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Air Racing Comes to Blackpool

The iconic British tourist destination of Blackpool 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."