Air racing is an extreme motorsport in which airplanes or other types of aircraft compete over a fixed course. The winner returns in the shortest time, completes the course with the most points, or comes closest to a previously estimated time.
Air racing dates back to the early days of aviation. The first recorded air race occurred on May 23, 1909, at the Port-Aviation Airport south of Paris, France. Known as the Prix de Lagatinerie, this event marked the beginning of competitive air racing. The first major international air race was the Grande Semaine d'Aviation de la Champagne, held in Reims, France, in August of 1909. This event drew significant attention and was won by an American aviator, Glenn Curtiss.
The first air race in the United States was the Los Angeles International Air Meet at Dominguez Field in 1910. This event attracted forty-three entrants and was a milestone in American aviation history. Over the years, air racing evolved, with notable events such as the Schneider Trophy seaplane races and the National Air Races in the 1920s and 1930s.
Today, air racing captivates audiences worldwide. Some of the most prominent active air races include the National Championship Air Races held annually in Reno, Nevada; the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, which takes place in various locations around the world; and the Air Race World Championship (ARWC), a successor to the Red Bull Air Race.
Air racing is divided into several classes, each with its unique characteristics and types of aircraft. The main classes include the Unlimited class, which features heavily modified World War II fighters and is known for its high speeds and powerful engines; the Jet class, which involves jet-powered aircraft, allowing for some of the fastest racing speeds; the Formula One class, which consists of small, single-seat aircraft designed for high-speed racing; the Biplane class, which features traditional biplanes, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the early days of aviation; the Sport class, which includes modern, kit-built aircraft that are often highly customized; and the T6 class, which involves North American T-6 Texan trainers, providing a unique racing experience with these vintage aircraft.
Several types of aircraft are used in air racing, depending on the class. Some of the commonly used types include the P-51 Mustang, the L-39 Albatross, the Cassutt Special, the Pitts Special, the Lancair and Glasair, and the North American T-6 Texan.
Air racing is a thrilling motorsport that has captivated audiences for more than a century. From its early days in France to today's high-speed, adrenaline-pumping races, air racing continues to press the boundaries of aviation technology and pilot skill. With a variety of classes and aircraft, each race offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both pilots and spectators alike.
Topics related to air racing are the focus of topics in this category of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Air Race X is an aerial motorsport utilizing the latest technologies, where pilots with the world's best flying skills compete remotely in terms of precision and time in operating race-specialized small aircraft under extreme conditions. Pilots will fly actual racetracks set up at various locations globally, competing for the best times in a remote format, achieved through precise flight data collected by sensors mounted on the aircraft, featured here, with schedules and contacts.
https://www.airracex.com/
British air racing is an exciting and historic sport that has been around since the early days of aviation. The British Air Racing Championship is organized by the Royal Aero Club Records, Racing and Rally Association (3R). This championship includes eight venues and sixteen races, with points accumulated throughout the season to determine the overall champion. The prestigious Jubilee Trophy is awarded to the pilot who accumulates the most points. A shopping site is included.
https://www.britishairracing.org/
Formula Air Racing Association
Formula Air Racing is a category of air race in which a specific formula (set of rules) is used. This formula refers to the technical specifications for the aircraft itself but will also include the competition rules. It is in a category often called Pylon Racing, which is competitive, dynamic, and exciting for spectators and participants. FARA is the recognized governing body and sanctioning authority for Formula Air Racing disciplines and member of the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom.
http://formulaairracing.com/
National Air and Space Museum: Air Racing
With exhibits in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, the museum highlights the history of air racing in the United States. The styles of air racing are featured, and the 1930 Curtiss Conqueror V-1570, the 1936 Turner RT-14 Meteor Air Racer, the 1991 Sharp DR 90 Nemesis Air Racer, notable air racing competitions, and notable figures in air racing are featured on the site, including other exhibits and events.
https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/air-racing
Based in Norway, the Nordic Air Racing Team is an innovative group dedicated to advancing electric aviation. They are part of the Air Race E competition, the world's first all-electric airplane racing championship. Founded in 2020, the team includes experienced pilots and engineers who are passionate about clean technologies and aviation. Its mission is to accelerate the development of electric aviation through competition. The plane, the team, the sponsors, and Air Ace E are highlighted.
https://nordicairracing.com/
RARA is a not-for-profit organization charged with producing a first-class air racing and air show event, the National Championship Air Races, carrying on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. In 1964, Bill Stead organized an air race near Reno, Nevada, and the Reno National Championship Air Races has only been canceled twice, once in September 2001 when all aircraft in the U.S. were grounded, and in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://airrace.org/
