Champions Gary Gardella and Kirby Chambliss Face Off in Red Bull Air Race and Asphalt Event
Written by Andy Williamson Friday, 08 June 2007
Kirby Chambliss and Gary Gardella squared off in unique fashion this week, pitting Gardella's Chevy Cobalt against Chambliss' Zivco EDGE airplane.
Gary Gardella, driver of the Red Bull Pro FWD Chevy Cobalt and 2005 NDRA Pro 4 Champion, and Kirby Chambliss, pilot of the Red Bull Zivko EDGE and 2006 Red Bull Air Race world champion, competed for bragging rights Thursday at Atco Raceway.
Two days prior to the NHRA Sport Compact Drag Race here, the two experienced athletes arrived to test the limits of both air and asphalt.
Chambliss' Zivko EDGE was at a power disadvantage to Gardella's ECOtec-powered Chevy Cobalt, and so Chambliss was granted a running start.
Getting the timing down must have been a challenge, but these two racers pulled it off flawlessly. Gardella launched from the start line just as Chambliss came overhead. And, I mean JUST overhead -- Chambliss flew within feet of Gardella's Chevy Cobalt drag car, which must have triggered an extra shot of adrenalin for Gardella.
The design of the competition resulted in a close race every time. I had the privilege of witnessing three runs. I think it was Gardella 2, Chambliss 1, but I might be a little biased; it was awfully hard to tell who crossed the finish line first. In any case, it was a great experience, and something that most people only get to dream about.
The photos and footage coming out of the event are absolutely awesome. Check out my amateur shots on Flickr and cruise the net to see the pictures the pros took. Video footage is being compiled and edited at this moment. Check back here next week to see the result.
I hoped you are awed as much as I was.
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