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Air Race 1 targeting ‘year of expansion’ in 2022

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Air Race 1 founder and CEO Jeff Zaltman has set out his vision for an expanded 2022 calendar as the international airplane racing championship gears up for what promises to be a bumper year of action.

The fastest show in the skies has won fans around the world with hugely successful events in Europe, Africa and Asia as well as the United States since the series’ inception in 2014.

And with the sporting industry now opening up again following a bruising couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Air Race 1 is targeting a return to action with a focus on the North American market.

“We have expansion plans for more races in the US next year, we have a number of venues lined up as candidates and we’re working out our calendar as we speak,” said Zaltman.

“We are looking to stage a US Cup series, while we will still maintain a World Cup presence somewhere around the globe, and we are currently searching for the most appropriate venues to hold these events.

“There is tonnes of interest from venues that want to be part of the official series of races as we go into next year. Running about 10 events per year is the eventual plan for future seasons.”

Air Race 1 was initially scheduled to visit San Angelo, Texas this month but the ongoing Covid-19 situation brought about a postponement of the event and now Zaltman is focusing on a return to business as usual in 2022.

“Next year is a foundation year for our series after the global upheaval, but we’re building on top of a great legacy,” said Zaltman.

“It’s a new start, with a new plan, a new vision, and a new opportunity to entertain fans – and that is creating a sense of thrill among all our teams, partners and cities that want to be part of our family.

“We’re the only existing international airplane race in the world that has prior experience running air racing events. We have a transportable package and programme which we can move around the world. We just need the right venue, and we’re there – we set it up, produce and operate the whole show.

“We’re a real turnkey event and we’re ready to go.”

Air Race 1 is currently in talks with a number of destinations – both in the US and around the world – regarding hosting events in 2022 and beyond, while the series is considering locations and dates for a test event in order to demonstrate operations procedures and safety measures.

A significant number of teams have already expressed their interest in competing next season, and Air Race 1 will continue to provide a platform for the most talented pilots and crews in the sport to show off their skills.

Want to get involved?

 

Air Race 1 is always keen to talk to prospective host cities, competitors, partners and sponsors. Get in touch via info@airrace1.com for more information.

Air Race 1 at San Angelo postponed until 2022

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Air Race 1 and its principal partners have today announced that the forthcoming event at San Angelo, Texas – scheduled to take place on October 30-31 – has been postponed until 2022 due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The difficult decision has been made following discussions between The Lions Club San Angelo, the San Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau and the City of San Angelo over the viability of the event due to be held at Mathis Field, San Angelo Regional Airport on Halloween weekend.

The unprecedented circumstances created by the global pandemic over the past 18 months have delivered ongoing challenges and logistical repercussions, not least with travel restrictions, which has resulted in a significant disruption to the pre-event timeline

This combined with the upturn in positive COVID-19 infections in the region over recent months – and the subsequent concerns regarding the health and safety of everyone involved in the event – has led Air Race 1 and its partners to collaboratively defer the San Angelo meeting.

A new date for Air Race 1 at San Angelo will be announced in due course.

Jeff Zaltman, Air Race 1 CEO, said: “We are incredibly disappointed that we are unable to proceed with our plans for Air Race 1 to visit San Angelo next month.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but the ongoing and far-reaching impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has made it impossible to deliver an event to the standard we – and our partners – are accustomed to.

“Air Race 1, The Lions Club San Angelo and the San Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau are working together to finalise a new date for the highly-anticipated meeting.

“We would like to thank our sponsors and fans for their support at this frustrating time and hope to be able to welcome them all back to watch the fastest show in the skies very soon.”

Please contact Stubwire directly for refunds.

Keep an eye on airrace1.com and follow the series on social media for all the latest news.

China Cup Track Line Pictures and Top Speeds

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This image image shows the path Steve Senegal in Race 11 took during the Gold final race to win the first ever China Cup in Wuhan last weekend.
This alternative image (click here) shows Race 11 Steve’s path alongside Race 99, shown in blue. The blue shows the path during the same race of second place pilot Tim Cone.
This view shows Tim Cone flying a tighter, inside line than Steve. Steve was out in front of Tim during this race and didn’t need to pull a tight line close to the pylons. Tim typically strives to fly the tightest path around the pylons and can do it with his plane. However, it wasn’t enough to clinch the victory this time.
Speeds recorded for this Gold final race from the telemetry data:
Racer Ground Speed Recorded
Steve Senegal – 236.532 mph
Tim Cone – 233.752 mph
The race speed is the established race course distance (3.06 miles/lap x 8 laps =24.48 miles) / time difference between when the plane crosses the home pylon at the start & crosses the home pylon to finish. Steve’s race speed of ~3mph faster is consistent with him taking the lead over Tim.
The ground speed is the GPS calculated distance the plane flew / time difference between when they plane crosses home pylon at start & crosses home pylon to finish. From the flight line plot, we see that Steve flew an outside path as compared to Tim. The ground speed is ~14 mph faster for Steve – meaning that flying a longer path and winning – he was going really fast.
You can delve deeper into the stats on the Facebook page of 51 Aero. 51Aero’s custom telemetry systems and flight data recorders diagnose problems quickly and accurately to measure and improve performance, analyze critical safety data and predict maintenance issues before they become dangerous.

CALIFORNIAN WINS AIR RACE 1 CHINA CUP

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Californian racer Steve Senegal has become the first person to win an Air Race in China after clinching the Air Race 1 China Cup in Wuhan.
Senegal, from San Bruno in California, held off World Champion and fellow Californian Tim Cone as they battled wingtip-to-wingtip for the top honours at Hannan City Airport, the first-ever air race to be hosted by the People’s Republic.
Cone, winner of the Air Race 1 World Cup event in Thailand in 2017, initially led the Gold Final field in his fast-starting Cassutt racer named “What Airplane Honey”, but after three laps had to succumb to the superior pace of Steve Senegal’s super-sleek Arnold AR-6 “Endeavor”, lapping the 3.07 mile (5.2 km) course at over 240mph.
Third place was taken by Philip Goforth, a former Alaskan bush-pilot in his Cassutt “Annie”.
Steve Senegal, who is a current United Airlines captain, said; “I am very proud to be the first ever winner of the Air Race 1 China Cup.
“China has certainly shown that it has aviation and air racing in its heart and we look forward to coming back again.
“The hospitality and welcome has been fantastic, and the crowds are very knowledgable about Air Race 1 – I will remember this win for many years to come.
“Tim was quick off the start, but Endeavor came good and it made for a great race.”
Pilots reached speeds of 400km per hour during the weekend of racing in Wuhan.
The Silver Final held earlier in the afternoon demonstrated the truly international nature of the Air Race 1 China Cup, with a popular victory being scored by Genoa, Nevada, aircraft mechanic Steve Tumlin, ahead of Stanislav ‘Stan’ Damiron of France and Trevor Jarvis of Great Britain.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, added; “Bringing air racing to China has been a major triumph and the public have fallen in love with Air Race 1.
“I would like to thank our Chinese partners that have helped to make this happen and we look forward to working with them again in the future. Air racing in China is here to stay.”
It was the first race victory for Tumlin as a pilot, after spending several decades as a top crew member in the race paddock.

China Cup – Day 2 Update

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Racing was postponed on day two of the Air Race 1 China Cup at Hannan City Airport in Wuhan.
Persistent rain and fog reduced visibility on the airfield to levels well below the required safety standards for international formula one air racing as set by the IF1.
The weather also caused the cancellation of other events at the air show.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, commented; “We are all disappointed that we couldn’t get in the skies today but the safety of our pilots is the major priority.
“Racing eight planes together at high speed takes a serious amount of skill and precision and the visibility was far too low to let them into the sky.”
Teams from the Gold Race were lined up on the start line hoping for a clear window in the weather that didn’t materialise but still took the time to entertain the crowds.
Air Race 1 fans in China took the opportunity of the extended hangar time to meet and greet the pilots and get their pictures taken with their favourite teams.
Racing will return on Sunday for the final of the Air Race 1 China Cup.

TUMLIN SCORES FEISTY FIRST VICTORY AS MIST CURTAILS OPENING DAY OF AIR RACE 1 CHINA CUP

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Steve Tumlin from Genoa, Nevada flying a Cassutt racer named ‘Fiesty’ held off a late race challenge from Stan Damiron of France to win the sole race in the first day of official action in the Air Race 1 China Cup air racing series at Wuhai in China. Trevor Jarvis of the UK demonstrated the series’ international element with a hard-earned third place.
Sadly, poor weather with rain, mist and deteriorating visibility meant that the planned Friday morning races and a second ‘Gold’ race in the afternoon had to be cancelled, denying the crowds the spectacle of some of the fastest aircraft in action.
Hopes remain hight that the full race programme can be completed at the weekend when an audience of up to 50,000 spectators each day can be expected at the airfield on the outskirts of one of China’s fastest-growing cities. Thursday qualifying and a practice race saw Steve Senegal of San Bruno, California set the fastest racing laps around the 3 mile course in his racer ‘Endeavor’, at an average of over 240 mph.
Tumlin added; “It was great to get a first place in the first ever Air Race in China – I got a great start and kept it going from there.
“China has been brilliant so far and we can’t wait to get into the racing over the weekend. The fans are very excited and have been amazing!”

California pilot winging his way to back-to-back victories in China

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The skies over Wuhan City are set to become California pilot Tim Cone’s high-octane race track as he looks to back up his world championship title this week at the Air Race 1 China Cup – the fastest motorsport on the planet.
A corporate pilot and aircraft builder, Cone will take his starting position alongside 12 other highly-skilled pilots from around the world before racing wing tip-to-wing tip at speeds of over 450kph, just 10 metres above the tarmac.
The Air Race 1 China Cup, from 16 to 18 November at Hannan Municipal Airport, will be the very first event of its kind ever to be held in China and marks an exciting step forward for what has been touted the ‘Formula One of air racing’.
Cone says the event has special significance for him as it is the first chance he’s had for a repeat victory since taking out the World Cup title in Thailand last year.
“Nothing comes close to the feeling of flying these planes as fast as they can go around the racing circuit and just metres away from the best racing pilots in the world. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to back up my success in Thailand and to be one of the pilots to make air racing history competing in the first event of its kind in China,” said Cone.
Flying his colourfully-named grove-winged Cassutt IIIM aircraft ‘What Airplane Honey?’, Cone will be looking to get an edge over the competition with he and his crew focused on engineering the airplane to push the boundaries of speed and manoeuvrability.
Air Race 1 China Cup will be the showpiece event at the International Championship Air Races China, sanctioned by IF1 (International Formula 1 Air Racing Association), FARA (Formula Air Racing Association) and APAF (Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules).
The 5km circuit has been designed to challenge pilots in a demanding test of skill in front of hundreds of thousands of live spectators and a global television audience. Each race will see up to eight pilots race at a time, manoeuvring around tight corners and overtaking their opponents with zero margin for error.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, said: “It’s an exciting milestone for us to be able to bring Air Race 1 to China and showcase the sport to new audiences in this part of the globe. It wouldn’t be possible without the help of our partners and the commitment of our race crews to make the journey and really put on an incredible show that truly tests the limits of human and machine.”
The class of airplanes incorporate the most modern materials and cutting-edge technology for those all-important marginal gains. As in all motorsport, an element of success is down to the designers, engineering teams and ground crew support in the pits. Many of the pilots and teams design and build their own race plane to capitalise on unique innovations.
Such care is taken with the airplanes that each one is given its own unique moniker. This year’s roster includes the colourfully named ‘Tumbleweed’ raced by Jerry Marshall, ‘Outlaw’ raced by the youngest competitor in the field Scott Holmes and Trevor Jarvis’ bright green ‘Kermit’.
For more information and to buy tickets, please visit www.airrace1.com

Air Race 1 unveils pilots set to make history at first ever China Cup

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Organisers have released an exciting line-up of pilots who will compete for the Air Race 1 China Cup title next month at Hannan Municipal Airport in Wuhan City, China.
Thirteen highly-skilled racing pilots from around the world will fly wing tip-to-wing tip in the Air Race 1 China Cup at Hannan Municipal Airport from 16 to 18 November, the first event of its kind ever to be held in China.
Pilots will fly at speeds of over 450kph, just 10 metres above the tarmac, as they compete to be the first to cross the finish line of what is known as formula one air racing – the fastest motorsport on the planet.
The event will be the showpiece event at the International Championship Air Races China, sanctioned by IF1 (International Formula 1 Air Racing Association), FARA (Formula Air Racing Association) , APAF (Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules) and RARA (Reno Air Racing Association).
The 5km circuit has been designed to challenge pilots in a demanding test of skill in front of hundreds of thousands of live spectators and a global television audience. Each race will see up to eight pilots race at a time, manoeuvring around tight corners and overtaking their opponents with zero margin for error.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, said: “It’s an exciting milestone for us to be able to bring Air Race 1 to China and showcase the sport to new audiences in this part of the globe. This is a sport that truly tests the limits of human and machine and we’re fortunate to have some of the fastest and most talented pilots in the world competing this year.”
The class of airplanes incorporates the most modern materials and cutting-edge technology, while adhering to formula specifications designed to ensure a level of fairness across the pack. Many of the pilots and crews design and build their own race planes, determined to get an edge over the competition.
Canada’s Scott Holmes and Frenchman Stan Damiron, the two youngest competitors in the field, are also engineers by trade and will look to use their technical expertise to get those marginal gains so crucial in the air. Air racing veterans Steve Tumlin (USA) and fellow American, reigning Air Race 1 World Cup champion Tim Cone, are both experienced aircraft builders, while a number of the pilots come from a military background with British pilot Trevor Jarvis a former RAF squadron member, Ryszard Zadow a former US Navy F-14 pilot and America’s Steven Temple a 28-year veteran of the US Air Force.
Zaltman said, “Air racing requires such a high level of skill and mental stamina that it is certainly not a sport for the faint hearted. Each of these pilots possesses that rare combination of expertise and a thirst for adrenaline which will make for a great spectacle.
“We’re proud to have such a diverse line-up this year with younger pilots going up against pilots with years’ of racing under their belts. It’s going to be about who is the best on the day and the fans can’t wait to see who comes out on top.”
The official list of Air Race 1 China Cup race pilots:
Race number: 592
Pilot: Jason Barksdale
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: ACME Special
Type: Cassutt III M
Race number: 15
Pilot: Ryszard Zadow
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Last Lap Player
Type: Cassutt III M with modified composite wing & t-tail
Race number: 17
Pilot: Philip Goforth
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Annie
Type: Cassutt
Race number: 20
Pilot: Steven Temple
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Pooder
Type: Cassutt III M
Race number: 9
Pilot: Scott Holmes
Nationality: Canada
Aircraft name: Outlaw
Type: Cassutt
Race number: 99
Pilot: Tim Cone
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: What Airplane Honey?
Type: Cassutt III M grove-winged
Race number: 52
Pilot: Steve Tumlin
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Feisty
Type: Cassutt III M stock continental 0-200
Race number: 58
Pilot: Mike Mundell
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Sonic Zoom
Type: Cassutt III M slab-wing
Race number: 4
Pilot: Jerry Marshall
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Tumbleweed
Type: Cassutt
Race number: 11
Pilot: Steve Senegal
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Endeavor
Type: Arnold AR-6
Race number: TBC
Pilot: Stan Damiron
Nationality: France
Aircraft name: TBC
Type: Cassutt
Race number: 26
Pilot: Paul Newman
Nationality: USA
Aircraft name: Fast and Easy
Type: Cassutt
Race number: 53
Pilot: Trevor Jarvis
Nationality: UK
Aircraft name: Kermit
Type: Cassutt III M

Air Race 1 China Cup Launches in Wuhan City

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Air Race 1 has announced it will launch its first China Cup at the inaugural International Championship Air Races China in November 2018.
China will get to experience the fastest international motorsport for the first time in history when the Air Race 1 headlines the action at the International Championship Air Races China in Wuhan City between 16-18 November.
Sixteen of the world’s fastest and most skilful pilots will compete at Hannan Municipal Airport in four days of exhilarating racing at over 400kph, just 10 metres above the ground. It is the only international air race which sees airplanes racing directly against each other at the same time.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, commented; “The inaugural race in Wuhan is a landmark announcement for Air Race 1 and we are very excited to be heading to China.
“Air Race 1 continues to grow from strength to strength and to be able to take the sport to new parts of the world is one of the driving forces behind the concept.
“We are particularly grateful to our partners in China for having the vision to develop aviation in China through air racing; and our thanks goes to the beautiful City of Wuhan for inviting us to compete.”
Wang Kai, CEO of First General Aviation Media and Technology, the overall event organizer, added; “Air Race 1 is the showpiece event for what will be an incredible weekend of air racing and we are honoured to be the first air show organizer in China to host an air race.
“We are very grateful for the support and expertise of the Air Race 1 team and we look forward to hosting the first International Championship Air Races China.”
The International Championship Air Races China event has been sanctioned by RARA (Reno Air Racing Association) Inc.), IF1 (International Formula 1 Air Racing Association), FARA (Formula Air Racing Association) and APAF (Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules).
Steve Senegal, President of IF1, added; “We are delighted to be taking formula one air racing to new territories and look forward to meeting new audiences in China.”
Air Race 1, the international level of the sport known as formula one racing, has hosted its flagship World Cup event on four continents since its inception in 2014 including countries Tunisia, Spain, USA and Thailand.