Matt Hall has lived the high life, literally. The former fighter pilot has travelled the world competing in the world's fastest motorsport: the white-knuckle pursuit of air racing.
The reigning air race champion is flying extra high as come November, he is set to compete in front of a home crowd.
"It's going to be fantastic competing in front of a home crowd because you know everyone there is cheering you on," Hall said.
The International Air Race Series is the former Red Bull series that finished up in 2019.
In the air race, pilots compete in a sprint competition to gain the fastest times as they navigate through a series of air gates.
Lake Macquarie, two hours north of Sydney in New South Wales, is just one of four locations on the International Air Race Series circuit and the only one in Australia.
The last time the event was held in Australia was 2010 in Perth above the Swan River.
"Everyone says we should run it on Sydney Harbour and under the bridge, but as a working harbour you have to close down sections, so logistically it's pretty hard," Hall said.
"I've always had this vision that nothing would ever beat Lake Macquarie as an air race venue."
Hall flew F/A-18, a type of twin-engine fighter aircraft, for a career until he took up the sport of air racing.
He is quick to point out that the high octane, twisting and turning required in air racing is more physically demanding than piloting an F/A-18.
"We're going up to 12G (a measurement of acceleration) in these aircraft," Hall said.
Race returns after COVID hiatus
The International Air Race Series hasn't been held since the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Organisers predict a crowd of up to 100,000 will line the shores of Lake Macquarie for the spectacular, along with a global audience in the millions.
Phil Stoddart, managing director Air Race Australia and New Zealand, believes Lake Macquarie's proximity to Sydney makes for a perfect location.
"Matt and his team have been banging the drum about Lake Macquarie for a number of years now," Mr Stoddart said.
The International Air Race Series will be held from November 18–20.
