The Americans have good reason to be encouraged heading into the main event, havin posted very competitive times in the early practice runs. Chambliss led the field in the first free practice session, stopping the clock at 53.084 seconds, with Goulian 1.608 seconds slower, good for seventh in that session (there are 14 pilots competing in the Master Class).

The second free practice saw Goulian move up, posting a 53.070-second run that was good for fourth place, while Chambliss collected three seconds in penalties for insufficient smoke and for climbing through an air gate. Reigning champion Matthias Dolderer was disqualified for exceeding the G-load limit in the first practice session, but came back to lead the field in the second, posting a time of 52.564 seconds.

The qualifying runs will be broadcast live online by NBC starting at 7 a.m.

Eastern Standard Time Feb. 10, and cable subscribers can access that live stream via the NBC Sports App, or watch the live NBC broadcast online. Qualifying times determine the seeding and head-to-head matchups for race day, which will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network starting at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Feb. 11, and also carried live via Red Bull’s worldwide online feed.

The Goulian and Chambliss teams have made upgrades for 2017, and are clearly fed up with finishing off the podium. Their practice times put them within striking distance heading into the first race of 2017, and the new season will put them in front of home crowds much sooner than in years past: The second race of the season will be April 15 and 16 in San Diego.

Meanwhile, a free PC flight simulation program gives race fans a chance to try their hand at flying like a champion.