Beyond the Track: The Next Generation of Motorsports
Since the dawn of time, humans have been driven by the primal urge to compete. From the chariot races of ancient Greece and Rome to the high-speed duels of Formula One, the thrill of victory has captivated humankind. As technology and our fascination of competitive sports grows, a British company has brought a unique competitor to the world of motorsports.
Matthew Pearson, the founder of Alauda Aeronautics, introduced the world’s first electric flying car racing series, Airspeeder, in 2019. His vision was driven by the belief that racing could accelerate the development of advanced air mobility technologies. The exciting new racing series currently uses Alauda Aeronautics built remotely operated Mk3 eVTOL aircraft. With a top speed of 124 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 5 to 7 seconds, these are not your average eVTOLs.
Airspeeder is not just about innovative machinery, but also about the extraordinary pilots shaping the future of motorsports. Pilots not only need exceptional flying skills, but they must also have a keen understanding of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. These individuals must undergo rigorous training to become Airspeeder pilots including the use of high-tech flight simulators as well as intense physical training. A diverse field of racers will take part, ranging from social media influencers and FPV drone pilots to Bruno Senna, the accomplished racing driver and nephew of Formula One icon Ayrton Senna.
The inaugural Airspeeder EXA Series race took place in 2022 and consisted of one drag race followed by three circuit races held throughout South Australia. Pilots used remote stations to immerse themselves in a first-person perspective, replicating the sensation of being in the cockpit. Utilizing an augmented reality system, the racetrack layout is projected onto the pilot’s monitors, providing a real-time, virtual racecourse. The first few races consisted of two Airspeeders competing against each other but by the last two races there were three Airspeeder Mk3 aircraft jockeying for pole position above the South Australian desert. Australian pro surfer and FPV drone racer, Zephatali Walsh, dominated the competition and became the winner of the first ever Airspeeder EXA Racing Series.
Alauda Aeronautics has already started working on the Airspeeder Mk4, which will become the first manned version of the racer. The next generation eVTOL is expected to have a top speed of a whopping 225 miles per hour and be nimble enough to navigate the challenging courses and racing conditions. Testing of the aircraft has already begun, and the company hopes to have it ready for the beginning of the 2024 racing season.
As Airspeeder comes out ahead in turn one, the future of the motorsport looks promising. Worldwide attention through social media has skyrocketed the company’s popularity and showcased the latest in eVTOL technology. They have even partnered with global architecture firm, HOK, to design a modular race vertiport to bring eVTOL racing to spectators and locations around the world. With the continued advancement in eVTOL technology and Airspeeder; the sky is no longer the limit; it is a racetrack.
This article was contributed by vintage aircraft owner and writer Ed Becerra, whose flying adventures can be found at youtube.com/@TheFlyingStampede
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