General Information
In closed-circuit air racing, the course is marked by six pylons, about 30 feet high, and placed so a pilot can see at least the next two pylons from any point along the course. There are two straightaways.
The length of the course varies with the type of plane being raced, from 2-3 miles for Formula Vee planes up to 9-10 miles for planes in the Unlimited class. In Formula One racing, the course is usually 3 miles in length and each straightaway is a mile long.
The number of planes in a race is generally limited to eight. If more than eight planes are entered, they may compete in preliminary heats, with the top finishers in each heat advancing to the finals. In some events, qualifying laps are used to determine the finalists. Each plane flies two laps and the average speed for the second lap is used for qualifying.
The Race
There are two types of starts. An air start is similar to the start of an auto race: The planes get into the air, line up in formation behind a pace plane, and follow the pace plane to the starting line. Just beyond the starting line, the pace plane pulls up and the race is on.
In a racehorse start, the planes line up in a takeoff grid on the runway. Positions in the grid are usually determined by their qualifying times. At the drop of a flag, the pilots take off and head for the course. Timing begins when the first plane crosses the start line.
A race is made up of a predetermined number of laps. In major Formula One races, there are usually eight laps, for a total of 24 miles.
A plane must pass outside the pylon when cornering. Traveling inside or over the top of a pylon is a violation that usually results in a time penalty. Altitude must range from 25 feet to 500 feet, although a pilot may fly higher for reasons of safety. During an emergency, which is signaled by a yellow flag from the officials, the lead plane must climb to at least 300 feet. The other planes must follow to the that altitude and remain there until the emergency has passed.
The aircraft have to keep a safe distance apart during the race. A pilot attempting to pass is responsible for ensuring the safety of the maneuver. However, a pilot being passed must stay on course, without attempting to impede the other plane.
The plane that crosses the finish line first, after having completed the required number of laps, is the winner, provided no penalties were incurred during the race.
Racing Classes
There are five classes of racing in the United States. Specifications for a class prescribe design and structural standards, the type of engine used, and the allowable power. Each plane is inspected before a race to ensure that it meets specifications.
Class Specifications| Class | Engine | HP | Speed in mph | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula V | Stock 1600cc VW | 65 | 140-180 | 2-3 miles |
| Sports Biplane | Stock Lycoming | 180 | 160-210 | 3 |
| T6 Harvard | Stock Pratt & Whitney 1340 | 600 | 180-235 | 5 |
| Formula One | Stock 200cu engine | 100 | 200-260 | 3 |
| Unlimited | Any engine | No limit | 400+ | 9-10 |