Skip Stewart carried away first place in the inaugural weekend of the eXtreme Airshow Challenge.
“I flew my best and fortunately the judges liked what they saw,” Stewart said. “There was some awesome flying out there from everyone today, and I think I will really have to keep my game sharp if I have any chance of holding on to the lead.”
Dubbed “NASCAR of the air,” the aerobatic contest, which opened April 22 in Jacksonville/Fernandina Beach, Fla., features eight performers who compete for points, much like NASCAR. At the end of the 12-city tour, the pilot with the most points will be named champion.
Taking second place in the first competition was Sergei Boriak, while Matt Chapman took third place. Pilots are judged by aviation celebrities and legends, including the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.
The eXtreme Airshow Challenge continues May 6-7 in Winston-Salem, N.C., then it’s on to Denton, Texas, May 20-21.