Sailplane Grand Prix Newsletter 6 (12.07.2007)

Dear Friends

Time moves on and we are now 5-and-a-half months from the Final of the first series of IGC Sailplane events using the grand prix race.

Unfortunately two of the qualified pilots are not able to get to Omarama to enjoy flying the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Erwin Sommer (Germany) has accepted one of the vacant positions and "Mannie" McLaughlan (South Africa) has been offered the second vacant position.

We have realized that we need a cut-off date for changes in the pilot list otherwise the logistics of getting pilots and aircraft to New Zealand will become very difficult. The last day that places will be offered to those who finished in 3rd place at a qualifying GP race will be 19th July.

Following discussions with the FAI it has been agreed that this Category One event will run from the 19th to the 28th of December. Christmas Day and Boxing Day (the 25th and 26th) are pre-designated rest days and the 27th and 28th of December are reserve days.

The preparations of Omarama are swinging into action. Pilots need to contact Peter Newport (peter.newport@airsports.co.nz) to coordinate their gliders travel and accommodation.

With the delays we have had in 2007 it is not viable to plan further GP races this year. We are now planning to run a series of qualifying GP races in 2008 plus a Final, probably at the end of 2008.

The details for this series are being worked out by the Bureau now and will follow the proposals put forward to the Plenary meeting this year.

Best Regards

Bob Henderson
President, IGC
July 12th, 2007

Updated Pilot List as at 1st July 2007

* To be confirmed.