Registration open for SGP USA 2016 (July 24-31 2016)

[Sean Fidler]

All,

Today we are one year from the start of the "FIRST EVER" FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier! This series will be held in Ionia, MI at the Ionia County Airport (Y70) on July 24th thru 31st 2016. The event will be held in 15m sailplanes.

FAI SGP USA Official Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016
FAI SGG USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/USASailplaneGrandPrix
FAI SGP Video: https://youtu.be/t9bdZCvkRuc

SGP USA 2016 (as with all FAI SGP events) is strictly limited to 20 total pilots. 15 US/Canadian entries and 5 entries reserved for foreign pilots.

US/Canadian pilot applications (12 remaining) will be ranked based on 2015 SSA pilot ranking (http://soaringweb.org/PRL/prl.2015.html). Foreign pilots entries (4 remaining) will be ranked by current FAI pilot ranking (http://igcrankings.fai.org). We will also maintain a detailed waiting list as necessary (see below).

IMPORTANT: The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday, September 31, 2015 at 10pm.

IMPORTANT: If we do not fill all FOUR remaining foreign entries by January 31, 2016 we will begin adding from the waiting list. The waiting list will be exercised in order of WHEN your application email is received (NOT by ranking list position).

With that, please send your application email AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please include the following information in your email to :

Full Name
Nationality
Glider Club
Glider Manufacturer and Type
Glider Reg (ex.N367T)
Contest Number (ex.7T)
Current SSA or FAI Ranking
Email Address
Home Address
Phone Number
Pilot Photo
A short blurb on your interest in SGP USA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
SGP USA Event Manager and entrant

[Sean Fidler]

A new PILOT ENTRY FORM is available on the 2016 Sailplane Grand Prix USA official website (www.sgp.aero/USA2016).

To submit your entry, please click the following link:

http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/event-information/pilot-entry-form.aspx?contestID=15898

Sincerely,

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Link to FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Rules: http://sgpstorage.blob.core.windows.net/sgpmedia/923673/sgp-rules-v7.pdf

There has been a good deal of questions about there rules. I thought I would post them here for all to read at their leisure. Incredibly simple really. Enjoy.

Comments welcomed.

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

As of this evening, NINE (9) pilots are registered (of 20 max). The event is filling up very quickly now.

Ford Motor Company has signed on as our title sponsor. Two more sponsor announcements will be coming shortly.

-------------------------

Link to registered pilots: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

- 7 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot slots are left.
- 4 (of 5) International slots remain.

--------------------------

Registration closes on September 30th, 2015 at 10pm!

--------------------------

The 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

Event Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

--------------------------

The top 2 (perhaps 3) pilots qualify for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class.

[Sean Fidler]

As of this evening, NINE (9) pilots are registered (of 20 max). The event is filling up very quickly now. 348 days until the event begins.

Link to registered pilots: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

- 7 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot slots are left.
- 4 (of 5) International slots remain.

--------------------------

Registration closes on September 30th, 2015 at 10pm!

--------------------------

The 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

Event Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

--------------------------

The top 2 (perhaps 3) pilots qualify for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class.

[Sean Fidler]

As of this late this evening, TEN (10) pilots are registered (of 20 max). The event is filling up very, very quickly now. 348 days until the event begins. We just received our second International entry from Australia!

Ford Motor Company has signed on as our first event Sponsor and several more sponsor announcements will be coming shortly.

LINK TO REGISTERED PILOTS:
http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

REGISTRATION SUMMARY:
US/CANADIAN PILOTS -
8 US & Canadian Pilots have registered as of 7-9-15.
Only 7 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot "slots" are left.
- 15 US and Canadian Pilot Entries will be accepted
- If less than 5 International pilots register by January 31, 2016 we will add more US and Canadian pilots in the order of receipt of registration

INTERNATIONAL PILOTS -
2 International Pilots have registered as of 7-9-15.
Only 3 (of 5) International slots remain.

US/CANADIAN Registration closes on September 30th, 2015 at 10pm EST!

INTERNATION Registration closes on January 31, 2015 at 10pm EST!

The 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

Event Website:
http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

PURPOSE OF THE COMPETITION: The top 2 (perhaps 3) pilots from the 2016 Sailplane Grand Prix USA will qualify for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class.

[Sean Fidler]

As of this today, ELEVEN (11) pilots are registered (of 20 max). * 343 days until the event begins. *We just received our third Canadian entry! The first ever, FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA is continuing to fill up quickly. Hurry up and enter before the event is closed. *

Ford Motor Company, top US soaring supplier Wings and Wheels and Quicken Loans have signed on as event sponsors.

The 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

Event Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

PURPOSE OF THE COMPETITION: The top 2 (perhaps 3) pilots from the 2016 Sailplane Grand Prix USA will qualify for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class.

LINK TO REGISTERED PILOTS: *
http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

REGISTRATION SUMMARY:
US/CANADIAN PILOTS -
9 US & Canadian Pilots have registered as of 7-14-15.
Only 6 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot "slots" are left.
-********15 US and Canadian pilot entries will be accepted.
- Additional entries will be added to a waiting list in order of entry receipt.
- US/Canadian entries will be accepted in order of SSA ranking.
-********If less than 5 International pilots register by January 31, 2016, we will add wait listed US and Canadian pilots in the order of receipt of registration
US/CANADIAN competitor registration closes on September 30th, 2015.

INTERNATIONAL PILOTS -
2 International Pilots have registered as of 7-14-15.
Only 3 (of 5) International slots remain.
- International entries will be accepted in order of FAI ranking.
INTERNATIONAL competitor registration closes on January 31, 2016.

[Sean Fidler]

SPOTS REMAINING: THIRTEEN (13) pilots (of 20 MAX) are now registered for the 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier! 7 spots remain (1 International (of 5) and 6 US/Canadian (of 15))

LATEST NEWS: German soaring star ULI SCHWENK has just entered the event!

The first ever, FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA is continuing to fill up VERY quickly. If you have interest in competing in the event, please HURRY UP and enter before the remaining entry slots fill up! *

WHEN: The 2016 SGP USA competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

2016 SGP USA Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

PURPOSE OF THE 2016 SGP USA:

A) To qualify the top 2 (perhaps 3) pilots for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class!
B) To provide an opportunity for US and Canadian pilots to participate in the FAI SGP Series
C) To provide US and Canadian pilots an an opportunity to to participate in pure sailplane racing (Regatta Start, Assigned Tasks, Finish Line, First Pilot to finish, WINS!)
D) To promote sailplane racing to the US public and media

LINK TO VIEW CURRENTLY REGISTERED 2016 SGP USA PILOTS: *
http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

REGISTRATION SUMMARY:

US/CANADIAN PILOTS -
9 US & Canadian Pilots have registered as of Aug 18, 2015.
Only 6 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot "slots" are left.
-********15 US and Canadian pilot entries will be accepted.
- Additional entries will be added to a waiting list in order of entry receipt.
- US/Canadian entries will be accepted in order of SSA ranking.
-********If less than 5 International pilots register by January 31, 2016, we will add wait listed US and Canadian pilots in the order of receipt of registration
US/CANADIAN competitor registration closes on September 30th, 2015.

INTERNATIONAL PILOTS -
4 International Pilots have registered as of Aug 18, 2015.
*** Only 1 (of 5) International slots remain. ***
- International entries will be accepted in order of FAI ranking.
INTERNATIONAL competitor registration closes on January 31, 2016.

[Sean Fidler]

REGISTERED PILOTS: FOURTEEN (14) pilots (of 20 MAX) are now registered for the 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA Qualifier!

ONLY SIX (6) spots remain (1 International and 5 US/Canadian)!

LATEST NEWS: German soaring star ULI SCHWENK and Canadian NICK BONNIERE have just entered the event!

The first ever, FAI Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP) USA is continuing to fill up EXTREMELY quickly. If you have interest in competing in the event, please HURRY UP and enter before the remaining entry slots fill up!

WHEN: The 2016 SGP USA competition is scheduled for July 24-31, 2016 in Ionia, Michigan.

2016 SGP USA Website: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

PURPOSE OF THE 2016 SGP USA:

A) To qualify the top 2 (3 if all 20 entries are filled) pilots for the 7th SGP World Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa to be held from Nov 5th -12th, 2016 in 18m class!
B) To provide an opportunity for US and Canadian pilots to participate in the FAI SGP Series
C) To provide US and Canadian pilots an an opportunity to to participate in pure sailplane racing (Regatta Start, Assigned Tasks, Finish Line, First Pilot to finish, WINS!)
D) To promote sailplane racing to the US public and media

LINK TO VIEW CURRENTLY REGISTERED 2016 SGP USA PILOTS:
http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15942

REGISTRATION SUMMARY:

US/CANADIAN PILOTS -
10 US & Canadian Pilots have registered as of Aug 19, 2015.
Only 5 (of 15) US/Canadian pilot "slots" are left.
- 15 US and Canadian pilot entries will be accepted.
- Additional entries will be added to a waiting list in order of entry receipt.
- US/Canadian entries will be accepted in order of SSA ranking.
- If less than 5 International pilots register by January 31, 2016, we will add wait listed US and Canadian pilots in the order of receipt of registration
US/CANADIAN competitor registration closes on September 30th, 2015.

INTERNATIONAL PILOTS -
4 International Pilots have registered as of Aug 19, 2015.
*** Only 1 (of 5) International slots remain. ***

[Sean Fidler]

We are now at 15 registered pilots for the first ever FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Qualifier 2016.

1 International entry spot remains.

4 US/Canada entry spots remain.

HURRY! This is probably be full by the end of this coming weekend................

www.sgp.aero/usa2016

Sean

[Sean Fidler]

Another registration this morning.

Down to 1 international and 3 U.S./Canada spots remaining.

HURRY!

[Sean Fidler]

Another registration this afternoon.

Down to 1 international and 2 U.S./Canada spots remaining.

ALMOST CLOSED!

HURRY!

[Sean Fidler]

Another application has been submitted today for the first ever FAI Sailplane Grand Prix, USA 2015!. We are up to 17 of our maximum 20 SGP competitors. Only two US/Candian (15 total) and one (5 total) registration spots are left.

Registration for US and Canadian pilots closes in less than 1 month (Sept 30, 2015, @ 10 pm EST). Up until the deadline, SSA ranking will determine which pilots are ultimately accepted for the event. If we do not fill the final international pilot, the waiting list will be filled in order of application receipt.

Not up for racing in the SGP? We are looking for experienced cross country pilots to serve as live event commentators (live youtube broadcasts featuring the FAI's new tracking technology), Sponsor liaisons (6) (spending the day with them and answering questions, explaining the activities, etc), Media liaisons (4), videographers and video editors, and numerous other support staff. If you are interested in supporting the SPG USA event in any of these roles, please give me a shout.

We will have a Schleicher ASG 32 on hand for media and sponsors. We are interested in 1 or 2 more (Arcus, Duo Discus, DG 1000, etc) to provide sponsor and media rides. These rides may include flying along with the racers on task with a national media reporter or cameraman, etc. If interested, again, please give me a shout.

We are already getting really excited about this event. It is going to be a blast!

Sean
7T

On Friday, August 21, 2015 at 11:08:07 PM UTC-4, Sean Fidler wrote:
> Another registration this afternoon.
>
> Down to 1 international and 2 U.S./Canada spots remaining.
>
> ALMOST CLOSED!
>
> HURRY!

[Sean Fidler]

Francois Pin (USA) and Tassilo Bode (GER) have just registered for the 2016 Sailplane Grand Prix USA!

We are now at 19 total pilots (of 20 Max). All 5 International entries are filled. We have one US/Canadian entry remaining. I am absolutely blown away at the field we are attracting for this amazing event series.

Hurry up if you want to participate. We have an absolutely amazing field of German, British, Australian, Canadian and US Pilots!

Link to competitors list here: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15937

The Sailplane Grand Prix finals are underway right now. You can follow the event here: http://www.sgp.aero/final2015.aspx?contestID=6156 The live coverage has been outstanding.

Sincerely,

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Jae Walker (USA) has just registered. That fills the first ever Sailplane Grand Prix Qualifier USA 2016 event at 20 pilots. The frist ever SGP USA event filled in a little over a month after opening registration and nearly 1 year before it opens! Congratulations to all the pilots! This is going to be a great time.

Competitor list here: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15937

We have attracted a truly international field of competitors: 11 from the USA, 4 from Canada, 2 from Australia, 2 from Germany and one from the UK!

Remember, entry into the SGP USA is governed by ranking. For US/Canadia pilots, registration priority is based on SSA ranking. For international pilots, we go by FAI ranking. If you outrank pilots currently on the list and get your registration in by September 30th, you will have preference.

Please feel welcomed to keep registering. We will hold a waiting list. It is, of course, quite possible that some pilots will not be able to attend the event, etc.

[Sean Fidler]

Thanks to Dennis Linnekin (USA) for registering (21 of 20)!

http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15898

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Thanks to Garret Willat (USA) and Reinhard Schramme (GER) for registering today. That puts FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA 2016 at 23 of 20 pilots. 5 of 5 international pilots, 18 of 15 North American pilots, and a 3 pilot "waiting list."

The push is on to find competitive gliders for our International guests. Uli Schwenk is flying the Duckhawk! But we still need (at least) 4 more ships. Some are already in discussions but we are definitely going to need more. Please contact me if you are interested in supporting the event (and our guests) by offering your 15m glider.

SGP USA 2016 WEBSITE: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016

SGP USA REGISTERED PILOTS: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15898

[Sean Fidler]

Thanks to Mark Keene for registering. We are now up to 24 registered pilots (of 20 Max). The SGP USA 2016 field is getting stronger with each passing day!

Link to pilots: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15906

We have made progress finding another international pilot a great glider. We are still looking for 3 more as well as a couple more potentially for some of our west coast "rock stars." Please contact me if you are willing to consider helping our guests.

2.5 weeks left to register for North American pilots. Preference for North American pilots goes by SSA ranking, preference for international pilots goes by FAI ranking.

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Thanks to Andrew Georgeson of Australia for registering for Sailplane Grand Prix USA 2016 today.

We are now up to 25 registered pilots total (of 20 Max). We have 6 (of 5) International pilots registered. 19 (of 15) North American pilots registered. The SGP USA 2016 field is truly getting stronger with each passing day and the international interest has been enormous. Thanks to everyone for registering and thanks to all who are offering their support for the event. Please contact me if you are interested in helping out.

David Nadler has signed up to bring his new Arcus M for media and sponsor rides. Combined with Eric Mozer's new ASG-32, we have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the state of the art in 2 place, self-launch sailplanes to the public!

Link to registered SGP USA 2016 pilots: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/pilots_add_here/competing-pilots.aspx?contestID=15906

We are still looking for 3 more rental 15m ships as well as a couple more potentially for some of our west coast "rock stars." Please contact me if you are willing to consider helping our guests.

2.5 weeks left to register for North American pilots.

Preference for North American pilots goes by SSA ranking, preference for international pilots goes by FAI ranking.

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Thanks to Bernd Hubka (GER) for registering for SGP USA 2016 today.

We are now at 19 (15 max) North American and 7 (5 max) International entries. 26 total of 20 max.

Thanks for all the offers to help out! It's been almost overwhelming!

Sean
7T

[Sean Fidler]

Today is the LAST DAY for North American pilots (USA, Canada) to register for the 2016 SGP USA. We are already over-booked (15 max) but remember, SSA ranking governs the entry priority. We are also overbooked with top international pilots!

If you have a good SSA ranking and you want to fly, you still can, but only if you register tonight before 10 pm (email time stamp).

The official registration form is available at at http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/event-information/pilot-entry-form.aspx?contestID=15898

Sean
7T

[Sean[_2_]]

Subject: Late Registration Window thru April 21, 2016

All,

FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA (July 25-31, 2016, Ionia, MI) has 3 pilot openings remaining of the 20 total competitors allowed per FAI SGP rules (17 are officially registered and committed). The competitors who have officially registered are quite impressive! Of course, the top two placing pilots will head to South Africa in November 2016 for the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix World Championships (www.sgp.aero).

With that, a second, late registration period has been opened for 3 weeks (thru April 21). If interested, email me at smfidlerATgmail dot COM questions with questions or to begin the registration process.

After April 21 SGP USA registration will be officially closed. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this great event.

Click the link below to see our current list of officially registered SGP USA pilots and for more SGP USA event details: www.sgp.aero/usa2016

We are still looking for volunteers (easy, fun stuff) in certain areas. Contact me ASAP if you're interested in helping us out. Spectators are welcomed during the event. Grand Rapids, MI airport (Delta, American, etc.) is only 30 minutes away from Ionia. We will have a large hospitality tent, live commentators and all kinds of entertainment planned for our spectators, media attendees and sponsor VIPs.

For example, we will have 3 ArcusM/ASG32's on site for 2 weeks (week before and during) providing daily media and sponsor soaring experiences. We also plan on having at least several media and sponsor VIPs flying an entire racing task along with the 15m SGP USA competition pilots during actual SAILPLANE RACES!

More soon...

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
SGP USA Event Principle

[Sean[_2_]]

The first ever FAI SGP USA 2016 is currently at 15 registered pilots. We are allowed a maximum of 20. Up to 5 pilots can still register (open to 15m class gliders (flapped or standard))! Don't miss your chance to participate!

Here is a great video on the 2015 Sailplane Grand Prix World Championships: https://youtu.be/t9bdZCvkRuc

The SGP USA competition dates are July 25-31 with practice the week before. Camping, motor home 30 amp hook ups and affordable hotels are all arranged..

Sailplane Grand Prix is, simply put, pure and simple sailplane racing. SGP competition features a regatta start, assigned tasks and a finish line (500 ft AGL for SGP USA). The first glider across the finish line (that has achieved all the assigned turn-points and minimum finish altitude) wins the day. Furthermore, SGP scoring is refreshingly simple. 10 points for first place, 9 for second and so on. No more complex scoring formulas, minimum time considerations or distance calculations! No more waiting around the scorers table for hours to see how you finished or who won! SGP is our only opportunity for simple, pure, TRUE sailplane racing.

Imagine that during the race, a glider ahead of you is actually ahead of you! Imagine that if you pass that glider, it actually matters! No more wondering if that glider started early and you have caught them or they started late and have actually caught you! No more guessing about when to turn in a vast assigned turn area to meet minimum time! SGP is a great opportunity for an amazing sailplane racing experience here in the USA. Finally, SGP is a qualification event for the FAI SGP World Championships. The top top 2 pilots from the SGP USA competition will qualify to compete at the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix World Championships to be held in South Africa in November 2016!

To register for SGP USA or for more info check it out here: www.sgp.aero/usa2016

Registration fee: $400 USD

Additional questions or to volunteer: please email me at smfidler AT gmail PERIOD com.

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
SGP event organizer