The world’s fastest motor sport has been confirmed to take centre stage at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka international airshow.

Jet racing, featured for the first time at Warbirds in 2014, features high-performance jet aircraft racing around a tight aerial race-course marked by large inflatable pylons on the ground.

In 2014 the Wānaka jet racing championship was won by Hamilton-based pilot, Paul ‘Huggy’ Hughan flying a 1950s Vampire Jet. Paul is returning in 2022 in an attempt to win the trophy for a second time. 

“The jet racing in 2014 was such a blast; a chance for a group of very experienced pilots to test their skills and aircraft against each other,” Paul said.

Chasing Paul will be fellow Vampire pilot Brett Emeny, from New Plymouth; Tauranga’s John Mathewson, flying an L-39 Albatros; and Auckland-based Dave Brown at the controls of a Strikemaster.

Jets rounding a pylon. PHOTO: Gavin Conroy

Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said organisers had planned to bring back the event at the 2020 airshow, which had to be cancelled at the last minute because of Covid-19 restrictions.

“We know this was so popular back in 2014 and after the disappointment of 2020 we’re rapt we’re able to stage it next Easter,” he said. “The sight of these aircraft hurtling around the race-course at high speed is something to be seen.”  

Ed said the tight course means the aircraft are in view for the entire time on each lap so airshow visitors get to see all the passing manoeuvres.

Ed has also confirmed Universal Developments has come back on board to sponsor the jet racing. 

“It’s the continuing support of people like Lane Hocking and his team at Universal Developments which has made the recovery from that cancellation possible,” Ed said.

The jets will race all three days of the airshow, gaining points for where they finish. The winner will be the most consistent jet over the airshow.

Airshow patrons can also book the ride of a lifetime in one of the participating aircraft, here and here.

Warbirds Over Wānaka will be held at Easter 2022 (April 15-17).