The LAA, which supports and inspects the operation of over 2,600 light aircraft in the UK, has committed their support in developing the technical regulations and potential design oversight for the sport of electric airplane racing, which will be sanctioned by the Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and its counter-part in France, APAF.
The LAA will offer its expertise in supporting the design and build process for the new formula airplanes that will be purely driven by electric power.
Steve Slater, CEO of the LAA commented; “Electric-powered aviation is going to become ever-more important in the future and many innovations that we will see years from now will trace their roots back to the Air Race E platform.
“It is important that we have a clearly defined safety-first approach to the rules and designs in electric air racing and we will work with Air Race E and the manufacturers and the pilots to make sure this innovative series runs smoothly.”
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race E, added; “This is a huge contribution in the development of Air Race E and we are grateful to the LAA for their continued support.
“They have been a fantastic supporter of formula one air racing in the past and long may that continue.
“Safety is paramount in everything that we do and the LAA will help us preserve safety standards and best practices as we forge new territory, working also with our corporate partners as well as the sports associations and the civil aviation authorities.
“Air Race E has secured all the key components to make this vision a reality: the aircraft, the race pilots, the engineers, the sports associations, a test centre in Europe and the racing heritage and expertise that is unrivalled in the world.
“Air Race E will become the unifying body that will drive the development and promotion of cleaner and faster electric aircraft.”
Air Racing was at the heart of this year’s LAA Rally, which took place in the UK from August 31 to September 1 at Sywell Aerodrome.  The event which attracted 5,000 fans and nearly 1,000 visiting aircraft had ‘Racers’ as its core theme and a display of racing aircraft dating from the 1920s to the latest Air Race 1 and Air Race E machines.
For more information regarding Air Race E go to www.airraceE.com

Air Race 1 has today announced the launch of two new cup competitions in the sport known as formula one air racing.
The US and European Cups will be contested by the world’s fastest pilots, all racing at the same time at speeds of up to 450km per hour just 10 meters off the ground.
This announcement immediately follows a long-term extension to the partnership between Air Race 1 and IF1, the official governing body for formula air racing in the US.
The sport has been growing dramatically year on year. It is the only international air race which sees airplanes racing directly at the same time.
Air Race 1 has hosted its flagship World Cup event in 4 continents since its inception in 2013 including Tunisia, Spain, US and Thailand with a World Cup event in 2019 expected to be announced.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, commented; “We are delighted to announce the Air Race 1 US and European Cups.
“It is vital for the growth of the sport and the continual development of professional air racing across the world that we have sustainable, legitimate and safe events for our pilots.
“The US and European Cup competitions will feed into the Air Race 1 World Cup help us to widen our reach across the world.”
Steve Senegal, President of IF1, added; “IF1 and Air Race 1 have enjoyed a fantastic relationship since 2013 and we are excited that this will continue long into the future.
“Formula one air racing has a rich history and exciting story that will be continued to be told and shared across the world by Air Race 1 and its management team.”
Partnership agreements also exist with FARA (Formula Air Racing Association) and APAF (Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules) which govern the sport internationally.
Air Race 1 is the international level of the sport known for 70 years as formula one air racing. It is true air racing in which eight airplanes race directly against each other at speeds of 450kph trying to cross the finish line first after eight laps around a tight 5km circuit at just 10 meters above the ground.
A thrilling test of pilot skill it is the fastest international motorsport competition across the globe.
Each airplane is designed and developed specifically to compete in Air Race 1. Special materials are also used to build the airframes and components, as the latest aerodynamic technology and aircraft flight skills combine to produce an exhilarating contest.
For more information go to www.airrace1.com

The event was the highest elevation air races ever with an altitude of 6,259 feet.
The White Pine County Air Race Committee and the Formula One Pylon Air Racing, Inc. (IF1) worked tirelessly to bring this record-breaking event together. Seven F1 aircraft raced through the sky, some at an average lap speed of over 200mph, from June 13-16, 2018 in the inaugural Ely Air Races.
Hundreds of spectators had the opportunity to see history in the making as well as enjoy a ride in a hot air balloon and an airplane simulator. Other static displays, a car show and delicious food were also on hand. Thursday’s attendees not only got to witness some great racing but were treated to a visit by the Reno Air National Guard’s C130 firefighting aircraft. Evening activities included golf tournaments, skeet shooting competitions, BBQs, and music and vendors in the park. Plans are already being made to continue and grow the event.
Steve Senegal, president of IF1, said: “We thank our excellent hosts in Ely, Nevada and at the White Pine County Airport and all the local volunteers for their outstanding effort in establishing Ely as a new Formula One Air Racing destination.  All of our teams, staff and guests thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a full four days of thrilling air racing in this gem of a town, Ely, Nevada.”
Final Race Results:
1^stPlace          #11 Steve Senegal in Endeavor
2^ndPlace         #31 Lowell Slatter in Fraed Naught
3^rdPlace         #7 Anders Trygg in Miss Eve
4^thPlace         #43 Tom Siegler in Aero Magic
5^thPlace         #15 Ryszard Zadow in Last Lap Player
6^thPlace         #52 Steve Tumlin in Feisty
7^thPlace         #4 Jerry Marshall in Tumbleweed (DNS)

White Pine County is no stranger to an adrenaline rush. It holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed on a public highway from the “Silver State Classic Challenge.” It is home to Fears, Tears and Beers, the oldest mountain bike enduro race in North America and Race the Rails, which pits bicycles against trains.
“We have no problems setting records and doing things that have never been done before,” said Meg Rhoades, event planning specialist for the White Pine County Tourism Authority. “We like stepping out of that box.”
Having already conquered the highways, trails and rails, the community is now taking its thrill-seeking to the skies.
The Ely Air Races are coming to the Yelland Field, north of Ely, on June 13-16.
“It’s pretty exciting to see things really coming together,” Rhoades said. “We’ve had such wonderful support.”
The event will feature formula one air races, hot air balloon rides, military displays, smoke-jumping demonstrations, food, music and more.
Qualifying heats will be held Wednesday, with races beginning Thursday and concluding Saturday. The Nevada Air National Guard will fly in for a demonstration Thursday.
Rhoades estimates it will take about 7,000 volunteer hours during the week of the show to make it a success. That’s on top of countless hours of planning.
“It’s just been a tremendous effort,” she said. “For a community of 5,000 people to step up and take on this kind of commitment is huge.”
And Ely isn’t done setting records.
As the first new air race in the western United States in 34 years, it will also be the highest elevation air races ever — with an altitude of 6,259 feet.
“They may even set some speed records here,” Rhoades said. “They say we have some of the best geothermal currents in the world.”
Ely, a small, isolated community more than 250 miles from the next largest city, may seem like an unlikely setting for pushing boundaries. But, Rhoades said, that’s exactly what makes it the perfect place for it.
“Our history is in ranching and mining, so there’s a lot of tough people in the area,” she said. “If you live in Ely, you’ve had to face challenges, but you love it and you want to show it off to people who come here.”
The air races are another way to do just that.
“We’re hoping that with the success of the races this year, we can make it even bigger and better next year,” Rhoades said.
WHAT: Ely Air Races
WHEN: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 13-16
WHERE: Yelland Field, north of Ely
COST: $25 Adult; $15 Child/Senior; $50 Family
MORE INFORMATION or TICKETS: https://www.elynevada.net/ely-air-races
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58c7509a6b8f5ba6ce5f6ff7/t/5af512c00e2e72299b7ddb30/1526010596865/ELY+AIR+RACES-SHOW+Schedule-page-001.jpg

Ely, Nevada, will host Air Racing on June 13-16 2018.
The Ely Air Race committee has been working hard to bring this new event to Ely and White Pine County.
With roughly 70 volunteer positions a day needing to be filled, the committee is inviting anyone interested in being a part of this historic event, to step forward.
The event will take place June 13-16, 2018 at Yelland Field.
Gates will open at 5:30am so slots for volunteering will begin early.
If you would like more information feel free to call or email Meg Rhoades at the Bristlecone Convention Center, ccassist@mwpower.net, 289-3720 or Lance Gale lgale@whitepinecountynv.gov, 293-0472.
Find out more about the event here: https://www.elynevada.net/ely-air-races

Air Race 1 has invested in a new plane to help train the next generation of European pilots and, once qualified, provide them with a race plane to compete in.
Trevor Jarvis, the experienced UK-based air racer, was the test pilot at the controls for the Cassutt IIIM’s race-prep test flight following new modifications and updates by crew chief engineer Colin Hales (who is also a test pilot on the plane).
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, said: “After the success of our races in recent years, the sport’s popularity continues to grow – especially in Europe.
“Our new addition to the race fleet will enable more highly-skilled pilots in Europe to go through our robust training program.
“Once qualified, they will then be able to compete at Air Race 1 events while they prepare to build their own race planes.”

Leading companies in electric aviation manufacturing are being invited to tender to become a founding technical partner of the new motorsport series, Air Race E.
The series will be run by Air Race Events and led by world-leading air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, who has also founded the globally successful Air Race 1 World Cup, alongside an international team of leading authorities in the sport.
Air Race E will see electric airplanes racing directly against each other on a very tight circuit just above the ground and at speeds faster than any land-based motorsport. Formula Air Race planes, classified as “Experimental”, are the only planes in the world designed specifically for racing and built to a specific race formula.
The demand for speed, performance and power management under the rigors of a competitive race environment provide the perfect platform for the development and promotion of cleaner, faster and more technologically advanced electric engines.
Electric aviation is one of the fastest developing technological areas and is seen as the third generation of aviation by the like of Rolls Royce, Airbus and Siemens who are leading the way in the technical development of commercial electric planes in this fast-paced Research and Development intensive industry.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race Events, commented; “We are thrilled to announce the world’s first and only all-electric airplane racing championship.
“Air Race E has secured all the key components to make this vision a reality: the airplanes, the race pilots, the engineers, the sports associations, a test center in Europe and the racing heritage and expertise that is unrivalled in the world.
“We are now just looking for the best powerplant and electrical systems for the job. Air Race E will become the unifying body that will drive the development and promotion of cleaner and faster electric aircraft.
Air Race E is to be sanctioned by the official Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules (APAF), the two formula air racing governing bodies, upon launch of the series.
Air Race E will be a similar format to the sport known as ‘formula one pylon air racing’ where the world’s best race pilots compete simultaneously to be the first one to cross the finish line. Eight airplanes race directly against each other at speeds of over 400kph around a tight circuit just 1.5km end-to-end.
Des Hart, President of FARA, said; “Formula Air Racing has a rich history as the fastest and most innovative international motorsport and Air Race E will allow us to continue that story and give us the global platform to take air racing into the next generation and beyond.
“It is crucial that we have a structure like Air Race E in place to provide the leading edge to development while propelling the sport and inspiring audiences. The electric revolution is poised to change aviation and Air Race E will play an important role in the advancement of technology.”
Dominique Milcendeau, President of APAF, said; “There is no doubt that air racing has been significant in aircraft and engine designs and in technological developments. The Schneider Trophy, the Reno Air Races, the Gordon Bennet Trophy and the Cleveland Races ring in the mind of pilots but also engineers worldwide.
“The future of electric aviation is now; and Air Race E will enable the link between the world’s greatest technicians and air racing teams in a global competition offering an opportunity to showcase and test the technological advances of the electrical propulsion domain.”
Air Race E is planning to launch its inaugural series of international races in 2020.
For more information go to www.AirRaceE.com

 

Tim Cone of Fresno, California was crowned champion of the Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand presented by Chang, at U-Tapao Naval Air Base, Pattaya.
Cone dominated the final  in his Grove-Winged Cassutt racer #99 ‘What Airplane Honey’, to win the World Cup Gold Final.
Cone, whose aircraft was named when his wife only realising he owned it when she saw him flying it on TV, was initially relegated to third place at the race start, but rapidly caught and passed fellow Californian Justin Phillipson in #79 ‘No Strings Attached’ then, in a repeat of his charge in the morning’s semi-final, passed Philip Goforth of Texas in #69 ‘Knotty Girl for the race lead and victory.
Behind the lead trio, Florida-based Swede and 2015 Air Race 1 World Cup winner Thom Richard in #12 ‘Outrageous’ fought Phillipson hard in the closing stages, but was forced to settle for fourth place, ahead of the home Team Siam Air Racing #22 ‘Hysteria’ flown by Bangkok-based Parisian Lionel Mougel.
The final Gold places went to Steve Temple of Sonoma, California and Ryszard Zadow of Waller, Texas, while Jerry Marshall of Denning, New Mexico was forced to retire from the race.
Earlier in the afternoon, Swaid Rahn from Springfield, Georgia, was a delighted winner of the Silver Final, finishing ahead of #40 ‘Miss USA’, flown by Chip Maples of Florida.
British racer, Trevor Jarvis in #58 ‘Sonic Zoom’ repeated his weekend-long feat of heading the field into the first turn, but was steadily overhauled by the pack, while Scotland’s Des Hart, who suffered a string of technical issues through the weekend was again forced to retire, giving up third place to #9 Scott Holmes of Edmonton, Canada in ‘Outlaw’, who took the chequered flag ahead of Paul Newman of Ohio, Kent Jackson of Washington DC and Trevor Jarvis.

Georgia’s Swaid Rahn was crowned winner of the silver class at the Air Race 1 World Cup in Thailand.
Rahn, who lives in Springfield, flew #8 Heatsroke to victory in the silver class at U-Tapao International airfport in Pattaya Thailand.
The 54-year-old set the pace and led the race from start to finish over the 8 laps holding off the challenge of USA’s Chip Mapoles and Canada’s Scott Holmes who finished in second and third respectively.
He commented; “It was a good race with a lot of adrenaline pumping – the airplane flew great and the temperatures were great and we had a really clean race.
“We had a couple of fuel leaks and had to fix the tank twice in the week leading up to the race but we pulled it together and we were able to bring home the win.
“Thailand has been an awesome experience and we would love to come back.”
Rahn, started his aviation career in the US Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and races for the Heat Stroke team in a Cassutt IIIM aircraft.
Swaid has professionally flown many different aircraft but his true love is flying experimental aircraft. He flew as a rookie in the IF1 class in 2016, with the Heat Stroke team winning the Crew-of-the-Year Award.

Tim Cone will take pole position in the World Cup final at U-Tapao Naval Air Base, Pattaya after flying fastest in this morning semi finals.
Incoming thunderstorms provided a monsterful backdrop to the ‘Gold’ semi-final, which culminated in two spectacular battles.
Tim Cone from California in #99 ‘What Airplane Honey’ stormed up the field, passing Justin Phillipson in #79 ‘No Strings Attached’ for third and then passed Philip Goforth in #69 ‘No Strings Attached’ to take the chequered flag at an average speed of 227.192mph (364.288kph).
There was an equally thrilling battle for fourth, with Florida-based Swede and 2015 Air Race 1 World Cup winner Thom Richard in #12 ‘Outrageous’ recovering from a slow start to dice over the final three laps with New Mexico cropduster pilot Jerry Marshall in #4 ‘Tumbleweed’. Sixth, seventh and eighth places were respectively taken by Steve Temple, Ryszard Zadow and Swaid Rahn.
The Silver heat, once again saw the fast starting British racer, Trevor Jarvis in #58 ‘Sonic Zoom’ head the field into the first turn, but the surprise of the day came when Lionel Mougel in the home Team Siam Air Racing #22 ‘Hysteria’ stormed past both Jarvis and #40 ‘Miss USA’, flown by Chip Maples of Florida to take a race lead that could not be challenged.
The victory was vindication for the Bangkok-resident Parisian who had suffered mechanical issues and was withdrawn from the start line in Saturday’s heats.
Behind second-placed Chip Mapoles, the battle for third culminated in a spectacular wingtip-to-wingtip fight to the finish between #9 Scott Holmes of Edmonton in Canada and #26 Paul Newman of Ohio in ‘Fast and Easy’.
Such was the heat of the battle that Newman was later penalised for low flying, dropping him fourth to seventh behind Kent Jackson, Steve Tumlin and Trevor Jarvis.
Scotland’s Des Hart, who suffered a string of engine issues through the weekend again suffered bad luck, when a faulty canopy catch meant he had to abandon the race on the startline.
The morning’s racing finished just ahead of a spectacular storm, but it is hoped that the skies will clear for similarly epic races in the Silver and Gold Finals, which will crown the winner of the Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand, presented by Chang.
Gold Final

1. #99 Tim Cone
2. #69 Philip Goforth
3. #79 Justin Phillipson
4. #12 Thom Richard
5. #4 Jerry Marshall
6. #22 Lio Mougel
7. #45 Steve Temple
8. #15 Ryszard Zadow

Silver Final

1. #8 Swaid Rahn
2. #40 Chip Mapoles
3. #9 Scott Holmes
4. #81 Des Hart
5. #26 Paul Newman
6. #27 Kent Jackson
7. #58 Trevor Jarvis
8. #52 Steve Tumlin

Watch the final live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/airrace1worldcup