Must-watch video: Alexander Rossi and Kirby Chambliss Go Head to Head
Chambliss and Rossi piloted their respective racecrafts in unison around the world's most famous racetrack, creating a must-see video for airplane and racecar fans alike, as well as adrenaline junkies.
"I didn't think anything of it until I was on track and there was a plane next to me," said Rossi, driver of the No. 98 Honda for Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian. "It was a little bit trippy – when else are you going to be able to be driving an Indy car around the Speedway with a plane upside down next to you?"
The two motorsport athletes also switched roles, with Chambliss riding shotgun to Rossi in a two-seat Indy car and Rossi taking to the skies as Chambliss' guest in a two-seat plane. Rossi experienced a strong dose of the nearly 10 Gs that Air Race pilots regularly confront during competitions. Chambliss also executed several dynamic aerial stunts with Rossi in the plane.
"The fact that I got in the plane makes me question my own sanity," Rossi said.
The Red Bull Air Race will feature the world's best pilots negotiating a course over the IMS infield and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course at speeds exceeding 230 mph.
"People always say 'you're crazy,'" Chambliss said. "I take it as a compliment."
"You don't see a plane and an Indy car racing down the backstretch every day," said IMS President Doug Boles. "These guys are real pros there's no doubt about that. I think our fans are going to be even more excited for the Air Race after watching this."