League founders Peter Diamandis and Granger Whitelaw told Space.com that at least three more teams, including one with a female pilot, are in the wings and they fully expect 10 racers to compete in 2007. “From our website alone, we’ve been approached by 50 different groups,” Diamandis said. Leading Edge’s racer should be ready for public debut in October and will be demonstrated at the X Prize Cup in Las Cruces, N.M. There is currently a contest on to name the first plane. At least six races are planned for 2006 and two venues have been nailed down. The National Championship Air Races at Reno Stead Airport will host the semifinals and the championship race will be in Las Cruces in October of 2007. The league is taking proposals from other airports interested in hosting a race. Letters of intent are due by March 31, 2006, and detailed proposals must be done by May 31, 2006. Diamandis said it’s hoped that there will be at least 10 races per season in the future.
Teams Lining Up, Say Organizers
Key Takeaways:
- The Rocket Racing League is anticipating significant expansion, aiming for 10 competing teams by 2007 and receiving interest from many potential groups.
- The first racer is set for an October public debut, with an initial schedule of six races planned for 2006 and major championship venues secured for 2007.
- The league is actively soliciting proposals from airports interested in hosting future races, with a long-term goal of 10 races per season.
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