Matt Hall has realised a dream eight years in the making.
After finishing as runner-up on three previous occasions, the Hunter-based pilot became the first Australian to win the Red Bull Air Race World Championship at the weekend.
Hall knew that a third place or above finish in Sunday’s race in Chiba, Japan, would wrap up a maiden title.
In a dramatic finale, Japanese hero Yoshihide Muroya won the race ahead of USA’s Kirby Chambliss, but Hall snatched third to pip Muroya to the championship by a single point.
Czech pilot Martin Šonka, who claimed the 2018 title, rounded out the top three.
Hall became the Red Bull Air Race’s 10th, and last, world champion.
In May, Red Bull announced it would cancel an event that hosted more than 90 races since its exception in 2003.
A statement from the beverage company claimed the Red Bull Air Race “did not attract the level of outside interest as many other Red Bull events across the world”.
Hall, who finished second in 2015, 2016 and 2018, said it was a relief to finally be a champion on what turned out to be an emotionally challenging day.
“I have been through this [a world championship deciding race] four times before, but there was more pressure this time because it was the last chance to do it with the race ending,” he said.
A decorated fighter pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force, Hall finished his Red Bull Air Race career with one world championship, seven race wins, and 30 podiums.
He acknowledged the title was an important career goal and admitted he was concerned about being the “most famous bridesmaid in history”.
“I try not to say that I deserve stuff, but we have always been there, and we have always been pushing the championship leaders,” he said.
“To be on the podium five times for the championship and not get one would have been something you don’t get over for the rest of your life.”
Hall, who operates at Lake Macquarie Airport, will attend his first public event back home during AirVenture Australia’s show in Parkes from 20 to 22 September.
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