Date: July 21, 2024
Departure Point: Wausau, WI
Arrival Point: Wausau, WI
Airplanes of all types will line up at the starting line for the 26th Running of the AirVenture Cup cross-country air race at 9am on July 21, 2024 at the Wausau Downtown Airport – KAUW. Immediately after takeoff, they will turn northeastward along the race course with intermediate checkpoints along the way to the finish line. After finishing the race, they will land at Wausau Downtown Airport in Wisconsin.
The race is open to a wide variety of pilots and aircraft, from sport pilots to astronauts, and J-3 Cubs to Turbine Legends. Over the years, people of varying aviation backgrounds and aircraft in all speed regimes have raced and won trophies. Aircraft are grouped into classes based on their experimental or production certification, engine size, induction type, and landing gear configuration to keep every aircraft competitive.
More than just a cross country race, the AirVenture Cup is a weekend of fun-filled aviation activity. Starting on Friday, racers arriving early traditionally gather at a to-be-announced location for an informal meet-and-greet. Attendees beware: the racing stories are like fishing stories, the speeds get faster as the night goes on!
On Saturday, the race will host an Airport Open House at the Wausau Downtown Airport. People from the local community and surrounding areas will be invited to visit the race pit, view the race planes close-up and talk to competing pilots about the race, the airport, and general aviation.
Race Entry Fee
The Race Entry Fee is $300 for those people who have submitted a complete application package prior to May 1, 2024 and $350 for people submitting their application package between May 1, 2024 and June 1, 2024. Included with your race entry fee are the following:
- Participation in the AirVenture Cup
- T-Shirts for the racer and their co-pilot
- Commemorative AirVenture Cup Program
- Airport open house hosted in Wausau, WI
- Pre-Race happy hour and dinner, which is immediately before the race briefing
- One week-long admission to AirVenture 2024 in Oshkosh. (An additional admission credential is available at a reduced rate for your co-pilot.)
- Preferred parking in the “Race Corral” on the flight line in Oshkosh
Hotel Information
Jefferson Street Inn
201 Jefferson Street
Wausau, Wisconsin 54403
*Ask for 2024 AirVenture cup rate
Sunday is race day, launching the whole field of racers in an all out speed run from Wausau to Merrill, WI with intermediate turn points along the way. After finishing and having lunch, most racers will depart to Oshkosh, WI for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in and convention. AirVenture Cup participants will enjoy parking in the race corral near Homebuilt Headquarters. On Monday night, results will be announced and trophies awarded at the awards ceremony. Racers, volunteers, friends, and family are all invited to celebrate another successful race and the start of a great week at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh!