How Fast is Fast? Warbirds Over Wanaka

Media Release – How Fast is Fast?

Wanaka: Organisers have confirmed that Jet Racing will return for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2016 and will feature at least one, and possibly two, aircraft which have actually competed in the world-famous Reno Air Races.

The announcement comes one year out from the airshow which is being held on March 25th next year.

Jet Racing was introduced at Warbirds Over Wanaka last year and was a huge hit with the big crowds. Three visiting pilots representing the USA took on three of New Zealand’s best in a series of races over three days. The Kiwis took out the first three placings at the end of the weekend and the Americans vowed to return with faster aircraft to even up the score.

“A L29 Jet with a Viper engine has recently arrived in Wanaka where it will now be based” Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor, has confirmed. It is owned by a syndicate of local aviators and businessmen who intend to have it flying soon, offering public rides.

“This aircraft has competed several times at Reno under the name ‘Screaming Eagle’ and the Viper engine means it will shake things up for our Jet Racing next year."

“Another of the US pilots is keen to return with his specially prepared Reno racing jet. The rivalry amongst the pilots for slots in the Jet Racing is hotting up so we expect this fast and furious pylon racing to once again be a highlight of our event,” said Ed.

Other acts already confirmed for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2016 include a return of the lakefront event on the Friday early evening which will feature the crowd-favourite Catalina and a collection of other amphibious aircraft landing on the lake.

Meanwhile, interest in the airshow, which is rated as one of the top four warbird airshows in the world, is once again high, despite there being another year before it takes place.

“There was the usual rush when tickets went on sale through Ticketdirect back in February and we’ve been especially pleased with sales of the brand new luxury one day pass – the Titanium Pass.

These are limited to just 100 on the Saturday and 100 on the Sunday and going on sales in just the first month, these will sell out well before the event,” said Ed.

Another pleasing factor has been the interest from Australian tour groups, who are pre-ordering more tickets.

Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow has been held every second Easter since 1988. Friday is a practice day, Saturday and Sunday are airshow days and the Monday is Rides Day when visitors can book flights in a number of different aircraft.

ENDS

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