Oklahoma to host cross-country air races

Pilots who want to put their airplanes—and their skills—to the test are invited to participate in two cross-country racing events coming up in May.

The International Air Meet-Championship Air Races will take place on May 23 through 26 at Durant Municipal Airport in Durant, Okla. All fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft are eligible to compete, so long as they are members of the Sport Air Racing League. Sport Air Racing League provisional membership is included in the price of entry fees to non-members.

While pilot qualifications specify a private pilot certificate or higher, sport pilots can contact the air meet directly to obtain a waiver of the pilot qualification.

Two races will take place—a 100-nautical-mile race, which takes place on May 24, and a 600-nm race that takes place May 25. Racers can participate in one or both. Pilots fly a normal cross-country flight over a set course while being individually timed. Aircraft compete in classes to ensure an equitable race.

Entries opened Feb. 1, and will close April 4. The first entry was submitted by Jeff Barnes, who will fly his RV-6, Old Delta Whiskey. Barnes is the current Sport Air Racing League Experimental Gold Champion.

For complete rules, classes, or to submit an entry kit, see the website.

Incidentally, the Sport Air Racing League has posted three events for 2014 on its website: the Texoma Air Race, March 29, North Texas Regional/Perrin Field in Sherman, Texas; the Taylor Air Race, April 12, Taylor Municipal in Taylor, Texas; and the Big Country Air Fest Air Race, May 24, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas. See the website for more information or to register.