Applications Available for EAA AirVenture Cup Race

The race, now in its 27th year, will be held on July 20 starting and ending at Wausau Downtown Airport (KAUW), with the first aircraft lifting off at 9 a.m. CDT. This is a round-robin-style, timed event covering 400 nm. More than 80 aircraft are expected to participate.

According to race organizers, the event is open to both certified and experimental aircraft, and each year racers become more innovative to satisfy their need for speed. This is a timed race against the clock with aircraft and pilots competing in categories based on their certification, landing gear configuration, and engine size. 

Each class will award first-, second-, and third-place honors. All event activities are weather dependent. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible. To learn more about the race and to access a race application, visit the EAA AirVenture Cup Race website.

The race is the celebratory conclusion of a weekend of aviation activities held at the airport in Wausau, and for many it marks the unofficial kickoff to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This year AirVenture will be held from July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH). Tickets are now available for the show at EAA.org.

The EAA notes the AirVenture Cup Race is an opportunity for pilots and aircraft builders to experience air racing in a fun and safe environment, and promote aviation in the surrounding communities.

The first AirVenture Cup Race took place in 1998, starting in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the birthplace of powered flight, with 10 aircraft. Today, the race represents a major aviation event that attracts dozens of pilots and airplanes and thousands of spectators.