In a world of speed and style, nothing beats the Red Bull Air Race World Championship . . . with fast planes, daring pilots and thousands of people shading their eyes to watch the action.

Fifteen pilots wlll race individually against the clock for the fastest time around an aerial racetrack made up of inflatable air gates. This year marks the sixth year of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship which will also land in nine cities, including Abu Dhabi, UAE; Perth, Australia, and Lisbon, Portugal. 

“New York City is known for its ability to draw some of the world's greatest, large-scale events each year, and we’re  happy to welcome new and exciting sporting events that amplify its reputation as one of the most electrifying cities in the world,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta.  

In 2009, the Red Bull Air Race -- broadcast in over 180 countries -- reached over 300 million viewers. The two-day spectator experience, coupled with the global television broadcast, will showcase New York as a premier sporting destination.

 “The Red Bull Air Race is a high-caliber event that provides international exposure and will bring millions of tourism dollars into our city,” said Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. 

The Red Bull Air Race is different from all other motorsports in that it takes its race track with it wherever it goes around the world. It takes a logistics operation unparalleled in the sports business to transport 380 tons of infrastructure and race equipment including 15 lightweight, 24-foot wingspan race planes . . . and a traveling air traffic control tower!  

“Staging a Red Bull Air Race in New York City and Jersey City marks an important milestone in the history of the global motorsports championship and we feel privileged to be given this opportunity," said Bernd Loidl, CEO of the Red Bull Air Race.  

Over the past five years, the Red Bull Air Race has held races in major metropolitans such as London, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, and in the U.S. in San Diego, Detroit, San Francisco, and Monument Valley, Utah. 

Of the 15 pilots from around the world, two are Americans -- Kirby Chambliss from Arizona and Michael Goulian from Massachusetts. Each pilot operates a year-round race team, including a technician and team coordinator. 

The end goal for each race team is to accumulate as many points throughout the season in a quest to achieve the world championship.  

For more information about the sport, please visit www.redbullairrace.com, or to view each TV episode of the 2009 season, go to www.hulu.com/redbullairrace.