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South African Gliding Grand Prix! |
Maybe you have heard, South Africa will host one of the World Grand Prix events in December 2006, right before the Nationals!
In some ways, the Sailplane Grand Prix is based on the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Similar
equipment is used to cover such an event and it creates an enviroment
for a thrilling spectator sport. All the gliders are rigged with
tracking devices, cameras
and there are even helicopters following the action. Gliders fly in a
figure eight course and do several laps. The progress is plotted on a
realtime 3D animated display and displayed on a big screens for the
crowd. There are also live camera feeds of the leaders which are mixed
into the whole broadcast. A recent Grand Prix was hosted in New Zealand.
The next one will be held in The US during July. In December the event
will be held in South Africa. We look forward to see how events of this
magnetude will further boost Soaring as a sport but also as a hobby.
Click here to download a video clip from the New Zealand Grand Prix: 7.3Mb
Click here to link to the official 2006 website for the Gliding Grand Prix in Bloemfontein.
You can also view the site inside the Bloemfontein Gliding Club frame if you click here.
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