AirVenture Cup Race Application Deadline July 1, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - June 19, 2015 - The deadline for applications for participation in the 2015 EAA AirVenture Cup Race is July 1, 2015. Pilots interested in participating in this year's annual event should apply as soon as possible online at www.airventurecuprace.com.

The EAA AirVenture Cup Race provides pilots and aircraft builders an opportunity to race their aircraft in a safe and fun environment, all while promoting aviation in and over the communities where the races are held. The first race in 1998 started in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with 10 aircraft, and has grown to a major aviation event that helps kick off the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in. This video provides an overview of the 2014 event.

The 18th annual AirVenture Cup Race starts at 9 am CDT on July 19, when more than 50 aircraft are expected to travel the course of over 400 nautical miles from Mt. Vernon, Ilinois to Wausau, Wisconsin. The race concludes a weekend of aviation activities at Mount Vernon Outland Airport, the starting point of the air race. The race destination is Central Wisconsin Airport, with many participants then travelling on the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, "The World's Aviation Celebration."

The three-day event begins on Friday, July 17, with pilots arriving from around the country to coincide with Media Day, providing media flights and interview opportunities. Saturday, July 18, AirVenture Cup Race participants, in partnership with Mount Vernon Outland Airport, will host an airport open house and EAA Young Eagles Event, where kids between the ages of 8 and 17 can experience aviation first hand through free airplane rides. Race launch is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at 9:30 am CDT. The AirVenture Cup Race is a timed race, with participants competing against the clock. Aircraft and pilots are divided into categories based on their certification, landing gear configuration, and engine size. Each class has first, second and third place awards.

A new pilot referral program for the 2015 AirVenture Cup Race will recognize pilots who refer new pilots to participate in this year's race. To be eligible for the referral program, the referring pilot must be an active racer in the 2015 AirVenture Cup Race. The referred pilot must not have participated in the race for the two previous years (2013 and 2014), and both the referring and referred pilots must submit their application by the deadline of July 1, 2015. All pilots participating in the referral program will be recognized during the awards dinner and ceremony on Sunday, July 19, in Oshkosh. The pilot who refers the most new racers will receive an autographed copy of the 2015 commemorative program.

All event activities are weather dependent. To learn more about the race, to access a race application, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities visit the EAA AirVenture Cup Race website at www.airventurecuprace.com.

About the EAA AirVenture Cup Race The EAA AirVenture Cup Race was founded in 1997 in the spirit of recreating the old Bendix Trophy Race, and is dedicated to aviation advocacy and preserving the rich heritage of cross-country air racing. The race is held annually in advance of EAA AirVenture. For more information, visit www.airventurecuprace.com and follow the Facebook page at AirVenture Cup and Twitter @AvcRace.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.

About EAA Young Eagles Program Since 1992, more than 1.9 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight from EAA's network of volunteer pilots. Kids ages 8 to 17 can experience aviation first hand through a free Young Eagles flight, where they can see what real pilots do on the ground and in the air. For many, it was the start of their journey to becoming a pilot, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, or many other career possibilities. Learn more at www.eaa.org/youngeagles