AeroSouth Technology, a provider of drag-reducing components for RVs and other homebuilt aircraft, is leading an effort to expand air racing in the Southeast.
“This past spring we were commissioned to create several carbon composite parts for a Glasair III owned by Chris Mahoney of Prescott, Arizona, who will race his powerful homebuilt in Roswell, New Mexico, this fall,” said Founder and President Kent Misegades. “When Chris mentioned to us that the Sport Class Air Racing Association (SCARA) was interested in adding a venue in the eastern U.S., I knew that North Carolina would be ideal, given the strength of sport aviation and motorsports here.”
Virginia-based Sam Huffstetler, a former USAF fighter pilot and owner of Flight Lead Air Boss, agrees.
“Air shows are exciting, but the general public also wants a dynamic, competitive environment where they can cheer on their own champions,” he said. “Air racing is the perfect venue for America.”
SCARA officials Fred Roscher and Lisa Hatamoto toured several airports in the Sandhills region of North Carolina earlier this year.
Hatamoto suggested the next steps to be taken: “You need to fill the pipeline with future race teams, for instance by organizing simpler, timed events, such as those from the Sport Air Racing League (SARL).”
SARL leaders Jim and Donna Wilson then offered their assistance, mentioning that that any type of aircraft can participate in SARL races, such as the OBX 50/150 held each spring at the Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI) in Manteo, N.C.
AeroSouth will hold its first Air Racing Seminar Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. at Moore County Airport (KSOP) in Pinehurst, N.C. SCARA and SARL officials will address participants on how to get started in air racing. Speakers include RV-8 owner and test pilot Nigel Speedy, Sport Class Champion Andy Findlay, who flies a Lancair, T-6 Class Champion Randy Difani, and Reno P-51 Mustang pilot Rob Gordon.
The cost is $20 for lunch. Fly-in attendance is encouraged.
To attend, RSVP to [email protected] or 910-568-2580.
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