May 26, 2010 - As the Red Bull Air Race World Championship prepares to land in the Canadian city of Windsor, Ontario on June 5 and 6th for the fourth round of 2010 season, all eyes are on the widening field of title contenders. In the most closely fought battle in the sport’s history, at least five teams are in the running, including local hero Pete McLeod, the youngest pilot in the championship.

The Canadian, who currently sits in 5th place, is looking forward to his home race over the Detroit River after dazzling the crowd of 300,000 last year as a rookie with a brilliant performance under pressure.

Britain’s Paul Bonhomme, on 31 points, is clinging to a shrinking lead at the top of a pack of challengers that includes compatriot Nigel Lamb (28 points), Austria’s Hannes Arch (27 points), Australia’s Matt Hall (22 points) and Pete McLeod (19 points).

Bonhomme, who turned his flagging 2009 season around with a victory in Windsor, will be looking for the same to happen this year after back-to-back third place finishes at the last two races in Perth and Rio de Janeiro. “It is most definitely a three horse race…or possibly four?” said Bonhomme.

“No one is going to have an easy year. We’re still at the top of the table. That might change, but compare us to any other team and we’re not doing that badly. I’m now itching with excitement to get into the track in Windsor to try and win a race.”

“I’m stoked about coming back to Canada for the next race,” said McLeod, who learned how to fly float planes in Canada’s rugged north and aims to be the world champion by the time he is 30 years old. “l feel overall I have an advantage in Windsor. We’re close to home, and the support of the Canadian fans really motivates the team and me. As for the track, it was one of my favorites last season – very tight and unforgiving.”

Windsor is also looking forward to hosting the Red Bull Air Race for the second straight year. Ontario’s Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan has been full of praise for the race, which he said gave the region an important economic boost last year.