On 7-8 September, Canada’s only Red Bull Air Race pilot, Pete McLeod, will take off in Chiba, Japan, the final stop of the 2019 World Championship. It is the first time the sport has ever held a season finale in Asia, and the Cashback World Racing Team pilot is looking forward to the tight competition and passionate fans.

Japan is the home of Air Racing’s biggest superfans, and Pete is a popular figure. In the 2017 race in Chiba, he caught everyone’s eye with brilliant runs in Qualifying that gave him both pole position and the DHL Fastest Lap Award. In the Chiba race last season, he advanced all the way to the Final 4 by delivering some of the fastest times of the day. With the news that the Red Bull Air Race will not continue past 2019, Japanese supporters won’t want to miss a moment of the action this weekend.

“The fans in Japan are some of the best in the Air Race, and even some of the most loyal of mine – they are awesome!” Pete declares. “While I wish it wasn’t the last race for the Red Bull Air Race, I’m happy for the Japanese fans that it is happening here in Chiba – they deserve it!”

The Canadian has arrived at the Race Airport with the momentum of his best result of the season so far, a third-place finish at Lake Balaton, Hungary, which makes the finale even more thrilling for McLeod fans everywhere. The pilot is pretty enthusiastic himself, and evidently the racing isn’t the only thing he’s fired up about. “I’m very excited for a restock of shinagawa-maki, one of my favourite Japanese snacks!” he says with a smile.

Pete won’t have too much time to stock up on treats, because he is also in demand as a display pilot, and just days after the race concludes, he will be wrapping up the 2019 airshow season with flights in front of Canadian crowds at the annual Airshow London, right in the Ontario city where he lives. “After that, I’m looking forward to some float plane flying in Northern Canada in October, and then preparations for 2020 projects will start,” explains the busy pilot.

Asked about his mindset for the race in Chiba, Pete says, “Mindset-wise, the challenge will be to stay fully engaged in racing without the ‘last race’ emotion and distraction coming into play. My objective is to finish the season strong, and with a professional approach on and off the track.” He continues, “The World Championship is not in play for me, but the team and I both know we can be a weapon on the track and would like to showcase that one last time before we end the year.”

Join Japan’s Red Bull Air Race superfans and watch Pete McLeod fly at the season finale on 7-8 September 2019. For ticket information and all the latest news, visit www.redbullairrace.com.

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Red Bull Air Race 2019 Calendar
8-9 February: Abu Dhabi, UAE
15-16 June: Kazan, Russia
13-14 July: Lake Balaton, Hungary
7-8 September: Chiba, Japan

About Red Bull Air Race
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is an aerial motorsport series that demands a combination of speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, high performance raceplanes, pilots compete in iconic locations over water and land. The high speed, low altitude and extreme manoeuvrability required make it accessible only to the world’s most exceptional pilots.

Flying just metres from the ground, 14 Master Class pilots race against the clock whilst reaching speeds of up to 370 km/h, requiring a combination of precision and skill unmatched in the world of aviation. Pilots must be in peak physical condition as they endure forces up to 12G while navigating the technical racetracks made up of air-filled pylons.

The Air Race was developed in 2003 and is accredited by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), with more than 90 races completed across five continents. As the most advanced aerial challenge in existence, competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is the highest accolade for elite pilots. The Challenger Cup feeder series was introduced in 2014.

For more editorial content, visit www.redbullairracenewsroom.com.

The recent Red Bull Air Race stop at Lake Balaton produced some of the most exciting action in
the sport’s 14 seasons. One of factors that made it so thrilling was the racetrack layout: the teams
had a wide variety of trajectories to try in the quest to shave time off their runs. Canada’s
Cashback World Racing Team explain how they found the magic line.
The Canadian team worked out the track brilliantly, and it was far from guesswork. Pilot Pete
McLeod finished third, just 0.127s away from race winner Matt Hall (AUS) and a mere 0.009s
behind second place Ben Murphy (GBR). The result was a complete change in fortunes after
finishing ninth in the first two races of 2019.
Expert tactician Werner Wolfrum joined McLeod’s team at the start of this season, but the
German is no novice: he was formerly part of Hannes Arch’s team (AUT) and knows how to find
that winning line. “My special skill is that I have developed tools to show Pete the comparisons in
a 3D visualisation,” says Wolfrum. “We can move our viewpoint around a pattern and can
compare using a look at the line ahead, to see how it will proceed in the next seconds. A picture
tells more than thousands of words, and an animated 3D view more than a million…”
The key to the race
Wolfrum knows exactly where McLeod took his advantage over other pilots. “In Balaton, Gate 5
[which was also Gate 13] was the challenge and key, especially with the wind. Taking it flatter
increased the effect to ‘surf’ on the wind drag, but with the danger to hit the Track Limit Line. To
take it vertical is safe against the Track Limit Line, but consumes more energy,” explains
Wolfrum. “This is where we needed to find the ‘Golden Angle’, and it was not easy to estimate,
especially because the changing wind had a huge effect.”
The ‘Golden Angle’ is a term that Wolfrum uses for the perfect line through a particularly tricky
gate. Finding – and explaining – it takes more than just throwing some numbers at the pilot. “It
makes no sense to give the pilot a mathematical expression or tell him, ‘These are the track
parameters, fly it…’” Wolfrum asserts. “The only way that he can use and work with the input is to
develop a feeling about the shortest line. That – in my opinion – is only possible in a close
discussion of the options in the track. The pilot has the most experience, always more than a
tactician. So the feedback from my pilot is at least as important as the data we get out of the
download after a run.”
To make the line options almost tangible in those discussions, Wolfrum not only used his virtual
tool but also employed a simple piece of paper, curving it as if it were the trajectory of the
raceplane to show McLeod the various effects: if he went flatter (a comparatively broad curve), he
would surely touch the Track Limit Line, and if he pulled too strongly vertical (a tight initial curve)
he would get some space but would slow down due to losing energy in the plane. A radius
somewhat wider than vertical would be ideal, but what angle was optimal?
At Balaton, the changing winds that Wolfrum mentions altered the conditions of the track, and
how the pilots needed to fly it, so frequently that almost every session was different. The pilots
went from rain and 22-knot wind to no wind and glorious sunshine. And the Golden Angle
changed with those conditions. “When there’s more wind from the sides, you can take a little bit
flatter line because the wind drags you away from the Track Limit Line,” Wolfrum describes. “We
discussed watching the wind before entering the track. Maybe you can get information that can
help you estimate the wind, for example, from smoke coming out of a smokestack, or the waves
on the water or how the pylons move. If you have more wind, then a little bit more angle is
possible, about five or 10 degrees.”
But when flying at 200kts, five or 10 degrees is difficult to judge – let alone execute. Wolfrum
says, “That feeling when driving very fast that the road becomes more and more narrow? You
have to imagine that: to get the right target as things feel closer and closer, 10 degrees is really
nothing at that speed. And that is what I am always fascinated by. That these millimetres on the
stick work under 10G at that speed. This is only possible if pilots feel a bond with their plane, the
extended body.” He goes on, “Nuances – millimetres – make a huge difference, and it could be
easy to do too much. So Pete needs to feel it, to sense it on his own, not by a number or an angle
I could give him.”
McLeod emphasises Wolfrum’s value to the team. “Werner pays attention to ALL details of
analysis… from engine and aircraft setup to the line being flown, including 3D modelling and
analysis, and even the efficiency of HOW that line is flown. It’s not just the path you fly, but how it
is flown that can make a huge difference in today’s Red Bull Air Race!”
Teamwork to find the best line
Every team has their own unique way of working together. So when there is a tricky line, or
something is not going to plan, how do Team McLeod come to a solution?
“I point out the options I see, and Pete maybe has other options in his view, and we discuss
[them],” Wolfrum shares. “The best thing is to talk about it, and then Pete has the same
visualisation of the track, because he has to fly it.”He continues, “For Pete, the most important
thing is going through the track in his mind. The target is to open Pete’s mind to different views
because he has to see the different options and all possibilities, and then he, and only he, can
select the right one, because he knows and he feels what his plane does.”
Wolfrum hasprogrammed his simulator for both training and visualisation. McLeod elected not to
train for Balaton in the simulator because it cannot give him the feeling of G loads, and he did not
want to rehearse movements that might need to be slightly different when actually experiencing
high G. But, to develop the countless visualisations he did in his mind and using a “racetrack” laid
out on his hangar floor, the simulator was very helpful. With it, Wolfrum and McLeod were able to
move through every point in the track, around the track, from the outside, from the sides, from
directly in front of a gate. And that is the other function of Wolfrum’s simulator. To put out all data
from the plane, combine it into the line in the simulator, and then look at it virtually from all sides.
“These kind of discussions work out, or make clear, the components and the relations in Pete’s
mind so that he see the combinations,” Wolfrum notes. “Pete’s skill allows him to work with such
information extremely well to find the right way.”
McLeod reciprocates Wolfrum’s appreciation with praise for the 3D tool his tactician has
produced: “The pilot ultimately has to go out and complete the line and will always be limited by
human factors… this is why this tool works so well, because coaching the pilot visually is a very
efficient way to deliver the information.”
See the world’s best Air Racing pilots fly their lines at the season finale in Chiba, Japan on 7-8
September 2019: For ticket information and all the latest, visit www.redbullairrace.com.
###
Red Bull Air Race 2019 Calendar
8-9 February: Abu Dhabi, UAE
15-16 June: Kazan, Russia
13-14 July: Lake Balaton, Hungary
7-8 September: Chiba, Japan
About Red Bull Air Race
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is an aerial motorsport series that demands a
combination of speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, high performance
raceplanes, pilots compete in iconic locations over water and land. The high speed, low altitude
and extreme manoeuvrability required make it accessible only to the world’s most exceptional
pilots.
Flying just metres from the ground, 14 Master Class pilots race against the clock whilst reaching
speeds of up to 370 km/h, requiring a combination of precision and skill unmatched in the world of
aviation. Pilots must be in peak physical condition as they endure forces up to 12G while
navigating the technical racetracks made up of air-filled pylons.
The Air Race was developed in 2003 and is accredited by the Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale (FAI), with more than 90 races completed across five continents. As the most
advanced aerial challenge in existence, competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship
is the highest accolade for elite pilots. The Challenger Cup feeder series was introduced in 2014.
For more editorial content, visit www.redbullairracenewsroom.com.

With just one race completed, Pete McLeod has a plan and is focused
In Abu Dhabi, Pete McLeod was fast – so fast, in fact, that he set the fastest net time on Race Day. But a slight miscalculation saw him fly through Gate 7 at the incorrect level, costing him two seconds in penalties, ultimately bringing his Race Day to an early conclusion.

However, with only one race under his belt so far in the 2019 season, there’s still plenty of time for McLeod and his Cashback World Racing Team to move up the ranks from his current 9th place position all the way to the top. And McLeod has the skill and confidence to do so. “I made a unforced error in Abu Dhabi on Race Day. There was a wind change and I didn’t compensate properly – it can happen – but I’m definitely focused on making less of these type of mistakes,” he said. “Running fast and at the top of pace should help with this, as I shouldn’t have to take quite so much risk to win. In any case, we’re only one race in to the season, it’s early and what will be important is to establish a trend of clean flying.”

McLeod was also unlucky in Qualifying when he finished second, and at first glance should have claimed two points. But after a technical inspection of his raceplane, it was revealed that one magneto was over the allowed limit. The Race Committee made the decision not to award the Qualifying points that would normally be awarded in accordance with this placement. It was apparent that the issue was not intentional, and so McLeod’s ranking stayed the same. “As a team we will learn from this and put additional inspections in place to try to minimise the risk of the same occurrence in the future,” explained McLeod. “Like all teams, we have to continue to run our equipment and race on the limit of the rules and regulations in order to be competitive. To get it all right, the team needs as much precision off the track as the pilot needs on the track!”

McLeod has a new sponsor onboard for 2019, but he doesn’t see that as adding any extra stress to his racing. “I think the pressure is somehow always there. I’m starting to form a great relationship with Cashback World and happy to have them as a partner. All of my partners are very supportive of me, understand our building approach to success, and that sometimes things don’t always go as planned. That being said, I always like to deliver for my team and sponsors, and fans on Race Day – they all are counting on me. Everyone likes to win!” McLeod exclaimed.

McLeod used to be the gung-ho pilot that would go all0out no matter what. But as he’s gained more experience in the track he’s grown and changed his approach to the series. “I think I’m going to bring a lot of excitement; the hardest part is having to wait so long to get back in the racetrack. But the season is too young for hard targets with overall results – we need another race or two. Of course I want to win, however, I’m focused on taking a race-by-race approach on the track and trying to be better and faster every race. As a team, we have some new faces and systems and we know it will take time and experience to get all systems, expertise, and personalities integrated and running smoothly. I guess you could say I’m more focused on executing the plan then dreaming about the goal… I feel there is lot of potential this season, so I’m very excited to get racing,” McLeod concluded

Pete McLeod will continue his 2018 campaign in the Red Bull Air Race this Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 September, when the World Championship takes off in Wiener Neustadt, Austria for the first time. Then, it is back home to North America for the final two races of the season. Here, the Canadian pilot shares his thoughts on the Austrian race and more.

Pete, welcome to Wiener Neustadt. The very first Red Bull Air Race was held in Zeltweg, Austria 15 years ago, way before you joined the field in 2009, but you raced at an Austrian track in Spielberg from 2014 through 2016. How does it feel to be back?

PM: Austria is one of my favorite countries. I have many great memories in Austria and always look forward to making more.

What do you like about it?

PM: The people, nature, food and culture feel very connected in Austria, and to me that makes it a very nice place, a place I feel comfortable in!

Wiener Neustadt will be the first land-based track of the season, ahead of two more at speedways in Indianapolis and Fort Worth, and it’s also the first 2018 race with a standing start. Thoughts?

PM: I’m happy about the land tracks and the style of track, but having a “standing start” in two of the three races could be a real wild card. I struggled with engine setup at the stop in Russia, as some of the onboard systems tied to this are aging and losing accuracy. And engine setup is one of the biggest challenges with races that start from the ground.

With just three weeks between that race in Kazan, Russia and this weekend’s stop in Austria, it’s been a quick turnaround. Did you go all the way home to Ontario?

PM: Yes, I went back to Canada, staying very busy with flying and air shows now that I again have an aerobatic plane at home. It’s a demanding schedule from now through the end of the year, but great to be in the air on a regular basis.

Do you have any upcoming plans for your raceplane since it’ll soon be in North America for the first time all season?

PM: Absolutely, we are also busy with preparing for maintenance, modifications and developments on the raceplane that will be critical for the finish of the season and, more importantly now, 2019. But first we’ve got the race this weekend, and that’s our focus. There’s a lot of history behind this airfield – planes started flying here more than a hundred years ago. We’re looking forward to getting into the track.

Team McLeod will race in Wiener Neustadt, Austria on 15-16 September, 2018. For tickets and all the World Championship news: www.redbullairrace.com.

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Red Bull Air Race 2018 Calendar
2-3 February: Abu Dhabi, UAE
20-22 April: Cannes, France
26-27 May: Chiba, Japan
23-24 June: Budapest, Hungary
25-26 August: Kazan, Russia
15-16 September: Wiener Neustadt, Austria
6-7 October: Indianapolis, USA
17-18 November: Fort Worth, USA

About Red Bull Air Race
Created in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship has held more than 80 races around the globe. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370 km/h while enduring forces of up to 12G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was conceived to help the next generation of pilots develop the skills needed for potential advancement to the Master Class that vies for the World Championship.
For more editorial content, please visit www.redbullairracenewsroom.com.

With preparations underway for the Red Bull Air Race return to Kazan, Russia on 25-26 August 2018, the pilots who topped last year’s race in the country’s sporting hub – Kirby Chambliss (1st place, USA) and Pete McLeod (2nd place, Canada) – took off for an aerial overview of the city.

Kazan, Russia – Flying at a more leisurely pace than the 370 km/h they will achieve in the racetrack over the Kazanka River on Saturday and Sunday, the pair witnessed impressive vistas including Kazan’s World Heritage Site Kremlin and the striking architecture of the Kazan Family Centre. Kazan marks the fifth stop on the eight-race calendar, and the action will be intense this weekend as 14 pilots from 10 countries and five continents battle to seize momentum for the second half of the season.

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RED BULL AIR RACE 2018 CALENDAR
2-3 February: Abu Dhabi, UAE
20-22 April: Cannes, France
26-27 May: Chiba, Japan
23-24 June: Budapest, Hungary
25-26 August: Kazan, Russia
15-16 September: Wiener Neustadt, Austria
6-7 October: Indianapolis, USA
17-18 November: Fort Worth, USA

ABOUT RED BULL AIR RACE
Created in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship has held more than 80 races around the globe. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370 km/h while enduring forces of up to 12G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was conceived to help the next generation of pilots develop the skills needed for potential advancement to the Master Class that vies for the World Championship. www.redbullairrace.com

When the Red Bull Air Race World Championship made its Russian debut in Kazan last year, Canada’s Pete McLeod was part of a North American podium sweep. This weekend, he’s back in the sporting capital – can he find success again on a brand-new track?

The race in Russia is spectacular, with the onion domes of Kazan’s Kremlin as a backdrop and sports-loving spectators cheering when the pilots challenge each other in skies that can be turbulent given the region’s changeable winds and weather.

In 2017, McLeod mastered the Kazan conditions, flying his #84 to a net time that was over a second faster than anyone else in the Final Four. Only a penalty for imperfectly leveling his wings put him on the second step of the podium instead of the top. So what does he anticipate at this edition?

“Unfortunately for me, they completely redesigned the racetrack this year!” McLeod says with a smile. “It’s a new track and a new season, so anything can happen.”

Kazan is the fifth of eight stops on the calendar, and so far, McLeod’s best 2018 result has been strong fourth place in Chiba, Japan. But he is far from satisfied, especially after finishing third overall in 2017.

“I haven’t had the speed of the point leaders yet this year,” acknowledges the Canadian, who as a 30-year-old in 2014 became the youngest race winner in the history of the sport. “I just need a solid race.”

The fact that McLeod didn’t have an appropriate airplane to train with as he awaited delivery of a new aircraft for his home hangar hasn’t helped his efforts this season, but there’s great news on that front.

“We have stayed very busy with summer operations at home since the last race in Budapest, and I finally have an aerobatic aircraft flying in Canada for the first time this season after a 10-month delay. So it will be nice to be flying a bit in advance of the next race!” McLeod states.

He concludes, “Kazan is the start of the second half of the season, followed by a steady flow of races in the calendar, so I’m looking forward to flying here and getting back to racing.”

Team McLeod will race in front of Kazan’s historic Kremlin on August 25-26, 2018. For tickets and all the World Championship updates: www.redbullairrace.com.