Welcome to the fast-paced world of Formula 1 in the skies with the return of Air Race 1 2017 to U-Tapao International Airport which is located in the vicinity of the Royal Thai Navy Base of Sattahip in Chonburi Province from the 17th to 19th November 2017 and the much awaited International Fleet Review 2017 at Pattaya Bay with public parades at Pattaya Beach on the 19th November 2017.
After a successful introductory event last year, Air Race 1 is set to be more exciting and with more nifty little planes and pilots totaling 31 teams, more than triple the number that attended last year. The buzz and high-octane excitement of these men and their powerful little racing machines that can fly at speeds of more than 450kmh are a must-see event for aircraft racing enthusiasts and those who enjoy high-speed extreme sports.
The Air Race 1 event last year made Thailand the first Asian Pacific country to host a pylon air race that involves a few planes racing at the same time. Recognized for more than 100 years as the Formula One of motor air racing, it is the standard by which air technology and accomplished aviators are compared and created. The thrilling sounds of high-pitched engines, smell of high-octane racing fuel and the bluster of pilots and air crews is extreme sport at its best that few others can rival.
Watch out for the savvy pilots and their flying machines and if you have a ticket pass to go into the air hangars then you can get some great pictures of these flamboyant pilots next to their super charged colorful planes. Not only that, if you are lucky enough you might even get an autograph or two for posterity sake and as a keepsake of sorts for those into collectibles.
This year the Air Race 1 event will be held in conjunction with The International Fleet Review 2017 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN Establishment. There will be an exciting list of events happening in Pattaya/Sattahip from the 13th to 22nd November 2017. Another exciting event is also the Khatingdang Traditional Boats and Swan Boats King’s Cup 2017 event and the Ship Tech IV Exhibition. There will also be the International Fleet Review Regatta 2017 at Pattaya Bay where you can see a plethora of Navy ships on parade. Participating in this event are 26 vessels from 19 navies.
The Operations Demonstration and International Navies City Parade at Pattaya Beach which is open to the public on the 19th Nov at 16.30hr and the Air Race 1 Final Round event on the same day. These two international events will establish the coastal city of Pattaya as one of the more advanced high-tech exhibition and event facilities and location in South East Asia making it an attractive venue for extreme sporting events of international caliber.
Other interesting attractions held simultaneously would be the Navy Parades, World Muay Thai Angels 2017 Fight Night and the Aerobatics Show combined with the Aviation Technology and Super Car Exhibition. So if you are fascinated by fast powerful machines, on land or air plus a Muay Thai fan, this is the place you should be at. There are 30 plus flying teams competing in this competition for the coveted cup and do not forget the parade on Pattaya Beach which would be a crowd puller for adults and kids alike in celebration of the International Navies!
**** Navy photos courtesy of aseanifr2017