World Championship Air Race is set to commence in Q1 2022

posted:

14/03/2021

World Championship Air Race (WCAR) has partnered with Aurora Media Worldwide to develop its broadcast format.

Following last month’s announcement that WCAR has agreed a 15-year deal with the World Air Sports Federation to stage an international series of air race festivals, this is the latest step towards its start date in 2022. WCAR looks to build on the popular Red Bull Air Race brand, which came to an end in 2019. The first season plans to have eight races, growing to 10 the campaign after, and 12 after that. Teams will win World Championship points in each contest, in addition to prize money.

Aurora’s work on WCAR is similar to its partnerships with Formula E and Extreme E, where it has helped to develop two new growing sports.

Managing director of Aurora Media, Lawrence Duffy, said: “Consumption habits continue to rapidly change, but the excitement of the live moment is still at the heart of sport, and this pioneering series suits our skill set. The revolution in mobility is as much in the sky as it is on the ground. We look forward to showcasing the technology and competition to create a brand new suite of content.”

The two race formats in World Championship Air Race
Aero GP1: Contested by top-ranking teams
· Initially limited to 12 teams
· Teams will be run by a Team Principal(TP)/Owner
· Each team will have one race pilot
· Pilots hold GP1 Class Super-licence
· Teams provide their own aeroplane. Innovations compliant with technical regulations
· Pilots can be hired, fired and transferred by teams as required at the end of the race season
· Teams also consist of: Technician (super-licence holder), Tactician, Team Co-ordinator (TC)

Aero GT: Contested by developing pilots
· Initially there will be 3 teams
· Teams will be run by a Team Principal(TP)/Coach
· Each team will have up to four race pilots
· Pilots hold GT Class Super-licence
· Three pilots per team race at each location
· Winning team has fastest cumulative time
· Teams provided with a WCAR aeroplane: Extra 300 – all team aircraft exactly the same specification
· Teams also consist of: Technician (super-licence holder), Non-racing pilots, filling tactician, and TC roles

WCAR race series director, Willie Cruickshank, added: “We need to re-imagine and evolve the established Air Race format as a sport that uses innovation and diversity to adapt to meet the expectations of different demographics and a sustainable future.

“The combination of unlimited content choice and availability of multiple media devices has changed the sports landscape, with younger demographics no longer tied to schedules and watching linear TV programmes. Our partnership with Aurora Media Worldwide will see World Championship Air Race move from a traditional TV experience to a multi-platform, multi-device experience to meet those expectations.

“Evolving technology allows live and non-live content to be captured, curated and shared on more screens than ever before so we are excited to be working with a truly world-class partner to bring our global community of fans an exceptional, authentic and interactive Air Race experience.”