Red Bull Air Race, London, August 2nd 2008

I hopped aboard a train, then a Thames Clipper, and arrived in time to queue in the rain for an afternoon of world class flying. The Red Bull Air Race is one sport that the British seem to excel at. There are three British pilots competing this year; Paul Bonhomme, Nigel Lamb, and Steve Jones and each aviator is improving each year since the race’s beginnings in 2005. It’s a thrilling spectator sport that allows spectators to see every aspect of the race which is laid out in a series of inflatable pylons and gates.

It’s great fun to watch, but I think the organisers could improve on the amenities by providing more catering, more loos, and more comfortable seating or at least less densely packed seating. The entry ticket was £35 (£40 with ‘admin fees’), add to that transport to the venue (near the O2 Arena), food, one drink, and a couple of coffees, and you don’t get much change out of £100. Perhaps I’ll be able to afford a VIP ticket next year – a snip at £450.

Red Bull Air Race, Paul Bonhomme, 2008 UK