Smoke On...Red Bull Rises

Rising from it's close season slumber was the other magnificent sporting spectacle I can't do without:the Red Bull Air Race, and like the Grand Prix in Melbourne, it started on the weekend.

15 of the world's best aviators - including former RAAF Top Gun Instructor and Squadron Leader, Matt Hall, (seen here flying the F/18 Hornet in a display) flew the track in Abu Dhabi to herald the start of the new race season.

If you haven't seen this version of Air Racing, you need to check it out online asap. It is quite stunning, requiring immense skill and fitness, and is visually more spectacular than my other passion, Formula One. The purpose built aircraft race over a twisting tight course above water that cradles large nylon marker pylons. The planes hit these pylons all the time and any that do are penalised 10 seconds in race time, which generally puts them out of contention. Depending on the colour of the pylon the pilot must fly between the pylons level or on one wing at such speed and high g-forces that you have to wonder how can it be possible.

The planes navigate the race course at over 400 kmh with mere millimetres of lee way in the route taken by the pilots. Over the weekend former champion Kirby Chambliss nearly came to an early end when his wing tip was seen to almost touch the surface of the water over which they race. Scary, spectacular, you bet, Breathtaking.

Matt Hall finished down the rank's in eigth place after experiencing teething problems with his new aircraft. Last year's Rookie of the year is also breaking in a new team of engineers so this result is entirely predictable so don't read too much into this early season glitch. Certainly I wish him the very best, I know he can turn the season into another brilliant one and I hope he can score his maiden round win. That said he is up against extreme and gifted aviators so it will be a challenge, but if Matt has proven anything over his lifetime it is that he can meet and conquer any challenge placed before him.

The series heads to Perth for the second round on April 17 and 18. You have just gotta check this out, it is nothing short of stunning.

Despite crowds of a million - yes that's right - attending the event live in Europe, Australian TV only has eyes for plodder Ponting and that game they play in Melbourne. One HD is promising to telecast it so I'll be tuning in and holding my breath, or rather holding my breath when I tune in.

Go Matt. Smoke On.

Think Long and prosper

Biggles