SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 25 /PRNewswire/ — The high speeds and thrills of the Red Bull Air Race World Series will touch down in Monument Valley, UT, on May 12th, 2007. Home to the iconic scenery of sandstone buttes and isolated red mesas, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will provide an amazing backdrop for one of the first Air Races held entirely over land.

The Red Bull Air Race World Series is an international racing event stopping at 12 different locations throughout the world. The race features the world’s lightest, most agile and responsive planes navigating a course of “Air Gates” at 250 mph and low altitudes.

Led by American defending champions Kirby Chambliss (2006) and Mike Mangold (2005), the 2007 Red Bull Air Races will feature a new bracketed format with seeding based on two rounds of qualifying. The new format will increase the race excitement and provide greater challenge for all the competing pilots. Dr. Joe Shirley Jr., President of the Navajo Nation, is elated to host the Red Bull Air Race in Monument Valley:

“We are pleased to welcome our guests and eager to see the world’s most talented pilots compete in the dynamic new discipline of air racing. It will be spectacular against the backdrop of Monument Valley’s towering sandstone spires and brilliant blue sky.”

Smoke On

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the most unique and popular attractions in the world. Located on the southern border of Utah and northeast Arizona, Monument Valley has been made famous through stunning photography and many John Wayne movies. The Red Bull Air Race Monument Valley stop will be located 4 miles east of Highway 163 in the Navajo Tribal Park.

On May 12th at 10:00 am, the gates will open, and the high speed excitement of the Red Bull Air Race will begin. There will be opportunities to tour the paddock, view the spectacular planes and interact with the 14 highly skilled pilots. The official opening will start at 1:30 pm, fast flying action starts at 2:30 pm culminating in the new “knock out” finale.

PR Newswire