The AirVenture Cup! This year, my father, Ricardo Sr. was to ride shotgun as my co-pilot in Velocity XL RG N724X aka RACE 24! With everything checked and loaded, we launched into the scorching heat of a Dallas summer and clawed for higher altitude. A beautiful flight later, we arrived at Dayton-Wright Brothers (MGY) to once again join the other racers. This year's Race boasted over 60 planes! Only the centennial of flight race in 2003 was larger. We had a nice mix of Race veterans and first-timers. As always, the AVCUP Race showcased a wide variety of homebuilts that illustrates the possibilites available to the potential builders. Many racers brought along new racers: friends from their chapters or builders groups. The striking thing about the Airventure Cup Race is how many people are touched by it. This event is NOT just for "elite" pilots or only high-end Race Planes (although you will find some of these here). It is for anyone who wants to DO something with the airplanes on which they've worked so hard to build and/or maintain. It's a family event with every year seeing many father/mother - son/daughter, husband/wife, etc. race teams. Entrants flew everything from recently completed planes without interiors to polished OSH award winners. That multiple racers hold World Records in altitudes or speeds you would never know by interacting with these folks - the hallmark of the Airventure Cup Race is cameraderie and friendship. Everone is willing to share experiences, techniques and lend a helping hand.

The AirVenture Cup Race reaches many homebuilders through websites like this one, James Redmon's Berkut 13 site, Sam Hoskin's blog , and Red Hamilton's site. The website written by Frank Pullano (RACE 20), http://www.airventurecup.com/ offers a comprehensive, inspiring and wildly entertaining view of the Race's past, present and future.

The AirVenture Cup Race is a premeire event celebrating homebuilders and their experimental aircraft. There are many builders in my EAA chapter who have been inspired by the event and are building toward the goal of flying in the Race. Videos from past Races were part of the keynote presentation at the recent Velocity Builders' Symposium and led to many new entrants. Racers have spoken to literally hundreds of pilot and non-pilots, builders and wannabees every day while standing beside their aircraft on the flightline at OSH. Questions regarding becoming a pilot, joining the EAA, where to go to get more info about a specific kit, how to build a safe and fun aircraft and more are answered. Visitors walk away enlightened and inspired. The Race and Racers promote EXACTLY what the EAA is supposed to be about EVEN IF THOSE WITH WHOM WE INTERACT NEVER ACTUALLY RACE!!

The AirVenture Cup Race is a boon to the homebuilder and experimental aircraft community and general aviation itself. It is surprising how little this fact is appreciated by some in the EAA leadership even though the Race advances the very goals and principles for which the EAA claims to stand! This year, the EAA gave minimal to no support to the Race, in fact, worked hard to eliminate it. In spite of this, due to the dedication of Eric Whyte's Race Committee, the generousity of our sponsors and the efforts of Racers themselves, this year's Race was a resounding success and in fact, actually grew! I hope through the continued efforts of the Racers and those of you who wish to one day fly in it, the EAA leadership will come to understand the importance of supporting activities that advance the goals of the experimental aviation community.

The pictures below illustrate my experience at this year's AVCUP Race. It has been one of the greatest experiences in my years of flying - a real source of joy and sense of accomplishment. As the pictures below attest, this feeling is shared by all who participate in this wonderful, unique event.

Special thanks to Eric Whyte and the Race Committee - they outdid themselves once more! See you at next year's RACE!!

Click on thumbnails to see a larger version of each photo!

Around 13500' over Cincinnatti. Four and a half hours from Dallas, TX, Dad and I arrive over Dayton.	Dodging around buildups. Luckily this all broke up just beyond Dayton and we pop in to join the lineup of AirVenture Cup Racers!	Ever mindful of his engine, Race 24 Team's Chief Mechanic, Ricardo Guerra, Sr. checks the oil.	Dad is a wizard with the engine.
Reno Air Race veteran, RACE 43, Will Matthew's White Lightning arrives.	Dad greets Steve Wood, a remarkable individual whose Glastar, "The Spirit of Endevour' affecionately know as 'GOOFY' has been seen all over the country in various charitable events and aviation adventures. Check out Steve's websites for details. http://fourcornersflight.com/ and http://adventureofflight.org/	Keith Walljasper flew his fifth AVCup Race in RACE 80, a spectacular Seawind 3000. Keith's Seawind won a Lindy at Oshkosh this year!	Local press interviews a Racer. Every year, the Race draws a crowd at Dayton not only from the local EAA chapter but also many local non-aviation folks, including lots of children who are invariably excited and inspired by the widely varied race planes, many of which represent the best of their homebuilt classes.
More Swearingen SX-300's than you can shake a stick at! Longtime Racer, Keith Phillips brought along a few friends. A total of 5 SX-300's flew in the Race, brought in by word of mouth and through their respective EAA Chapters. Keith Phillips and his Race 10 was once a solo act; now he brought along 4 friends. It's not often one can see a goup of such great examples of Swearingens!	Dad greets the just arrived Race 13 Team, James and Sandy Redmon who are again flying their slick Berkut 360, now sporting a pirate motif.	Race 13 takes no prisoners!	The activity of the field ramps up as still more racers arrive, forming rows of gleaming airplanes!
One of 5 Velocity airplanes in the AVCup Race, RACE 42 is a Mazda Rotary powered Velocity 173 RG flown by Scott Jones and Joe Schifferel.	James Redmon of RACE 13 fame watches as a chief rival arrives ....	.... RACE 54, a highly modified Cozy 540RG (it has Velocity full retractable gear!) flown by Chris and Cathleen Esselsyn!	Race 63, Bob Vasey's RV-3 arrives at MGY!
Race 29, an Osprey GP-4, flown by builder Lynn Sheets and Danny Crews arrives. THis interesting homebuilt is made entirely of wood!	The on airfield museum fires up its later model Wright Flyer Replica. The AVCup Race attracts many local pilots and non-pilots to get a glimpse of the past, present and future of aviation, making the airfield a busy, vibrant place!	Sam Hoskins settles in RACE 22, a Quickie Q-200 which is extremely speedy, clocking 200+ MPH. This is Sam's fifth AirVenture Cup Race! Check out Sam Hoskin's blog for notes on his Race experiences!	James Redmon, RACE 13 pilot, checks out the Cozy 540.
More racers arrive and are parked in the grass. Some beautiful planes are seen including a recently built RV-10, RACE 45, built by new Racer, Debbie Dewey. Flown in the Sport FX class, RACE 45 turns out to be a 200+ MPH plane!	Jack Sheehan prepares his Velocity XL RG, RACE 55, for the main event. As often occurs, the unusual looks of the big canard aircraft attracts attention from the local kids visiting the field to see the start of this exciting event. Apparently, there was a rumor of a built-in XBOX! (And given the electronics in Jack's panel, it might even be true!!)	World Record holder, Bruce Bohannon, arrive in the Flyin' Tiger! Bruce and his Tiger have set or broken 30 Time to Climb and Altitude World Records over the years. Bruce is an AirVenture Cup Race veteran.	Eric Whyte greets RACE 89! The Flyin' Tiger is an impressive machine!
Yet another Velocity XL RG arrives: Pat Shea in his high-powered RACE 40.	Eric Whyte flags Pat down...	... and directs him into the "Velocity Corner"
Bruce Bohannon chats with fellow Racer, Dick Keyt.	Jack Sheehan and co-pilot Tim Coon prep RACE 55 for flight. Jack Sheehan's spectacular Velocity XL RG is a technophile's dream with lot's of cool glass and high tech gadgetry. He criss-crosses the country with great regularity in his VELO!	The arrival of another racer, a Long-EZ.	RACE 55 pilot, Jack Sheehan walks between Velocity Winglets toward the Commander Aero Hangar.
Pat Shea checks in at home in LA to tell of his safe arrival at Dayton.	Keith Phillips (RACE 10) goes over Race strategy with his SX-300 comrades.	Sam Hoskins' Quickie, RACE 22, is a multi-stickered veteran of many a race. Here, Sam checks out the Race program.	Steve Wood preps GOOFY! The plane, actually N600FY is also known as 'The Spirit of Endevour' "GOOFY" and pilot Steve Wood have been on many an adventure.
Things start getting hectic as more racers arrive on Saturday afternoon.	RACE18, a beautiful RV-8 flown by John and Teresa Huft, has taken awards for Outstanding Workmanship at Oshlosh in 2003 in addition to taking firsts and second seconds in the RV class in past Airventure Cups.	Scott Jones and Joe Schiferl feed a thirsty Powersport Rotary Engine.	Race organizer, Sarah Whyte (front), scans the flightline looking for any trouble spots or racers in need. The Race crew is amazingly attentive and organized. Bruce Bohannon's Flyin' Tiger hangs out in the shade.
In front row, San Hoskins (RACE 22) and the RACE 13 team, James and Sandy Redmon, scan the program. Eric Whte (standing in red) walks amond the other racers who are also checking out the race briefing packets.	Racers preparing for another of Eric Whyte's thorough Race briefings.	James and Sandy and my Dad react to someone's tall Race tale.	The RACE 13 team: James and Sandy Redmon.
Eric Whyte greets Race newcomer, Barron Johnson, who arrives in RACE 00, a spectacular Lancair 360. This plane won Grand Champion Kit Built Plane at Oshkosh 2005.	James Redmon (RACE 13) and Chris Esselstyn (RACE 54) trade Race related barbs!	Pat Shea (RACE 40) joins the Redmons (RACE 13) and Rick Guerra (RACE 24).	Packets in hand, racers await the first briefing on the event.
Eric's briefings are not only always comprehensive but also humorous. Safety is the underlying theme of the entire event.	Our packets include runway diagrams and GPS coordinates.	Eric briefs the Rockford, IL pylon turn at RFD, original home of the EAA.	Saturday evening includes the traditional pre-Race dinner at the US Air Force Museum!
Closed for the day, the racers have the run of the museum!			Transported magically to the LAX control tower?? An compelling illusion provided by a museum exhibit.
LA natives, Rick Guerra (RACE 24) and Pat Shea (RACE 40) point out familiar landmarks.	Dad tries the land a plane on a carrier.	More racers try their hand at the task - it's harder than it looks!	Entering an exhibit hangar for dinner. For many, this was a first time visit. The vast hangar makes an impression!
A GLOBAL HAWK UAV.	Race Committee member, Mike Felski, greets the racers and opens the evening's event.	The racers dine in the beside, UAV's, a B-52, and an F-22!	Race Committee member, Bob Whitehouse, thanks our sponsors, whose generousity allowed the Race and event to happen: Cirrus Design, Velocity Aircraft and Tempest.
The Whytes and Mike Felske join racers including Jack Sheehan and Bruce Bohannon.	After dinner, we have free run of the entire museum!	Dad views a B2 Stealth Bomber.	The exhibits are awe-inspiring!
	Dad hangs with a thermonuclear bomb!		Checking out a B-1B Lancer Bomber. We see another flown into OSH!
SR-71 Blackbird!		WW II bomber mascot had his own doggie parachute - it was thankfully never used!	ALL THUMBS UP here!!
The three exhibit halls are amazingly vast!	Dad tries out an F-4 Phantom!	Hey, it has the same stick as my Velocity!!	But I think MY plane handles better!
	F-22 Raptor prototype.		Predator UAV.
RACE DAY!!! Everyone gets an early start in setting up their planes.		A local pilot drops by to check out the action!	Husband and wife team, Robert and Jeanine Axsom, get ready to start their second AVCUP Race!
Dad walks to slumbering RACE 24, flanked by two of the 5 Velocity's in the race.	Unlike year's past, the weather is pleasant!	The Esselstyn's pull up stakes. RACE 25 won Best Canard at SunNFun 2006.	It takes a staggering amount of coordination to make this race happen. The ever-energetic Eric Whyte carries two separate cell phones to handle all the calls to race officials, FSS, and the FAA and everyone else in between.
The SX-300 pilots arrive to set up their row of spectacular Swearingens!	The wraps come off RACE 40. This is Pat Shea's second AVCUP Race.	Morning dew is wiped off RACE 42's wings.	The airfield buzzes with excitement as planes are prepped!
"I know I left that ignition key in here somewhere!" (Just kidding!)			Jack Sheehan snaps a pic of the scene. RACE 55 is ready to go!
Final checks on RACE 42's Rotary engine.		Pilots start pulling planes out onto the tarmac...
Gil Hutchison readies Long-EZ RACE 79, the "Exothermer". They have raced at Jackpot and other R.A.C.E. events over the last 10 years.			Barron Johnson fires up the avionics in his Lancair 360, RACE 00.
GPS coordintes for the finish line and pylon turns are being punched in across the field.		Don Saint is an 8 year veteran of AVCUP Races in his GlasairII SFT, RACE 52.
	Bruce Bohannon starts his preflight.	Klaus Savier sets up his highly modified, amazingly fast Vari-EZE, RACE 111, the Delaminator! He and his plane have flown in many different air-race events, including the Reno and CAFE Air Races. He is also holds two world speed records in his class.	Steven Platt and O.L. Cornwall set up the slick SX-300, RACE 70.
Larry Klusmier preps his RV-6A, RACE 17 for his third and his co-pilot Lori Ulichney's first AVCUP Race.	The 'Just in the Nick of Time' Award goes to Kerry and Carol Fritz who arrive in their Long-EZ, RACE 99, just before final briefing starts. This is Kerry's fourth AVCUP Race.	Chase planes and their pilots are the unsung heroes of the Race, carrying luggage, tools and provide support for the Racers.	Vsitors to the field check out RACE 66.
Team Rhodenbaugh and the other racers head to the hangar for the final briefing.	Just before the briefing, Eric Whyte chats with Bruce Bohannon, now ready to launch.	AVCUP Race stalwarts, Sarah and Eric Whyte iron out last-second details. They and the other members of the Race Committee have once again done an amazing job at pulling off one of the largest and most successful race events ever in spite of minimal to no support from the EAA.	Eric starts the briefing by announcing that the Race has to be cancelled due to weather, saying that "with severe clear VFR, calm winds and low temperatures, it just doesn't seem right to fly a race!!" Luckily, he was just kidding. In contrast to the blistering heat wave and howling headwinds of last year, it's nice out this year! It seems strange to be thankful for 'only' 20+ knot headwinds!
Dave and Diane Anders (RACE 4) listen intently. This is their first AVCUP Race but Dave has flown in numerous races in his RV-4, an OSH Kit built Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Dave holds a world record for the CAFE Triaviathon.	Tim Rhodenbaugh contemplates his AVCUP Race strategy.	All eyes are on Eric as he answers all last minute questions.	With a final review of safety rules, Eric Whyte announces the start of the final countdown to the Race!
The SX-300's are lined up ready to go. We launch aircraft from fastest to slowest classes, starting with the Unlimited Class, followed by Sport, etc.	Debbie Dewey heads out toward her RV-10, RACE 45.	Racers are poised for the start signal.	Bruce Bohannon straps on the Flyin' Tiger!
Final moments before Race Launch!	Unlimited Class Cozy 540, RACE 54 is pulled out into the taxiway.	The father and son team of Lee and Jay Behel make their SEVENTH appearance at the AVCUP Race in their beautiful Lancair Legacy.
GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A RACE!!! Keith Walljasper's Seawind leaps into the air.	Halfway through the first leg to SQI, Tim and Robert Rhodenbaugh catch up to Dad and I. With 350+ HP on his Velocity XL RG, he is moving somewhat faster than we are!	RACE 32 is going ....	.... Going ....
... GONE!!! Oh well, we are STILL traveling a respectable 200+ MPH in RACE 24!!	The Byron Exelon nuclear power plant just south of Rockford is a prominent landmark on the way to the second pylon turn at RFD. NO loitering here at 200+ MPH!!	ARRIVAL AT Fond du Lac!!! After crossing the finish line at Lomira, racers gather at FLD to stage a mass arrival at OSH!	Jack Sheehan arrives mere seconds after RACE 24 arrives!
Jack Sheehan and Tim Coon in Velocity XL RG N55XL aka RACE 55.	Lancair and SX-300 Speedsters!		A steady stream of racers arrive over a span of an hour or so.
	The slick RV-10, RACE 45, taxiis up having posted 203+ MPH time!	A lineup of Velocity XL RG's.	RACE 42 arrives to complete the Velocity lineup.
	A veritable sea of RV's.	A Race Chairman's work is never done! Eric Whyte is now coordinating FAA and EAA personnel for the racers' mass-arrival to Oshkosh.	The beautiful Twin Navion Chase Plane arrives.
			Harry Hinkley (RACE 30) discusses the Race with Klaus Savier (RACE 111)
The OSH Mass-Arrival briefing commences.	James and Sandy Redmond listen to the briefing. Racers are to line up on the taxiway in pairs, with those on left side to land on OSH 36L and those on the right to land on 36R.	A pink-shirted FAA Air Traffic Controller briefs the final components of the OSH Arrival procedure.	In no time at all, the racers are lined up on the taxiway, sorted in order of landing speeds, fastest to slwoest to insure adequate spacing onthe other end. Chris and Cathleen Esselstyn relax under the wing of their beautiful Czoy-540.
Nearly at the head of the line, just after Keith Phillips in RACE 10, Harry Hinkley waits with his co-pilot.	An amazing array of beautiful experimentals stretches down the taxiway. Many of these planes represent the best of their classes and are illustrate the range of possibilities for homebuilders today.
Racers socialize in the shade of their planes.
	Jack Sheehan takes a siesta, demonstrating yet again how useful a Velocity can be!
	Pat Shea discusses his engine mods with Tim Rhodenbaugh.	Dad checks out the other Velocity's. He has flown in two Airventure Cup Races with me.	It is an enormous pleasure and honor for RACE 24 and I to stand with the other racers and their planes.
			Long-EZ RACE 93 is a comfortable place for a snooze, as pilot Tim Trainer demonstrates.
	The RV's form a multi-colored wonderland of great planes.
Debbie Dewey shows off her recently completed RV-10. RACE 45 is a wonderful example of the newest plane in the Van's lineup.			Bruce Hammer's Glasair I TD, RACE 91, holds a nonstop transcontinental world speed record. You can read the story of his accomplishemnt in the June 2006 Sport Aviation magazine.
		The Race committee walks the line, insuring readiness.
		The Velocity lineup!
Dad, Rick Guerra (RACE 24, top left) hanging out with Pat Shea (RACE 40, left) and Team Rhodenbaugh, Robert [bottom right] and Tim (RACE 32, top right).	An ultralight cruises by, checking out the assembled racers. After a wait for OSH to be ready, we have our slot and the Airventure Cup Racers Mass-Arrival commences.	With great aplomb, the rapid stream of racers are guided into position in the racers' parking area.
		James and Sandy Redmon are interviewed by Airventure Today!	This year, the post Race dinner is held at local famous restaurant, Wendt's Fish Fry. Bob Whitehouse introduces the owner of the restaurant.
It's time for the race results!!! James Redmon (RACE 13) and Pat Shea (RACE 40) compare notes.	Pat Shea (RACE 40) checks out his time. He took the Velocity group at 247.54 MPH!!!
Bob Whitehouse passes out some celebratory adult beverages.	Eric passes out the race results to eager racers.
Tales are told and a great time is had by all!
The cameraderie amongst the AirVenture Cup racers and the friendships made here are a hallmark of this event.			Back on the flightline, a thunderstorm bears down on the racers.
	Velocity XL RG N724X aka RACE 24!	Yes, those realy are cameras in the wingtips!!
	An ominous wind blows through the race plane area.	Luckily, the storm passes quickly.
The Nemesis didn't race with us this year but is nevertheless VERY cool!	The RACE PLANE AREA is located just in front of the control tower this year.	As soon Dad opens the door, people wander up to check out RACE 24.	THere's a lot of foot traffic passingthrough the race planes on display during the daily airshows.
Pat Shea pops off RACE 40's cowling which attracts a lot of attention.	Velocity Bulders John and Ann Tvedte and kids plus Andy and Theresa Millin set up camp under RACE 40's wing, checking out Pat's mods. Inspired by the Velocity entrants this year, both couples are planning to enter their soon-to-be-flying planes in the AVCUP Race!	A constant stream of interested pilots. non-pilots, builders and wannabees stop by to chat with Pat and check out his plane.	James and Sandy Redmon always have a big crowd around their Berkut 360, RACE 13.
The 'Exothermer' is a graduate of "The School of Hard Knots"	Eric Whyte opens the AVCUP 2006 awards session. Trophies for first through third in each class are on display (including special awards for the chase planes!)		The RACE 24 Team, Ricardo ("RICK") Guerra, Sr. and Ricardo ("Rich") Guerra, Jr.
The SX-300 RACE 03 team James Vitale and John Mullaney.	The SX-300 RACE 10 team Michael and Keith Phillips.	The SX-300 RACE 74 team, Duncan and Carolyn Sutherland.	The RV-10 RACE 45 team, Debbie Dewey and James Erskine.
Questair Venture RACE 49 pilot, Tony Crawford took first in the Sport FX Class.	The Berkut 360 RACE 13 team, James and Sandy Redmon.	Arnold Christen, in RACE 96, a Lancair 360, took third in the Formula RG Blue Class.
Transcontinental Speed World Record Holder, Bruce Hammer, RACE 91, took third in the Formula FX Blue Class.	Steve Hammer, RACE 73 a Glasair I, took first in the Formula FX Blue Class.	Jean-Pierre Verdier & Dave Biesemeierin RACE 86 a Smyth Sidewinder, took second in the Formula FX Red Class.	Rich Lamb and Timothy Trainer, in RACE 93, a Long-EZ, took first in the Formula FX Red Class.
Teresa and John Huft in RACE 18 an RV-8, took second in the Formula RV Blue Class.	Chris Murhy flew in RACE 34, an RV-4.	Bob Vasey, flying RACE 63, an RV-3, won first place in the Formula RV Red class.	Herb Rutter, flew in RACE 41, a Long-EZ in the Sprint Class.
Joseph Schiferl and Scott Jones, flew RACE 42, A Velocity 173RG in the Sprint Class.	Scott Hoskins, flying RACE 22, a Quickie Q-200, won third place in the Sprint class.	Gil Hutchison, in RACE 79, a Vari-EZE, took second in the Sprint Class.	Eric Whyte closes the awards ceremony by thanking his team and the racers for participating and making the event another success. He is however, interrupted ....
... by Dick Keyt who 'fesses up to a violation of "beer rules" and uses the opportunity ....	... to pay up in the form of a case of adult beverage.	The 2006 Airventure Cup Race 24 Team Rich Guerra and my Dad, Rick Guerra!	Our journey ends as it began: dodging buildups.
We are blessed by staggeringly beautiful views as we cruise home at 14,500 feet.	Another year closes but we are already looking forward to the NEXT Race! See you at Airventure Cup 2007!!!

Comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome! email: rich@rguerra.com
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