Air race goes to Perth

Holidaymakers considering spending the spring in Perth, Western Australia, will have the added thrill of seeing the finale of the international Red Bull Air Race on November 19th 2006.

For the first time Perth will be included in the international series of races, which take place in nine cities including Istanbul, San Francisco and Budapest.

The free event, which attracts over a million spectators, will test the talents of eleven pilots from Hungary, the USA, Germany, Spain, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, France and the UK.

Low level flying and the close proximity to spectators mean that people can experience all the action up-close and witness the excitement of the competition.

Perth will also host an air festival in the lead up to the race on November 17th, 18th and 19th that will include the history and heritage of aircraft and other air events. Visitors will be treated to aircraft flyovers, aerial displays and aircraft exhibitions.

The race takes place in Perth's picturesque South Foreshore, with the best vantage point to watch the action set to be Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth, which has a great view of the city skyline and lots of benches and grassed areas to see the race.

The park can be reached in 10-15 minutes by public ferry from Barrack Street Jetty, which goes across the Swan River to South Perth for as little as $1.30 (50p).

The Red Bull Air Race finale in Perth is suitable for people of all ages, and will feature commentary, music and big screens to go with the event.

Launched in 2003, the air race is becoming one of the most popular entertainment sports in the world, with pilots racing against each other using some of the lightest and most agile planes in existence. Pilots have to complete the dynamic slalom course in the fastest possible time to win the competition. American Mike Mangold, a former US Air Force Top Gun pilot was last year’s winner.

Flights, departing November 16th 2006, from £440 per person, are available from www.flightseverywhere.co.uk. Hotels in Perth can be booked via www.holidaycity.com/perthhotelsXXX