Warbird Information Exchange

Rocket Racing To Debut At AirVenture

The Rocket Racing League, which is made up of modified Velocity experimental aircraft with a rocket strapped on the back, will debut its first-ever exhibition race at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh this summer. Two Rocket Racers will compete, and the pilots will carry in-cockpit cameras to broadcast the action live on multiple large projection screens. "EAA has followed the development of the Rocket Racing League concept with great interest," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "We are excited about the opportunity to develop a whole new audience of aviation enthusiasts, while at the same time promoting aviation innovation." The races will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1 and 2.

Initial test flights for the Rocket Racers will take place in May at Mojave, Calif. Pending FAA approval following those flights, the AirVenture exhibition races would be the first of four exhibitions this year. Races are scheduled for the Reno National Championship Air Races in September; at the X Prize Cup in Las Cruces, N.M., at a date to be determined; and at Aviation Nation, Nellis AFB, in Las Vegas, Nov. 8-9. The Rocket Racing League also announced last week that it has acquired Velocity Aircraft and will produce a consistent airframe for all competing racers. Also, Armadillo Aerospace will manufacture liquid oxygen engines for the league.

Diamandis said the souped-up racers would burn kerosene fuel rather than alcohol. "These vehicles will literally sport a 20-foot bright brilliant flame out the back," he said.

Remember Gary, In Thrust We T rust !!

So I take it no drafting will be taking place?