The only thing I love more than 75,000 people coming down to Detroit each day to participate in the Red Bull Air Races – and the estimated $64 million economic impact to the city – is the fact that Red Bull created this sport.

What better way to eliminate the competition than to create your own cutting-edge event, build worldwide buzz and have people seek it out time and again?  Brilliant!

According to the Detroit News, Red Bull created the sport in 2001 and now boasts a worldwide television audience now numbering 400 million. The event combines the thrills and skills of high-flying aerobatic stunts with a timed competition through a tight course of 65-foot air-inflated pylons. It's not side-by-side racing, but the round-by-round knockout format puts pressure on the dozen pilots in the series to find more and more speed.  

Pilot Michael Goulian said Red Bull spends at least $150 million annually to run the series. The pilots own and modify their own aircraft, which are capable of reaching speeds of up to 265 miles per hour and stresses in the turns of up to 10 times the force of gravity. Each of the 12 pilots invited to participate has been a national or international aerobatics champion.

Detroit is one of only two North American stops this year on what has become a prestigious international circuit for the thrilling, made-for-TV sport. Red Bull liked the idea of holding a race for the first time in two countries – between Canada and the United States.  And let’s admit, what a beautiful backdrop with the Detroit River and all the buildings so close!  The tour goes on to London, Sweden, the Netherlands, Hungary and Australia.  Previous races have been held in the United States only in San Francisco, San Diego and the Utah desert near Monument Valley.