400 NM Race Departs From Mitchell, South Dakota

This July, fast airplanes, race pilots, and aviation enthusiasts will once again be descending upon Mitchell Municipal Airport (KMHE) in South Dakota in advance of the 17th annual EAA AirVenture Cup.

This year’s race is planned to start from KMHE with a mandatory turn point over Mankato, Minnesota (KMKT). Pilots then set course, throttle wide open, to the finish line in Wausau, Wisconsin (KAUW), for a total of just over 400 statute miles.

The EAA AirVenture Cup Race provides builders and pilots an opportunity to race their aircraft in a safe and fun environment, all while promoting aviation in and over the communities where the races are held. Past flying courses have ranged anywhere from 400-750 miles cross-country towards Oshkosh in advance of EAA AirVenture. The first race was in 1998, starting in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with 10 aircraft - several of which have participated in the annual race ever since.

Race airplanes and pilots start arriving in Mitchell on Friday, July 25, for race media day, and continue arriving through Saturday afternoon. Also Saturday the race staff and participants will host an airport open house in cooperation with the airport operator, Wright Brothers Aviation.

“Having nearly 100 unique airplanes and pilots in Mitchell gives us the opportunity to invite the local community to come out to the airport for the day,” said Eric Whyte, EAA Lifetime 357260, race chairman. “The race pits are open to the public and spectators can come and talk to the builders and pilots. In addition kids between the ages of 7 and 17 can get free airplane rides through the EAA Young Eagles Program [parent/guardian signature required].”

Race launch is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Once on the racecourse, the AirVenture Cup Race is a timed competition. Participants compete against the clock and are divided into categories based on their certification, landing gear configuration, and engine size. Each class has first, second, and third place awards.

The application window is now open, and will close on July 1, 2014. All applications will need to be complete and approved by that date. The volunteer staff for the AirVenture Cup Race requests any interested parties submit their application as soon as possible.

The EAA AirVenture Cup is made possible through the support of its sponsors, and the race staff is currently seeking sponsors to support this year’s race.

FMI: www.airventurecuprace.com