Live air racing will make its return in October 2021 as Air Race 1 heads to San Angelo, Texas, for its first race since the global COVID-19 pandemic began.
The West Texas city will host a series of races on Halloween weekend, from Oct. 30-31, 2021, at San Angelo Regional Airport (KSJT).
The event will be one of the first sporting events open to spectators in the region since the COVID-19 regulations limited live events, provided it will be safe to do so, according to organizers.
Air Race 1 is an air racing series based on the long-running sport known as formula one air racing. Pilots flying single-seater aircraft, purpose-built for racing, compete to be the first to cross the finish line, racing directly against each other at speeds of over 450 kph around a tight 3 miles circuit, just 50 feet above the ground.
Air Race 1, led by air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, has a history of international races dating back to 2014, including in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
“For over a year sports fans have been starved of live action due to the pandemic and so we’re thrilled to be in a position to stage this event and herald the return of air racing,” Zaltman said. “We will offer two days of edge-of-your-seat action and entertainment for all fans, while working hard to ensure the event adheres to all COVID-19 safety guidelines in place at the time.”
“We’re delighted to host Air Race 1 here in San Angelo and bring a unique and exciting sport to the valley after what has been a long and difficult period for many in our city,” said San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter. “We know that Texans are big fans of motorsports and we are all eager for live events to return, where safety can be managed. This is part of a calculated step towards normality and reviving our sports and entertainment calendar for everyone to enjoy.”
Ah, that’s funny. Miles and Kilometers per Hour in the same sentence.