media photo booth and photo contents, gaming area, a pilot meet-and-greet area plus live musical entertainment and concerts by local Thai performers.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor, said the sport is experiencing dramatic growth worldwide as fans are attracted to the format that allows aeroplanes to race at the same time.
“Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 enhances Thailand’s reputation as a top-quality destination for sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers as it appeals to a new generation of travellers looking to combine sport with leisure tourism during a single journey,” Mr. Yuthasak added.
Air Race 1 is a part of international level of the sport known for 100 years as formula one air racing. Regarding as ‘true air racing’, eight aeroplanes race competitively against each other at the same time reaching speeds of more than 450 kilometres per hour. The winner of each heat is first to complete the eight lap, five-kilometre circuit at a height of only 10 metres off the ground.
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, from 13 to 22 November in Pattaya City and Chonburi’s Sattahip District.
Photo gallery 1: Opening Ceremony
Photo gallery 2: VIPs visits at the Hangar Zone
