Cleveland Air Race set for October 13 at airport

The second annual Cleveland Air Race Revival will be held on Oct. 13 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Cleveland Municipal Airport.

The airport gates will open at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. The best time to view the planes is before and after the race, according to Alf Vien, of aviation services at Cleveland Municipal Airport.

“Last year, we had about 32 racers,” said Vien. “I’m expecting about 40 this time. Last year’s race prompted a lot of interest at the local level and brought in lots of people from Conroe, Lake Water Wheel and from various airports in the greater Houston area.”

Pilots will take off one minute apart from Cleveland and fly over Lake Water Wheel in Shepherd to begin. The race will time each plane individually as it starts and crosses the finish line.

“This is not an air show,” said Vien. “There will be lots of aircraft to look at after the planes land.”

There will be two courses available. The longer course will be for larger and faster airplanes and will be 150 miles in length. The second course will be for smaller airplanes and will be approximately 70 miles in length.

“At about 9:30 a.m. lots of planes will be passing Lake Water Wheel,” said Vien. “That will be a fun thing to see. Then spectators can come back to Cleveland to see them cross the finish line. We’re trying to develop a tradition and something that is fun for people to watch.”

Entry to the event is free for spectators. There is a fee to enter the race as a pilot.

Barbecue plates will also be available after the race for the cost of a donation to help cover the expenses of the event.

Pilots that participate will receive a gift bag filled with donated items.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves,” said Vien.

For more information about the race, visit www.clevelandairracerevival.blogspot.com or call the Cleveland Municipal Airport at 281-592-1282.

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