Sort Of Like A Sailboat Race ... Slow Is Fast

ANN April 1st Special Edition: A new air racing league will fly a series of competitions this summer, but instead of souped-up warbirds or specialized racing machines, this one is open to pilots of more modest means.

The LSA Racing League (LSARL) will hold its inaugural event in July at EAA AirVenture 2010 in Oshkosh, and continue at stops across the country, including such well-known racing venues as Indianapolis, the Poconos, Louisville, and ending at the site of the granddaddy of all stock car races, Daytona. A special mid-season event is being planned in conjunction with the Lawn Mower Racing Association's Grand National Event in Delaware, OH in September.

The 8 race schedule will be based on the Red Bull Air Race point system, and will also be divided up into different classes of LSAs. There will be a production class for airplanes that come off a factory floor, a homebuilt class, autogyros, weight-shift, and powered parachutes. The league is also finalizing plans for a special Cub replica class.

"We watched the America's Cup race in February, and realized that BMW-Oracle basically had a big wing where its mainsail was supposed to be," said LSARL President John Loewensloe. "What were they making ... 33 knots? We're MUCH faster than that. But the LSA speed restriction of 120 knots will still make this a very leisurely race to watch. It will be very spectator-friendly. And the way people have been turning out for airshows, we expect big crowds to come watch these airplanes fly."

Races will be held around a pylon course with turns limited to 45 degrees of bank. Aircraft will be required to provide proof of a stock engine, and mogas will be an acceptable fuel. "We want these to be "big tent" races," said Loewensloe. "What better way to attract pilots to LSAs than to give them an opportunity to prove that "mine's faster ... relatively speaking"."

Rotax and Teledyne Continental have already signed on as sponsors of the new league. Other potential sponsors showing interest are Grandma's Molasses and Heinz Ketchup.

FMI: www.lsarl.aero