Cross-Country Course Covers 450 Miles

Race officials for the 2012 EAA AirVenture Cup race have finalized the race course for this year’s cross-country race, scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in advance of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.

This year’s race will commence in Mitchell, SD (KMHE) and end in West Bend, WI (KETB), with checkpoints in Sheldon, IA (KSHL) and Pocahontas, IA (KPOH), totaling 450 miles. The race will have 11 classes of homebuilt aircraft, some of which reach speeds of 400 mph. The competition is a timed race, meaning that each aircraft will take-off individually and fly in pursuit of the best time. The times are used to determine final race results.

Cross country air racing has a long history in the U.S., starting in the early 1920s, and has been credited with many advances in aviation technology, speed and reliability of engines. The organization’s goal is to combine aviation history with innovation, new technologies and individual craftsmanship into one high-octane, fun-filled race that participants and spectators alike will enjoy.

“This is truly a grass-roots aviation event,” said Eric Whyte, the race’s chairman. “The event keeps cross-country air racing alive and lets younger generations experience a piece of aviation history.”

Upon completion of the July 22 race in West Bend, the aircraft will depart for Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, where they are scheduled for a mass arrival that afternoon. The awards banquet will be held later that evening when the winners will be announced. The race aircraft will be on display for the remainder of the week in the homebuilt parking area just north of the new International Aerobatic Club building on the AirVenture grounds.

EAA says there are several sponsorships opportunities still available, and all donations are tax-deductible.

FMI: Kandi Spangler, kspangler@verticalmarketsllc.com ; www.airventurecuprace.com