The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Perthshire pilot prepares to take on 16 of the best in world’s fastest motorsport
Air race: Intrepid flying ace will pilot plane just metres above the ground in bid to bring World Cup to Scotland
An intrepid Perthshire pilot is to go wing tip to wing tip with the best air racers in the world in the fastest motorsport on the planet.
Des Hart from Coupar Angus will be flying the flag for Scotland at the Air Race 1 World Cup in Thailand from tomorrow to Monday.
The 43-year-old shipbroker will compete against 16 of the world’s most skilled race pilots in the event that is known as the formula one of air racing.
Each race involves up to eight pilots going head-to-head on a tight oval circuit at speeds of more than 250mph just metres above the ground.
“It’s going to be a thrilling event in a truly spectacular location,” said Mr Hart.
“Winning the World Cup for Scotland would be unbelievable.
“Air Race 1 is the fastest motorsport in the world and an unbelievable spectacle.
“I’ve been to Formula One, which is fantastic, but you only get to see the cars each time they pass where you’re sitting. “With Air Race 1, you can see everything, and it’s even quicker.
“People probably won’t be aware just how fast, close together and close to the ground we’re racing.”
The father of two has been forced to put air racing on the back burner for the past year after his family received the devastating news his youngest daughter, Sofia, was suffering from bone cancer.
Mr Hart, wife Lynn and eldest daughter Helena, 9, hope they can look forward to happier times with the seven-year-old
“It’s been a really rough period for all of us and I had no intention of racing this year due to how poorly Sofia was,” he said.
“It was a very aggressive bone cancer, but the initial scans after her chemotherapy looked really positive, and she finished her immunotherapy before I flew out to Thailand, so we’re hoping and praying for more good news in the coming weeks.”