Star Wars-style Pod Racing comes to life - the Rocket Racing League blasts off

"The FAA salutes the Rocket Racing League on its mission to usher in a new era in aerospace entertainment," said Patricia Smith, Associate Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. "We look forward to working with the RRL to secure all the necessary licenses and permits to ensure safe and exciting events for the public."

The RRL plans to host a variety of races as it grows and each race will result in points awarded to its top finishers and qualifier. Timed qualifying rounds can be incorporated into the races, comparable to the 24-hour Le Mans race.

The RRL has contracted with XCOR Aerospace of Mojave California to design and build the first generation of X-Racers. The X-Racers are based on the design of XCOR's EZ-Rocket. Next generation vehicles will be using an airframe provided by Velocity of Sebastian, Florida.

Colonel Rick Searfoss (ret.), former commander of the space shuttle Columbia, and three-time astronaut, has been appointed Chief Pilot by the RRL and flew the EZ-Rocket X-Racer prototype in its inaugural launch on October 9 at the X PRIZE Cup in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Searfoss is expected to become one of the stars of the new series and will be used in demonstrations across the country in the lead-up to the competition.

The RRL will generate revenues through six channels:

1 Sponsorships The RRL's core demographic will be led by families, teenagers and young adults similar to mainstream car racing audiences. Companies will be able to sponsor the X-Racer aircrafts, pilot uniforms and helmets, and endorse awards such as fastest lap, fastest pit stop, and overall series champion.

2 Ticket sales Though the price of tickets will vary based on the type of race held and the venue in which it is performed, the RRL will ensure the prices are comparable to other mainstream sporting events.

3 Broadcast rights The RRL is initiating talks with major broadcasters to sell the rights to air Rocket Racing League™ events.

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