GET ON THE EXPRESS!!

2015 was the inaugural year for this event which ran under the name Race to the Sun. 2016 sees a new name with more fun and great racing. The start is Greenwood, SC-KGRD where true Southern Hospitality awaits with a great airport, great food and fun activities.

The race course is 400nm and a no penalty fuel stop is on the route at Moultrie, GA-KGR. Zero in the Florida’s “Land of Lakes" and cross the finish line at Winter Haven, FL-KGIF.

The event is open to all pilots and all propeller driven aircraft. Flying is VFR under strict adherence to all FAR’s. The competition is classed cross country speed racing. All aircraft are individually timed and make a group start in speed order.

Classes are divided into three categories: Experimental, Factory and Heavy Metal. Classes in each category are set according to engine horsepower, cubic inch displacement, normally aspirated, turbo/supercharged, turbine and landing gear configuration. There is a class for everyone and even Challenge Classes are offered for 3 or more of the same make and model aircraft.

Entries are open from February 1, 2016 to March 21, 2016. To be included in the official race program you must enter by March 21st. Entry fee is $75 which will be paid at registration; cash or check only.
Early registration will be open Friday April 1, 2016 and an informal evening gathering for racers is planned. Saturday April 2, 2016 offers registration all day. There will be group Historic tours available. All racers must be in place and in the mandatory pilots briefing at 5pm. Dinner will be served at 6pm at KGRD.

After crossing the finish line at KGIF, racers may have lunch at the on airport restaurant and then tour Kermit Week’s Fantasy of Flight museum and restoration facility. Awards and dinner at 5pm at Race Central, Hangar 10, KGIF

HOTELS/TRANSPORTATION

Racers need to make their own hotel reservations:
Please note that at both the start and finish MAJOR events are taking place.
The US Open Golf Tournament effects the hotels in Greenwood, SC.
Inn on the Square airport pickup, restaurant, lounge, $129
863-330-1010
Fairmont Inn
$110, 864-330-3300
Hampton Inn
$100, 864-338-9595

Sun ‘n Fun will fill all rooms within a large radius of Lakeland, FL. If you plan on staying in a hotel make your reservations immediately.
Best Western, Auburndale, FL
4 miles from airport, 863-551-3400

Car rentals, we recommend Enterprise and to call the local office at Greenwood. Enterprise has an office at the airport at Winter Haven but it is closed weekends but arrangements can be made for airport pickup and return.

The event will provide courtesy transportation to hotels and to Fantasy of Flight.

GOING TO SUN-N-FUN

For pilots staying for Sun ‘n Fun, there will be special race parking. There will be a showcase on Wednesday, April 6, 2015 for all air racers. After the showcase the Sun 40 race will take place. Double your racing fun and take part in this fun sprint race and be featured at Sun ‘n Fun. www.sun-n-fun.org/-intl-fly-in-expo-activities-sun-40-sprints

For more information Contact Richard Kaczmarek at 937-243-7303 or email at [email protected]

The SUNSHINE EXPRESS 400 IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS