Mount Vernon, Ill – July 14, 2017 – Mt. Vernon Outland Airport in Mount Vernon, Ill., will be the site of three days of exciting aviation events starting July 21 and concluding on July 23 when over 90 unique aircraft start the race of more than 400 nautical miles. The race destination is Wausau Downtown Airport in Wausau, Wis. Media representatives are invited to visit the race pit, inspect the race planes, interview pilots, and participate in media flights.
The three-day event begins on Friday afternoon, July 21, with pilots arriving from around the country to coincide with Media Day, with media flights, photo and interview opportunities from 3 pm to 6 pm. The media are welcome at any time during the event for photo and interview opportunities. Media flights on Saturday will be based upon aircraft and pilot availability. All activities are weather dependent.
Saturday, July 22, AirVenture Cup Race participants, in partnership with Mount Vernon Outland Airport, will host an airport open house from 9 am to 5 pm, and EAA Young Eagles Event from 9 am to 1 pm, where kids between the ages of 8 and 17 can experience aviation first hand through free airplane rides. Over two hundred youth are expected to participate.
The air race begins at 9 am on July 23, when more than 90 aircraft are expected to travel the course of 409 nautical miles from Mt. Vernon Outland Airport to Wausau Downtown Airport. The race helps kick off the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in and convention.
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 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 .
About Mt. Vernon Outland Airport
Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) serves the businesses and residents of Jefferson and neighboring Counties. The airport’s modern infrastructure, highlighted by an Instrument Landing System equipped 6500’ by 150’ main runway, makes it an ideal location for numerous aeronautical activities. Cargo, corporate, charter, and recreational flying, as well as fixed wing and helicopter flight training, occurs daily at MVN. For more information, visit www.mtvernonairport.com or call 618-242-7016.
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.
