29 April 2008
Air Racing comes to Blackpool
The iconic British tourist destination of Blackpool has
announced that it will hold an Aero GP air race grand prix on
28-29th June 2008 as part of its winning bid to host National
Veterans Day.
Blackpool is planning a week of events to celebrate and
recognise service veterans, which will culminate in a weekend of
air racing and air sports.
This new trend in motorsport – air racing – is fast emerging in
the sports world and Blackpool is the first city in the UK to
embrace it in the modern era. This form of air racing should
not be confused with the single-plane time trials seen in London
and Longleat. This is real air racing with eight
high-performance sport airplanes competing together in the racing
circuit.
Aero GP, the fastest motorsport in Europe, which has enjoyed
much international television coverage, is extending its annual
championship into a series of competitions in 2008, returning to
Constanta, Romania on 7-8th June for the start of the season and at
least one other European venue yet to be announced. The Aero
GP sees some of the top pilots in the world competing in various
disciplines including an air race, aerobatics and actual air-to-air
combat.
The air race and other entertainment will take place over the
sea along the North Shore beachfront starting from the North Pier
in the heart of the town. The event is expected to draw huge
crowds of spectators for this exciting international
competition.
All aspects of the event are being carefully designed and
planned by experts in air sports and being reviewed and observed
closely by the Civil Aviation Authority. The Blackpool Aero
GP is being organised in association with the British Formula Air
Racing Association (FARA), which is the historic governing body for
air racing in the UK and an official body of the Royal Aero
Club.
Jeff Zaltman, president of the Aero GP, said “After many years
of working to promote and revitalise air racing and air sports, we
are thrilled to be able to confirm the Aero GP in Britain.
This is an exciting time for Aero GP and we couldn’t think of a
better place to race than Blackpool, given its support for aviation
and its success at hosting events. We promise the visitors to
Blackpool an historic and safe weekend of exciting sport led by
amazing pilots.”
Andrew Chadwick, chairman of FARA, said “The UK has had a rich
history of air racing for nearly a century, but the sport is due
for a revival. We are working with Aero GP to promote the
sport, which in its heyday was the biggest public sports attraction
in the UK. This year marks the 100th anniversary of aviation
in Britain, so it’s a fitting time to both reflect and to re-launch
a successful British sports heritage into the future.”
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is sponsoring
National Veterans Week as part of a three-year project to fund a
programme of signature events in Blackpool.
James Berresford, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, said:
“Blackpool is going to huge lengths to make sure National Veterans
Week features an exciting programme of activity for all.
“The announcement that such a compelling and thrilling spectacle
as air racing will be part of the programme is tremendous and I’m
sure will prove a draw for thousands of visitors.”
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Sara Teiger PR
120 Grosvenor Street
All Saints
Manchester M1 7HL
T: 0161 273 4464
M: 07711 804 692
sara@stpr.co.uk