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Red Bull Air Race
IMS Celebrates National Aviation Day as Preparation Continues for Red Bull Air Race

On both Oct. 14 and 15, Red Bull is giving IMS wings again! The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will return for two days of excitement and thrills, this time handing out its series championship hardware in Indianapolis. 

To celebrate National Aviation Day, which takes place TODAY! (Aug. 19), we asked IMS staffers to submit their thoughts on year 1 of the Air Race and why they’re excited for this Fall’s upcoming competition. Happy reading! 

“I really enjoyed the buildup and anticipation of the new Red Bull Air Race event. The promotions and field marketing activities on Georgia St. and around Indianapolis brought a lot of awareness to the race. Watching plane after plane take off and land inside of IMS, flying through pylons and doing flips took my breath away. The aerial stunt helicopter, and all the side acts were also awesome to watch during breaks in the action.” – Wes Johnson, PR/Communications Coordinator 

“Watching our venue turn from a race track into a fully functioning airport. Also, watching kids who have a love of aviation get the chance to meet the pilots and ride with them in the Pilot’s Parade, in vintage pace cars might I add, before the start of the race. They were so excited and star truck. It was so fun to watch!” – Lauren Guidotti, Community Outreach Manager 

“The Air Race brought a family atmosphere with the great kid’s zone and the ‘World of Red Bull’ side acts. I like the way IMS embraced our aviation history for this first year event.  I also love the unique fact that IMS turned into an airfield for the weekend. Great new event!” – Suzi Elliott, Media Relations Manager 

“I really enjoyed our venue’s transformation from a racetrack to an airport! From building the hangars to painting the runway, each piece of the conversion is truly fascinating. Ultimately, the process sets the stage for two days of adrenaline filled competition. I can’t wait to the see Red Bull Air Race come back this year and crown a champion in Indy!” – Alex Damron, Communications Director 

Walking through the pedestrian tunnel and seeing a Red Bull Air Race plane taking flight at IMS was astounding to me. After watching racing on the track over the years, the thought of looking up blew my mind. I look forward to having that feeling of amazement again as some of the best pilots in the world return to tackle “The Greatest Race Course in the World” from the skies. - Zach Hudson, Digital Marketing Strategist

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