The Federal Aviation Authority has cleared JLC AirShow Management to organize and host an AirShow Racing Series.
Air racing has been conducted in a variety of ways over the past several decades. The ARS utilizes two racing lanes with 10 40-foot inflatable pylons spaced approximately 600 feet apart to define the three-dimensional track.
With a pace plane in the lead, a pair of competing aircraft will approach the 4,000-foot long course, descending below 75 feet to navigate the slalom layout. At the end of the first run, the aircraft will turn 180 degrees to re-center over the race line for a second slalom pass.
The planes will then reverse course one more time for the final sprint to the finish line located at the center of the crowd line.
ARS will consist of two classes of racing; Super Sport and Extreme Sport. Racers in the Super Sport class will reach speeds of 160 knots. Extreme Sports competitors will push speeds closer to 200 knots.
Each race day, eight aircraft will compete in each of the classes. The first heats will include four separate races for the Super Sport and four more for the Extreme Sport groups.
The winners of these races will then return for another round of elimination racing in heat two. The final heat for the day will include the finalists for each class.
JLC AirShow Management spent two years developing, testing and evaluating its racing attraction to complete the federal certification requirements, the company says in a news release.
The projected 2021 racing series will include multiple air show race site venues. Points will accumulate during the series to decide the two division champions.
The first race will take place during the Wings Over North Georgia air show in Rome, Georgia, in October 2020.
Competitors will be selected and invited by the ARS leadership based on air show certifications and experience.
Contact JLC AirShow Management at JLCAirshows@att.net or (706) 291-0030 to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
Source: JLC AirShow Management