Sport Class Air Racing
Sport Class air racing features experimental kit-built aircraft racing wingtip-to-wingtip around a marked course at speeds often exceeding 250 mph. Races are divided into heats based on qualifying speeds—Gold (fastest), Silver, Bronze, and Medallion.
Race Start:
Aircraft start in the air, paced by a lead aircraft. Once aligned, racers are released down a “chute” to cross the start line at speed. Slingshot or diving starts are not allowed.
The Course:
Racers fly 6 laps around pylons in left-hand turns at altitudes as low as 50 feet. Cutting a pylon or turning right is a safety violation and may result in disqualification.
There are three different courses:
The inner course (yellow) is 3.9 miles and reserved for the Medallion heats
The middle course (red) is 6.5 miles and is primarily flown by the bronze heats
The outer course (green) is largest (and fastest) course at 7.5 miles. This is used by the fastest racers in the Silver and Gold heats
Passing Rules:
All passing must be done on the outside and with safe separation. Passing on the inside is generally prohibited unless both pilots agree by radio and safety is maintained.
Finishing:
After crossing the finish line, aircraft climb to a cooldown pattern before landing. Races are short, fast, and intense—usually around 5 to 8 laps.
The Aircraft
Sport Class Air Racing features high-performance, homebuilt aircraft that are privately owned and custom-built for speed. Common types include Vans RVs, Glassairs, Lancairs, and canards aircraft like the Long EZ. These propeller-driven planes—often powered by piston, turboprop, or electric engines—are lightweight, aerodynamic, and capable of reaching speeds over 300 mph. Built from experimental kits and tuned by skilled pilots and engineers, they’re designed to race low and fast around a closed course.
While each racer is unique, all must meet strict safety standards and complete flight testing before hitting the course. Sport Class showcases not just pilot skill, but the cutting edge of homebuilt aviation design.
The Pilots
Sport Class race pilots are among the most skilled and highly trained aviators in the world. To qualify, each pilot must log over 500 hours of flight time, demonstrate advanced formation flying, and complete specialized race training. As part of their certification, pilots must also prove they can safely handle emergency scenarios, including simulated engine failures and emergency landings—critical skills in a sport where their aircraft engines are pushed to the limits every lap.
These elite pilots come from diverse aviation backgrounds—private pilots, military aviators, airline captains, and aerospace professionals—each bringing a unique level of expertise and discipline. Competing at speeds over 300 mph just feet off the ground, they represent the very peak of precision flying and professionalism.
If want to know more about becoming a race pilot and joining Sport Class Air Racing, visit Sportclass.com
Video provided by Brian Murray, Erik Johnston Photography/Videography, ELP_Planespotter / Smooth Master
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