Sport
class air racing
In recent years, the
performance of some experimental home-built aircraft has begun to equal
some of the fastest piston engine aircraft ever built. Without the onerous
restrictions of having to certify the aircraft, development of airframe
and engine design proceeds at a very fast pace and competition in this
class is very fierce. To qualify, five kits need to have been sold to
customers. Piston engines must not exceed 650 cubic inches. Aircraft must
have a valid FAA issued airworthiness certificate.
Sport Class aircraft race on a roughly
circular course at speeds of over 300 mph. They take off about ten to
fifteen minutes before the race start, and follow the pace aircraft which
flies in a sweeping left turn towards Peavine, the large mountain south of
Reno Stead Field. Over Peavine heading roughly eastbound, the aircraft and
formate.
Lancair 4 approaching a pylon
Once the pace aircraft pilot is
comfortable that the formation is in a good position to start, he makes
the call, "Gentlemen, you have a race!" and pulls the pace aircraft into a
climbing left turn, separating from the formation. For the remainder of
the race, the pace aircraft generally circles well above the racers unless
needed to assist if trouble arises.
a Glasair 3 in the hanger
Lancair at full chat
A typical Sport Class race typically takes
from seven to ten minutes depending on the number of laps in the race and
the speed of the aircraft.
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