Florida Sailplane Grand Prix – USA

Florida Sailplane Grand Prix Photo
The Florida Sailplane Grand Prix has been designed to bring back the good old days of racing. Over the past few years, grand prix racing has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Following requests from many sailplane enthusiasts, there will now be a series of weekend Grand Prix style races at Seminole Lake Gliderport in Clermont, Florida. This should interest sailplane pilots who don’t want to take an entire week off work for a contest, who have an interest in side-by-side racing, and who want try something new for a change. 
 
The concept is quite simple. A group of gliders has a set start time, when they will simultaneously cross a start line over the airport, and then fly around pre-designated turnpoints using FAI sectors. The first pilot to cross the finish line wins the race. Pilots will be grouped into “heats” or “classes” of no more than eight gliders to increase safety, decrease risks, and group pilots together with similar handicaps. SPOT tracking is strongly encouraged for two reasons: 1) to aid crews in the event of a landout; and 2) for the enjoyment of spectators, who can watch the race live from inside the hangar. The event will NOT be sanctioned by the SSA or IGC; therefore, the plethora of technical scoring rules that govern conventional racing will not apply. The main purpose is to have a relaxed, casual, easy going, fun weekend soaring extravaganza.
 
The only cost to participants are the tow fees for the first event. If addtional costs arise in the future, then a nominal fee will be requested to cover these expenses. 

Race Schedule

September:  Friday 27th – Sunday 29th 
October: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th
November:  Friday 15th – Sunday 17th
December:  Friday 13th – Sunday 15th
January – May: To Be Announced
Visit the Florida Grand Prix website to register and for more information.