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19 - 20 - 21 June
ARC – Air Race Championship is a new global air racing platform created to revive the sport following the end of iconic events such as the Red Bull Air Race and the Reno Air Races.
Founded in 2014, ARC held its first showcase in Lisbon in 2016 and has since spent nearly a decade in preparation through training and demonstration events, paving the way for a new era of global air racing competition.
ARC is driven by the ambition to revive the spirit of air racing through a thrilling and competitive spectacle designed to inspire audiences worldwide.
Combining entertainment, technology, and sustainability, the championship brings together a new generation of elite pilots and technical teams, positioning itself as the modern successor to the world’s greatest air racing competitions — both in Europe and globally.
ARC brings together some of the world’s best pilots in a motorsport that combines speed, precision, and skill.
Flying ultra-light, high-performance racing aircraft, pilots navigate low-altitude courses defined by inflatable Air Gates, reaching speeds of up to 370 km/h while enduring forces of up to 12G.
From the heart of major cities to open landscapes over land or water, ARC can take place almost anywhere, delivering one of the most innovative and thrilling sporting experiences in the world today.
ARC – Air Race Championship is a new global air racing platform created to revive the sport following the end of iconic competitions such as the Red Bull Air Race and the Reno Air Races.
Founded in 2014, ARC held its first showcase in Lisbon in 2016 and has since spent nearly a decade refining the concept through training and demonstration events, paving the way for a new global era of air racing.
Complete the course through the 25-meter-high inflatable pylons, specially designed for the competition and known as “Air Gates”, in the shortest time possible.
As an innovative feature, ARC introduces a new competition format where two pilots race simultaneously on parallel and independent circuits. Both compete for the fastest time, creating a more intense and direct competitive dynamic.
Currently in development, this format promises to elevate the level of competition and deliver an even more immersive experience for audiences, with greater adrenaline, excitement, and real-time spectacle.
ARC – Air Race Championship is one of the most demanding competitions in sport aviation, bringing together a select group of world-class pilots chosen through a rigorous selection process. The chicane-style circuit presents highly technical challenges, requiring absolute control of the aircraft.
During the races, pilots fly at low altitude and extreme speeds, performing high-precision maneuvers through Air Gates along the course. Under intense G-forces, they are pushed to their physical and mental limits, where focus and endurance are just as important as skill.
In this highly competitive environment, hundredths of a second define the final result, reflecting the extreme level of precision and excellence required.
Since its beginning, ARC demonstrations have taken place in visually striking urban locations, transforming cities into true stages for aerial competition.
This proximity to the audience creates an immersive experience, allowing spectators to follow the action from multiple angles while the three-dimensional circuit keeps the spectacle thrilling from start to finish.
Air racing dates back to the early 20th century, evolving over time into the modern format seen today.
ARC stands out by combining speed with precision and technical control, as pilots navigate low-altitude courses through inflatable Air Gates while executing demanding maneuvers, creating a truly unique and innovative competition.
Speed is one of the defining elements of ARC, with aircraft reaching well over 370 km/h.
But it’s not just about speed — it’s about extreme precision. Pilots must navigate narrow Air Gates and execute technical maneuvers under intense pressure, where even the smallest mistake can compromise the final result.
The demonstrations held in Portugal have already revealed the intense level of competitiveness between pilots.
As the championship evolves into official head-to-head competition, the excitement will only grow. The future introduction of parallel racing circuits will add a new dimension to the challenge, demanding even greater levels of performance, strategy, and precision — while delivering an even more spectacular experience for the audience.
The aircraft used in ARC are specially designed for this type of competition, standing out for their lightweight construction, agility, and performance.
Advanced materials and continuous technological evolution allow for exceptional efficiency, while even the smallest technical adjustments can make a decisive difference in overall performance.
Recent demonstrations in Portugal have shown a significant increase in public engagement with ARC.
More and more spectators are following the races and activities closely, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding the championship. This strong audience response reinforces ARC’s presence in the country and highlights its ability to captivate new audiences and build lasting recognition.
In recent years, ARC has been steadily growing its presence in Portugal through aerial demonstrations held in several cities.
These events bring audiences closer to the competition, showcasing the speed, precision, and skill of the pilots while strengthening the championship’s visibility and recognition.
Supported by growing public interest and media attention, ARC is now preparing for European expansion by connecting with some of the continent’s leading aviation events, positioning itself as one of Europe’s most exciting and innovative air racing competitions.
Beyond the pilots, ARC also brings together team managers, technical crews, and operational staff — all essential to the intensity of the competition.
Their stories, rivalries, resilience, and pursuit of excellence will become part of the championship’s narrative, giving audiences a deeper connection to the sport.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content will soon offer fans an inside look into the world of ARC, revealing everything that happens beyond the race course and creating an even more immersive experience.
