It’s that time of year again folks. The time where speed, power and precision are all packed into one for a whirlwind weekend of excitement here in San Diego. Yes, it’s the return of the electrifying two-day competition known as the Red Bull Air Race on May 9 and 10.

This season, the competition will travel to six spectacular locations across the globe. The traditional season opener in Abu Dhabi on April 17th and 18th of 2009 awarded Hannes Arch of Austria as the first winner of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship race, leading the competition with an astounding 13 points. San Diego will be the second city visited in the race followed by Windsor in Ontario, Canada before returning back to Europe for stops in Budapest, Porto and Barcelona.

Red Bull Air Races have revamped the racing format to enhance scoring and provide for a riveting performance. The improved 2009 format includes the largest expansion ever in the field – an increase to 15 pilots from 12 in 2008 – as well as a Qualifying Day where all pilots will race to be one of the ten fastest to be sent directly through to the Top 12 on Race Day. For the first time ever, the winner on Qualifying Day will be awarded one additional championship point to bring with them to Race Day. Another important alteration to the 2009 season is the scoring. The format, which previously assessed three seconds of penalty time for incorrect flying through an air gate, has now been cut down to two seconds and the penalty for touching an air gate has been reduced to six seconds from the previous ten.

Re-live 2008 Red Bull Air Races in San Diego. And check out crazy San Diego Red Bull Air Race photos.

Red Bull Air Race Tickets:
- Qualifying (Saturday, May 9th): $ 20
- Race Day (Sunday, May 10th): $ 30
- 2-day (Saturday, May 9th & Sunday, May 10th): $ 40

Buy tickets online at redbullairraces.com

If you want the best vantage point to watch the races in San Diego, what better place to experience it than on the water? On Saturday, May 9 and 10, San Diego Harbor Excursion offers spectators the chance to witness the excitement on board. For $30, guests will partake in three hour cruise around the bay and get to experience all the action close-up. On Sunday, May 10, you can watch all the action and exhilaration of Race Day on San Diego’s VIP spectator yacht, “America.” For $75, guests will cruise around the San Diego bay on this open sailing schooner rewarding unrestricted views of the planes and all the action.

If you want to go all out for the Red Bull races this year, the Hospitality High Flyer’s Lounge located at the south Embarcadero Marina Park will offer guests a superior view of the air race track set amidst a unique VIP atmosphere. Guests will enjoy an extensive gourmet menu and complimentary open bar, unparalleled views of all the action, flat screen monitors and video walls and a Pilot Meet and Greet on Race Day. Tickets start at $600 for Saturday, May 9, $1000 for Sunday, May 10th and $1360 for the complete two-day race. But if you’re looking for the cheaper route, you can always cram up next to the plethora of locals and visitors on the boardwalk at Seaport Village and watch the entertainment absolutely free of charge.

To get your Red Bull Air Race party on with the best downtown views, head to Float Lounge at Hard Rock San Diego, ALTITUDE at Gaslamp Marriott, KIN Lounge at Manchester Grand Hyatt, and The Fleetwood in East Village. Discover why...

Join Reggie Bush on Saturday, May 9 at 8pm as he hosts the Red Bull Air Race After Party at Float Lounge atop Hard Rock featuring entertainment such as 88-Keys, Pacific Division, Eric Cubeechee and SuperCr3w. Tickets are $30, but with a limited availability, you better hurry and get them before they’re all sold out. (pictured below)

On May 9 and 10 experience the Red Bull Air Races from 22 stories in the air amidst friends, food and flowing cocktails at the Gaslamp Marriott. On Saturday, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge opens the doors at 11:30 am and again on Sunday at 10:30am.

The Fleetwood is host to the Official Red Bull Air Race After Party on Sunday May 10 from 7pm to close. Come sip speciality Red Bull cocktails with the Red Bull industry crew to the beats of DJ Loczi, Chris Clouse and DJ G*Roy. As always, there is no cover for this Fleetwood event, but it is sure to get crowded quick.