World Championship Air Race (WCAR) has appointed CSM Sport & Entertainment to develop its commercial proposition and global go-to-market strategy.
The appointment will see CSM use its international reach to support WCAR with the Series debut set for the first quarter of 2022.
Building on the legacy of the Red Bull Air Race, World Championship Air Race will bring air racing to a city-centre event series.
Endorsed by governing body Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), WCAR aims to become a proving-ground for green aviation and the future of air mobility as the Series transitions from legacy race planes to electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“We’re delighted to welcome CSM Sport & Entertainment to the World Championship Air Race,” said Willie Cruickshank, Race Series Director, WCAR.
“CSM is a leading international sports consultancy with a strong track-record in representing both brands and rights-holders around the world. We look forward to working with them to develop a valuable, long-term strategy for brand partners and host cities.
“Since the start of the year, we’ve made significant progress on our commercial and operational plans and are on-course to debut Season 1 at the start of 2022 as planned. The addition of CSM’s capabilities will further strengthen our commercial structure as we look to bring the excitement of air-racing back to fans all around the world.”
Richard Cohen, Global Head of Motorsports, Partnership Development, CSM Sport & Entertainment added: “We are delighted to be supporting the WCAR in developing their commercial proposition and go to market strategy. We believe that the next chapter of the Air Race promises not only an extraordinarily exciting spectacle, but positions WCAR as the future-facing and visionary leader in aviation technology. We are excited to support the team in bringing their vision to life in a way that will prove compelling to potential commercial partners.”
The agreement with CSM is the latest in a series of announcements by WCAR this year.
In February, it concluded a 15-year sanction agreement with the FAI for the World Air Sports Federation to provide sporting governance and contribute to the safety oversight for the new series.
Earlier this year, it also appointed Aurora Media Worldwide to produce the global broadcast while 2Excel Aviation will provide specialist race-plane operational and delivery support.