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.
