Air racing is set to be revolutionized with plans for the world’s first all-electric airplane race announced this week which will be led by the same racing promoter who founded the Air Race 1 World Cup
Leading companies in electric aviation manufacturing are being invited to tender to become a founding technical partner of the new motorsport series, Air Race E.
The series will be run by Air Race Events and led by world-leading air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, who has also founded the globally successful Air Race 1 World Cup, alongside an international team of leading authorities in the sport.
Air Race E is planning to launch its inaugural series of international races in 2020.
Air Race E will see electric airplanes racing directly against each other on a very tight circuit just above the ground and at speeds faster than any land-based motorsport. Air Race E will be a similar format to the sport known as ‘formula one pylon air racing’ where the world’s best race pilots compete simultaneously to be the first one to cross the finish line.
Formula Air Race planes, classified as “Experimental”, are the only planes in the world designed specifically for racing and built to a specific race formula.
The demand for speed, performance and power management under the rigors of a competitive race environment provide the perfect platform for the development and promotion of cleaner, faster and more technologically advanced electric engines.
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race Events, said: “Air Race E has secured all the key components to make this vision a reality: the airplanes, the race pilots, the engineers, the sports associations, a test center in Europe and the racing heritage and expertise that is unrivalled in the world.
“We are now just looking for the best powerplant and electrical systems for the job. Air Race E will become the unifying body that will drive the development and promotion of cleaner and faster electric aircraft.”
Air Race E is to be sanctioned by the official Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and Association des Pilotes D’Avions de Formules (APAF), the two formula air racing governing bodies, upon launch of the series.
Des Hart, President of FARA, said; “Formula Air Racing has a rich history as the fastest and most innovative international motorsport and Air Race E will allow us to continue that story and give us the global platform to take air racing into the next generation and beyond.”
For more information go to www.airracee.com
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