Sport Pylon Air Racing Can Be For Anyone, According To ‘Doc’ Bailey

While at Sun ‘n Fun 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, checked into something called the Sport Pylon Air Races (SPAR). To get the details, Tom talked with Christopher “Doc” Bailey, who is promoting the event. Bailey says it’s about time that we stop limiting pylon racing to the super-fast and super-expensive aircraft.

Bailey’s opinion is that Sport Pylon Air Racing can be for anyone, and he points out that it’s a great way to introduce people to light sport aircraft. Bailey says they plan to have three-day events where pilots are matched in similar aircraft. The idea is not only to show the aircraft, but to showcase the pilot skills.

However, this is more than just a race. Bailey said the proceeds from the Sport Pylon Air Races will go to the Broken Wing Project. This is a project to help people learn how to fly who suffer from disabilities.

Now, Bailey’s plans are coming to fruition. It’s just been announced that the first Sport Pylon Air Races event will be held at Deland Municipal Airport in Deland, Florida on March 12, 2016. This coincides with the 75th annual Bike Week Motorcycle Rally that starts on March 4 and goes through the 13th.

According to a report in the Daytona Beach News, Bailey said, “We hope to capitalize on all the people and national media already here.”

Bailey is also planning a second event to be held in Austin, Texas and hopes that enough interest can be generated to create a season of racing which will be composed of eight events that would run from September 2016 through April or May 2017.

(Image; Tom Patton and “Doc” Bailey)

FMI: www.sportpylonairraces.com