This message was received from Mike Thompson who is the Chairman of the Sport Air Racing League. This announces the largest number of races since the beginning in 2007. After the message more race organizers have stepped forward with more races and I have updated the schedule to reflect them later in this thread.
Bob Axsom
Mike's original announcement message:
The 2011 schedule has been hammered out to a large degree.
Believe it or not we expect to run 17 races next year, with several new races
and new venues. And, don't be surprised to see one or two more added!
I have updated the web site Calendar Of Events page, and I offer the schedule
here for your 2011 race planning pleasure:
Event: The Taylor 125 Air Race
When/Where: 02 April, 2011 Taylor, TX
Race Host: Mike Thompson
The first race of the season is historically held at Taylor, Texas, home of
the Sport Air Racing League.
This race sets the tone for the year and is carefully crafted to attract as
many racers, first-timers as well as the "old hands", as possible.
We reaquaint ourselves with friends long not seen, shake off the chills of
Winter, and investigate what the competition has spent their time doing by way
of modifications and speed enhancements.
Event: The Texoma 100 Air Race
When/Where: 16 April, 2011 Sherman, TX
Race Host: Pat Purcell
This will be the third running of the Texoma Air Race.
The Texoma race route typically cris-crosses between Texas and Oklahoma along
the Red river
Pat Purcell has become known for her stellar races, top-shelf organization and
fun awards ceremonies.
A Purcell race is not to be missed!
Event: The Big Country Air Fest and Air Race
When/Where 30 April, 2011 Abilene, TX
Race Host: Gray Bridwell
This will be the third attempt at an Abilene race. The other two were rained
out.
The race is held in conjunction with the Big Country Air Fest and Gray was one
of the founding race hosts in 2007.
The BCAF event alternates between Abilene airport and Dyess Air Force base,
and this year we forgo the pile of paperwork necessary to fly civilian aircraft
into a military field, and merely deal with the Abilene tower.
Event: The Galveston 150 Air Rally
When/Where 14 May, 2011 Galveston, TX
Race Host: Greg Borderlon
This is a new race for 2011 being hosted by a new member to the League.
Greg will send us out along the Gulf Coast of Texas where racers will be
challenged to stay focused on the course and not the bikinis on the beach below.
Event: The Mesquite 130 Air Race
When/Where: 28 May, 2011 Mesquite, TX
Race Host: Chester Jurskis
This will be Chester's second hosting, his first was the Sulpher Springs race
in 2010.
The 2011 race will run from Mesquite, TX and promises to be a great race,
taking in the scenery South and East of Dallas..
Event: The West Texas 100 Air Race
When/Where: 18 June, 2011 Plainview, TX
Race Host: Tim Hardage
The West Texas race has been a mainstay of the SARL circuit with challenging
winds and heat.
For 2011 Tim Hardage, Race 96, takes the reins form Cam Benton and we expect
a great race.
Event: The Great North West Air Rally II
When/Where: 18 June, 2011 Wenatchee, WA
Race Host: Tim Bovee
Tim hosted the Great Northwest Air Rally in 2010, and is back for more racing
in the Great Northwest.
This race offers an opportunity for West Coast racers to get on the scoreboard
and compete for SARL point awards.
Event: The Top Of The Chesapeake Air Rally II
When/Where: 09 July, 2011 Cecil County, Delaware
Race Host(s): George Fisher / Ben Armen
George Fisher and Ben Armen hosted the first running of the Top of The
Chesapeake in 2010 which provides racers along the Eastern seaboard an
opportunity to join in the fun.
They promise a bigger and better race in 2011.
Event: Air Venture Cup
When/Where 24 July, 2011 Oshkosh, WI
Race Host: Eric Whyte
Each year racers meet to alternately race a straight-line course from East to
West, or West to East, ultimately ending at Oshkosh the weekend before the
annual convention kicks off.
AVC will run form Dayton to Oshkosh this year.
Event: The Indy 150 Air Race
When/Where: 13 August, 2011 Indianapolis, IN
Race Host(s): Christy Broady / Linda Street-Ely
This Indy race is a new race for the circuit, and will be held in a location
rich with racing history.
Linday Street-Ely (Race 55) will lend Christy a hand to put this new race
together.
Event: The Great Candian Air Rally II
When/Where: 27 August, 2011 St. Thomas, Canada
Race Host: Tom Martin
In 2010 many SARL racers braved the customs formalities and made the trek to
St. Thomas, Canada where they joined a large group of locals for a fun race and
amazing after-the-race party.
Tom Martin has warned us not to expect the same caliber of blowout party that
he threw in 2010, rather a more laid-back event more like we are used to in the
States.
We'll have to wait a few years for another party like that, but there should
be good racing nonetheless.
Event: The Tennessee 100 Air Race
When/Where: 10 September, 2011 Tullahoma, TN
Race Host: Trev Echols
New SARL member Trev Echols, Race 17, is looking forward to hosting a race out
of Tullahoma, in South-Central Tennessee in 2011 and we look forward to
assisting him in a great first time effort.
Event: The Pagosa Springs 100 Air Race
When/Where: 24 September, 2011 Pagosa Springs, CO
Race Host: Michael Arbuthnot
In another passing of the batton, Michael Arbuthnot will host the third
running of the Pagosa Springs 100 race, taking over from John Huft who has set
the bar high for this high-country race.
Racers can expect a first-class hosting with full community involvement, and a
first-class organization with a for-real retired US Navy Air Boss to watch over
us.
Event: The Thunderbird 100 Air Race
When/Where: 08 October, 2011 Holbrook, AZ
Race Host(s): Jason Rovey / Dennis Collins
Dennis Collins, Race 91, will combine forces with Jason Rovey, Race 390, to
host a combination cross-country race and circular-track, one-plane-at-a-time
race against the clock.
This is a two-fer that will be interesting, flown over some of the most
beautiful terrain in the country.
Event: The Houston 150 Air Race
When/Where: 15 October, 2011 Houston, TX
Race Host(s): Ernie Sutter / Linda Street-Ely
No stranger to air racing he, Ernie Sutter, Race 66, flys his Lancair Legacy
at Reno each year and represents sport-class air racing in grand fashion.
In 2011 Ernie makes the jump from participant to host as he and Linda
Street-Ely run a race out of Cleveland airport, just North of Houston, Texas.
This one should be fun!
Event: The Tennessee Valley Air Race IV
When/Where: 29 October, 2011 Courtland, AL
Race Host: Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy teams up once again with Jim Achord at the Tennessee Valley Air
Center to host a one-of-a-kind race combination, cross-country and Speed Dash.
The Pumpkin Dash is the only place in the country where participating aircraft
are measured through electronic timing gates and have their straight-line speed
League certified.
In sport air racing circles, anyone claiming bragging rights to their "fast"
aircraft must haul out their certificate to back up their brag.
This will be the forth running of the Tennessee Valley Air Race and Pumpkin
Speed Dash, TVAR IV.
Event: The Rocket 100Air Race
When/Where: 19 November, 2011 Taylor, TX
Race Host: Mike Thompson
At the end of each race season, all F1 and EVO Rockets are called to Taylor,
Texas for a home-coming fly in and air race.
This race culminates the end of the racing season and includes an end-of-year
award ceremony.
Here awards are given for top points place in each class, as well as the Gold,
Silver and Bronze finishers in Production and Experimental categories.
Bob Axsom
Mike's original announcement message:
The 2011 schedule has been hammered out to a large degree.
Believe it or not we expect to run 17 races next year, with several new races
and new venues. And, don't be surprised to see one or two more added!
I have updated the web site Calendar Of Events page, and I offer the schedule
here for your 2011 race planning pleasure:
Event: The Taylor 125 Air Race
When/Where: 02 April, 2011 Taylor, TX
Race Host: Mike Thompson
The first race of the season is historically held at Taylor, Texas, home of
the Sport Air Racing League.
This race sets the tone for the year and is carefully crafted to attract as
many racers, first-timers as well as the "old hands", as possible.
We reaquaint ourselves with friends long not seen, shake off the chills of
Winter, and investigate what the competition has spent their time doing by way
of modifications and speed enhancements.
Event: The Texoma 100 Air Race
When/Where: 16 April, 2011 Sherman, TX
Race Host: Pat Purcell
This will be the third running of the Texoma Air Race.
The Texoma race route typically cris-crosses between Texas and Oklahoma along
the Red river
Pat Purcell has become known for her stellar races, top-shelf organization and
fun awards ceremonies.
A Purcell race is not to be missed!
Event: The Big Country Air Fest and Air Race
When/Where 30 April, 2011 Abilene, TX
Race Host: Gray Bridwell
This will be the third attempt at an Abilene race. The other two were rained
out.
The race is held in conjunction with the Big Country Air Fest and Gray was one
of the founding race hosts in 2007.
The BCAF event alternates between Abilene airport and Dyess Air Force base,
and this year we forgo the pile of paperwork necessary to fly civilian aircraft
into a military field, and merely deal with the Abilene tower.
Event: The Galveston 150 Air Rally
When/Where 14 May, 2011 Galveston, TX
Race Host: Greg Borderlon
This is a new race for 2011 being hosted by a new member to the League.
Greg will send us out along the Gulf Coast of Texas where racers will be
challenged to stay focused on the course and not the bikinis on the beach below.
Event: The Mesquite 130 Air Race
When/Where: 28 May, 2011 Mesquite, TX
Race Host: Chester Jurskis
This will be Chester's second hosting, his first was the Sulpher Springs race
in 2010.
The 2011 race will run from Mesquite, TX and promises to be a great race,
taking in the scenery South and East of Dallas..
Event: The West Texas 100 Air Race
When/Where: 18 June, 2011 Plainview, TX
Race Host: Tim Hardage
The West Texas race has been a mainstay of the SARL circuit with challenging
winds and heat.
For 2011 Tim Hardage, Race 96, takes the reins form Cam Benton and we expect
a great race.
Event: The Great North West Air Rally II
When/Where: 18 June, 2011 Wenatchee, WA
Race Host: Tim Bovee
Tim hosted the Great Northwest Air Rally in 2010, and is back for more racing
in the Great Northwest.
This race offers an opportunity for West Coast racers to get on the scoreboard
and compete for SARL point awards.
Event: The Top Of The Chesapeake Air Rally II
When/Where: 09 July, 2011 Cecil County, Delaware
Race Host(s): George Fisher / Ben Armen
George Fisher and Ben Armen hosted the first running of the Top of The
Chesapeake in 2010 which provides racers along the Eastern seaboard an
opportunity to join in the fun.
They promise a bigger and better race in 2011.
Event: Air Venture Cup
When/Where 24 July, 2011 Oshkosh, WI
Race Host: Eric Whyte
Each year racers meet to alternately race a straight-line course from East to
West, or West to East, ultimately ending at Oshkosh the weekend before the
annual convention kicks off.
AVC will run form Dayton to Oshkosh this year.
Event: The Indy 150 Air Race
When/Where: 13 August, 2011 Indianapolis, IN
Race Host(s): Christy Broady / Linda Street-Ely
This Indy race is a new race for the circuit, and will be held in a location
rich with racing history.
Linday Street-Ely (Race 55) will lend Christy a hand to put this new race
together.
Event: The Great Candian Air Rally II
When/Where: 27 August, 2011 St. Thomas, Canada
Race Host: Tom Martin
In 2010 many SARL racers braved the customs formalities and made the trek to
St. Thomas, Canada where they joined a large group of locals for a fun race and
amazing after-the-race party.
Tom Martin has warned us not to expect the same caliber of blowout party that
he threw in 2010, rather a more laid-back event more like we are used to in the
States.
We'll have to wait a few years for another party like that, but there should
be good racing nonetheless.
Event: The Tennessee 100 Air Race
When/Where: 10 September, 2011 Tullahoma, TN
Race Host: Trev Echols
New SARL member Trev Echols, Race 17, is looking forward to hosting a race out
of Tullahoma, in South-Central Tennessee in 2011 and we look forward to
assisting him in a great first time effort.
Event: The Pagosa Springs 100 Air Race
When/Where: 24 September, 2011 Pagosa Springs, CO
Race Host: Michael Arbuthnot
In another passing of the batton, Michael Arbuthnot will host the third
running of the Pagosa Springs 100 race, taking over from John Huft who has set
the bar high for this high-country race.
Racers can expect a first-class hosting with full community involvement, and a
first-class organization with a for-real retired US Navy Air Boss to watch over
us.
Event: The Thunderbird 100 Air Race
When/Where: 08 October, 2011 Holbrook, AZ
Race Host(s): Jason Rovey / Dennis Collins
Dennis Collins, Race 91, will combine forces with Jason Rovey, Race 390, to
host a combination cross-country race and circular-track, one-plane-at-a-time
race against the clock.
This is a two-fer that will be interesting, flown over some of the most
beautiful terrain in the country.
Event: The Houston 150 Air Race
When/Where: 15 October, 2011 Houston, TX
Race Host(s): Ernie Sutter / Linda Street-Ely
No stranger to air racing he, Ernie Sutter, Race 66, flys his Lancair Legacy
at Reno each year and represents sport-class air racing in grand fashion.
In 2011 Ernie makes the jump from participant to host as he and Linda
Street-Ely run a race out of Cleveland airport, just North of Houston, Texas.
This one should be fun!
Event: The Tennessee Valley Air Race IV
When/Where: 29 October, 2011 Courtland, AL
Race Host: Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy teams up once again with Jim Achord at the Tennessee Valley Air
Center to host a one-of-a-kind race combination, cross-country and Speed Dash.
The Pumpkin Dash is the only place in the country where participating aircraft
are measured through electronic timing gates and have their straight-line speed
League certified.
In sport air racing circles, anyone claiming bragging rights to their "fast"
aircraft must haul out their certificate to back up their brag.
This will be the forth running of the Tennessee Valley Air Race and Pumpkin
Speed Dash, TVAR IV.
Event: The Rocket 100Air Race
When/Where: 19 November, 2011 Taylor, TX
Race Host: Mike Thompson
At the end of each race season, all F1 and EVO Rockets are called to Taylor,
Texas for a home-coming fly in and air race.
This race culminates the end of the racing season and includes an end-of-year
award ceremony.
Here awards are given for top points place in each class, as well as the Gold,
Silver and Bronze finishers in Production and Experimental categories.
Last edited:
