AirVenture Cup Race

09/24/2026

Throwback Thursday!

The 2014 AirVenture Cup was flown from Mitchell, SD to Oshkosh, WI. Meet some of our racers and find out what they have to say about racing in the AirVenture Cup. Applications are available online on our website, www.avcrace.com. (Video by: Brett Bittner)

Think air racing isn't for you? Think again. We have race categories for every airplane and have had people race from all corners of the pilot experience spectrum.

The AirVenture Cup Cross-Country Air Race is the world’s premier amateur open-circuit air race open to all experimental and factory-built aircraft. The AVC seeks to recreate the spirit of the great air races of the Golden Age of Aviation, such as the famed Bendix Trophy. It is held annually on the opening weekend of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in and convention in late July, and most participants fly into Oshkosh at the race’s conclusion. The AVC has become a highly visible component of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and embodies the resourcefulness, inclusiveness, and volunteer spirit that are the hallmarks of both the Experimental Aircraft Association and AirVenture Oshkosh.

https://youtu.be/LBEMzran9Ls?si=dRQD2FAWPd4nBjn8

Open to both Experimental and Factory Class aircraft the Airventure Cup Race has been running for 27 years and provides for like minded men and women of all ages to enjoy the spirit of General Aviation in a fun and competitive environment.

09/23/2026

Racer Spotlight!

Wayne Hadath flew “Little Bit,” an F1 Rocket. This marks their return after a three-year absence, and Wayne is eager to reconnect with both familiar and new faces in the racing community. “Little Bit” first took to the skies in September 2005, marking Wayne’s inaugural build. He thoroughly enjoyed the learning process and the challenges that came with it. Currently, “Little Bit” is the only slow-built F1 Rocket still in flight, a testament to Wayne’s craftsmanship. In addition to the F1 Rocket, he also flies an RV-10 and a Pitts S2E, but the F1 Rocket remains his favorite.

09/21/2026

Its always relaxing to watch the airplanes at the AirVenture Cup Race (AVC)! It's also free! Each year, at the Wausau Downtown Airport in Wausau WI, we kick off the largest airshow in the world with a cross country air race! Spectators are welcome to come and see the airplanes, talk to pilots and have a great time! It's cheaper than therapy!

09/20/2026

Racer Spotlight!

Race #39 is an F-1 Rocket, built over a span of six years by John Andersen from Kenosha, WI. This aircraft made its first flight on December 17, 2006, coinciding with the 103rd Anniversary of Powered Flight. This year marks a significant milestone, as John’s aircraft celebrates 20 years of flight and has accumulated just over 800 flying hours. Additionally, John is commemorating 19 consecutive years attending the Oshkosh Fly-In. In fact, he will also celebrate 50 years of participation at Oshkosh! John is a corporate pilot and also teaches flight instruction and applies his skills as an A&P mechanic.

09/18/2026

Fun Fact Friday!

The AirVenture Cup speed record is held by Mike Patey from the 2016 race. This feat was completed in the aircraft Turbulence, a highly modified Lancair Legacy. It had 850 HP. Turbulence now sits in the EAA AirVenture Museum is Oshkosh, where is is seen by thousands each year.

Drop your top speed in the comments!

09/18/2026

What is the AirVenture Cup Race? Technically speaking, the AirVenture Cup Race (AVC) is an amateur cross-country air race to kick of AirVenture Oshkosh each year. But we, and our racers, believe it is something more. AVC is open to EVERYONE, meaning if you own something that flies, we have a class for you! This opens up a lot of opportunities throughout the weekend to meet people from all over the United States, and beyond! To us, the AirVenture Cup Race isn’t just a race, it’s an event that allows people to come together, make new friends, new memories and, you might even learn something! Secure your spot next year for the AirVenture Cup Race by following us to know when registration opens!

What is your favorite part about the AirVenture Cup Race? Let us know in the comments!

Photo credit: Jimmy De La Garza, Eric De La Garza, Nathan and Derek Prince, Marli Novy

https://www.airventurecuprace.com/

09/16/2026

Racer Spotlight!

Bruce Hammer, a seasoned competitor in the AirVenture Cup, has missed only two races since his first in 1998! His excitement for this year’s event remains as strong as it was at his first race. Bruce will be flying his Glasair 1-TD, which he built over a three-year period and has continuously modified ever since. Bruce’s latest modification was replacing the original Lycoming 360 engine with a more powerful Lycoming 540. The new engine is positioned back against the firewall, just one inch farther forward than its predecessor. To maintain proper weight and balance, he has selected a 3-blade fixed-pitch prop from Cato, known for their exceptional craftsmanship. This year, Cato is developing a high-performance 2-blade fixed-pitch race prop specifically tailored to match the engine’s horsepower and the airplane drag.

09/14/2026

Happy heavenly 105th birthday to EAA founder Paul Poberezny! Paul had two simple motivations in life: airplanes and people.

Those simple principles grew into the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and have shaped an unmatched global community of passionate aviators.

Thank you, Paul!

09/13/2026

Racer Spotlight!

Marv and Sarah Wessel return for their seventh AirVenture Cup race and fourth AVC campaign with their Glasair III, N9KK. While many teams spend the off-season chasing horsepower and aerodynamic improvements, the Wessels have remained focused on a seemingly endless series of house and hangar projects. As a result, the Glasair remains essentially unchanged and serves as a reliable baseline for future performance improvements. Competing under the banner of the Ravager Racing Team, Marv and Sarah continue to enjoy the camaraderie, competition, and adventure that make the AVC special. The team’s speed modification program remains fully funded but largely theoretical, having been repeatedly delayed by hangar construction. So far, the strategy has been remarkably successful at keeping them firmly seated near the back of the Sport Class standings, where expectations are low and the view of everyone else’s tail is excellent. Marv hopes to eventually make enough improvements to keep pace with the Hammer brothers and the rest of the field. Until then, simply finishing ahead of someone remains a worthy objective.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember 9/11 with Patriot Day. 25 years ago, our nation was permanently impacted. To remember, we are sharing a portion of the song “Where were you” by Alan Jackson. Never forget.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin' on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones
Pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
Or drivin' down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor?
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
And speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?