The Air Race 1 World Cup has confirmed the lineup of competitors for the top title in international formula one class air racing. 19 of the world’s best race pilots, representing six nations, have been signed for the series of events in 2015.
The sport of formula one airplane racing, which has its origins in the 1940s, challenges pilots in a very demanding test of skill. Unlike other formats of air racing, these pilots race directly against each other at the same time. Eight pilots in each race fly at speeds of up to 450kph just ten meters above the ground to be the first one to cross the finish line. It is a rare and highly-trained skill set to fly safely and competitively while other airplanes are trying to pass on the same race course. In addition to the extensive training involved, it takes a deep understanding of the physics of flying and the rules of the sport to qualify.
The Air Race 1 World Cup will showcase the exciting talents of these leading aviators to widespread sports audiences as the series touches down in Monastir, Tunisia; Lleida, Spain; and Reno, USA this year. Others can keep up with the dramatic contest on television in many parts of the world.
The sport requires each plane be built to a specific formula which covers most aspects of the race plane’s characteristics. This ensures a fair competition between the pilots. As in all motorsport, an element of success also comes from the airplane design, the engineering teams and the ground crew support in the pits. Formula one class airplanes incorporate the most modern materials, cutting-edge technology and engineering techniques to squeeze out the extra speed needed to gain the edge over other competitors. Such care is taken with the airplanes that each precious bird is given a name and handled with the care she deserves. Many of the pilots and teams design and build their own race plane to capitalize on unique innovations, often even designing them around the body of each specific pilot.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, said: “This group of pilots are not only among the most elite racing pilots in the world, but they are true athletes and sportsmen on one of the most demanding playing fields on Earth. The pilots competing in the Air Race 1 World Cup are the paragon of the aviator, devoting themselves to the sport and the fans. Their prowess behind the stick is a thrill to witness and an honor to motorsport in all its forms. We hope many new sports fans will join us in following their success in the first-ever international formula one air racing series.”
Air Race 1 World Cup
RACE #/PILOT/NATIONALITY/AIRPLANE NAME/AIRPLANE TYPE
1 Thom Richard Sweden Hot Stuff 3M1C1R
2 Trevor Jarvis England Silver Bullet Shoestring
6 Christian Guilie France Arletty II Arletty II
11 Des Hart Scotland Hart Attack Cassutt IIIM
15 Dave Holmgren USA Last Lap Player Cassutt IIIM
19 Stanislas Damiron France Buzz Buzzard MP207 Busard
20 Tom Watkins Canada Pooder Cassutt IIIM
25 Bernard Marichy France n/a MP205 Busard
31 Guy Chereau France L´Herrengrie Cassutt IIIM
33 Mike Mundell USA Second Wind Cassutt IIIM
40 Stephen Partridge-Hicks England Miss USA Cassutt
45 Jay Jones USA Quadnickel Cassutt
46 Vincent Martinez France Aquilon Cassutt IIIM
53 Terry Gardner England Kermit Cassutt
54 Jim Jordan USA Miss Min Cassutt IIIM
55 Patrick Gajan France Le Coyote CP80
69 Philip Goforth USA Knotty Girl Stratocaster
87 Steve Temple USA Madness Boyd GR-7 Panther
99 Kent Cassels USA Margaret June Cassutt IIIM
About Air Race 1:
Air Race 1 is pure motorsport at its fastest. It is a thrilling test of pilot skill which is based upon the long-running historic formula one aircraft class. The world’s best race pilots compete – the first one to cross the finish line wins. Up to eight airplanes race against each other simultaneously at speeds of up to 450kph around 5km laps on a circuit just 1.5km end to end. Formula one airplanes are a specifically defined class which sets strict parameters regarding wing area, engine size and other characteristics of the design. Air Race 1 launched the first fully international formula one class air racing competition in June 2014 in Lleida, Spain. Air Race 1 is the top international title in the sport sanctioned by all three international formula one air racing associations in the world. Air Race 1 World Cup is the event name and trading name of Air Race CC Ltd, which is registered in the United Kingdom and has a base of operations in Spain. Air Race 1 is comprised of highly regarded industry-leading experts who have extensive experience in organizing and promoting air racing and air sports competitions on a global scale and who work hard to ensure this race is both safe and a monumental success for all. Note: The sport of formula one air racing has no connection to, nor relationship with, the sport of formula one car racing nor any other automobile race or organization.
