I was looking forward to the RedBull Air Races for months. My dad and I have been watching them on TV for years. We decided to check it out this year since they came to Las Vegas for the first time. We left early and disappointed both days.
Saturday, day one was just not that exciting. There was not a lot to see behind the grand stands. A couple of booths from RedBull and some local businesses but not much else. The action inside the gates was slow to happen. The Challenger Cup guys were flying but there were so few of them that the action did not last long. There was too much down time and the stunt motorcycle riders providing the entertainment in between simply weren't that entertaining. Lets head on home and try it tomorrow.
Sunday rolled around and did not start much better. Still not much going on outside and its windy. So windy I am getting worried they may not be able to race. But in we go and begin to wait again for anything to happen. By a bit after 12 noon the planes took to the air. A few hit the pylons causing some breif delays but it was exciting. These planes are so highly agile. These were the top 12 flying. Or top 11 more specifically since the final pilot never got to post a time. The wind by this point was blowing down the pylons. Begin a long holding pattern. By just after 2:00 the race director took to the PA system to announce that a committee was discussing how or even if to continue. I knew this was bad news so I left early yet again. I am glad I did as I just found out they cancelled the race and crowned a winner based on qualifying. What a let down.
I am still interested in the RedBull Air Races. I will continue to watch on TV. As for attending, maybe if they go to San Diego or Long Beach I will check it out again. Some place close to home with better weather would be great. I don't think Vegas was a success and I don't believe they will be back. Too bad,