Texan top gun wins Air Race

By John Hill on August 3, 2008 2:52 PM |

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Red Bull Air Race

For dramatic pictures of this year's race, see Wharf snapper Louisa's gallery here

FORMER world champion Kirby Chambliss soared to victory in London as bad weather cast a shadow over the Red Bull Air Race.

The Texan won a mis-matched final against Frenchman Nicolas Ivanoff to close within two points of series leader Paul Bonhomme.

The Brit had dominated qualifying, but was knocked out in the last eight after hitting an air gate in a stuttering run on Sunday.

Patchy showers and treacherous winds claimed a slew of favourites on Sunday, with defending 2007 champion Mike Mangold joining Bonhomme back in the hangar after hitting an obstacle. He had earlier crept through qualifying depite losing part of his plane on his first run on Saturday. The early shocks looked to have cleared the field for dark horse challenger Hannes Arch, but the Austrian had to settle for a third place finish after hitting an air gate in the semi final.

In a disappointing day for Brits, Steve Jones claimed a single point after a run-off for ninth early in the afternoon. Compatriot Nigel Lamb missed out on a top four finish by one place.

The weather may have conquered the big guns, but it did not deter the crowds who gathered under umbrellas at stands near West SIlvertown, The O2 and East India.

The pilots will now move on to the sixth race in Budapest, with Brit Paul Bonhomme leading on 38 and Hannes Arch and Kirby Chambliss tied for 36.

For more information, see The Wharf on Thursday August 7.