The free Red Bull Air Race Detroit River scenery recreates the course from the 2008 race in Microsoft Flight Simulator. It places the race layout on the river between Detroit and Windsor, giving you a focused setting for a virtual air-racing session. The Detroit and Windsor city scenery shown in the promotional images is a separate product.
Why try the Detroit River race course?
The attraction is having a focused activity in a familiar setting. The colored pylons turn the river into a course you can learn, revisit, and practice in your simulator, with the two riverbanks helping you keep your bearings. It is a free addition for pilots who enjoy virtual aerobatics and want a change of pace from an ordinary point-to-point flight.
Learn the layout before your first run
The aerial screenshot is a useful starting point because it shows the pylons in relation to both riverbanks. Paired gates and grouped pylons are easier to distinguish from above than from a low cockpit view. Begin with a drone-camera overview, then compare it with the view along the river before trying a complete simulator run.
For the historical course reference, the product page links to footage of the real 2008 race. Use that video to study the track. The separate scenery showcase below previews the simulator add-on.
Watch the scenery showcase
Developer scenery showcase by Dfflyer. Watch on YouTube.
Ideas for a simulator practice session
Start in clear daylight so you can see the pylon colors and the next gate against the skyline. Use an aircraft you are already comfortable handling in the simulator, and focus first on recognizing the sequence. Once the layout is familiar, keep your simulator conditions and chosen aircraft consistent if you want to compare your own timed runs.
The cockpit screenshot shows why orientation matters: the next gate sits ahead over the water, with the Renaissance Center on one side and Windsor on the other. A quick overhead review between attempts can help you understand where each part of the course sits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Detroit River race scenery free?
Yes. It is a freeware product in the store. Open the product listing to obtain the download.
Does it include the Detroit and Windsor buildings in the screenshots?
No. The product page identifies the Detroit and Windsor city pack as a separate product. The race scenery recreates the course.
Is this the historical Detroit course?
Yes. The add-on is based on the race held on the Detroit River in 2008. The linked real-race footage provides course context, while the embedded showcase shows the simulator scenery.
Where should I check installation and simulator compatibility?
Use the installation guide for the direct-download folder process. For confirmation about a specific simulator version, email dan@dfflyerdirect.com before installing.
What simmers say
Selected customer and community reviews:
“fun and very challenging”
Andrew also mentioned the collision feedback when touching a pylon.
“Great Challenging!”
Johan also gave the course five stars.
Get the free race course
View Red Bull Air Race Detroit River and its full screenshot gallery. For installation help, use the installation guide, email dan@dfflyerdirect.com, or join our Discord.