PILOTS will race for one of the most coveted trophies in sporting aviation at a county airfield this summer.
Shobdon airfield will be hosting the prestigious King’s Cup and Steward’s Cup on behalf of the Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association.
Handicap air racing is an exciting sport for pilots and an equally thrilling experience for spectators – typically a 100-mile race over a 25-mile course starting and finishing at the aerodrome, flying at 500ft above ground level and diving to between 70ft and 100ft over the finish line.
The 2017 race entries comprise many different types of fixed wing aircraft and often include a Lake Buccaneer, several variations of Vans RV, Robins, Bulldogs, Pups, Grummans, Cessnas, Pipers and a SIAI Marchetti.
The Steward's Cup race will take place on Saturday, August 12 and will see pilots
compete as a pre-requisite to qualify for a place to race in one of the world’s most prestigious Handicap Air Races.
Then on Sunday, August 13, the King's Cup race – probably the most coveted trophy in sporting aviation – will take place.
To qualify for entry to race for the King’s Cup pilots must have completed one weekend's air racing plus the Steward's Cup as well as being either a British or a British Commonwealth pilot.
Air Race Trophies will be presented on the Sunday at 3pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here