RACE 3 OCT 19 DIGITAL ROUND

After its inaugural event in 2023, the AIR RACE X digital round returns once again to the streets of Shibuya. This time, the gate positions differ from the previous race, and it's anticipated that the pilots' strategies will change accordingly.

In this Shibuya digital round, four gates are set up along the JR Yamanote Line tracks, and the pilots will fly back and forth through these gates, passing through a total of 14 times. Starting from the first gate, the positions are as follows: near Miyashita Park on the Harajuku side, near the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station (famous for the scramble crossing), near the junction where the Yamanote Line and Shuto Expressway Route 3 intersect, and near the Shibuya Station Shin-minami Exit.

Due to the tall buildings close to the flight path around Shibuya Station, a deadline has been established on the Meiji Dori side, restricting flights beyond that line. If a pilot crosses this line, it will result in a DNF (Did Not Finish), which effectively means disqualification. This is a unique feature of a round that simulates an actual cityscape. Additionally, no penalties will be applied for altitude violations (TOO HIGH/TOO LOW) when passing through the gates this time.

Let us take a closer look at the course layout. The race aircraft will enter from the direction of Harajuku Station, passing through Gate 1 just before Miyashita Park to start. The planes will fly over the JR Yamanote Line, passing through Gate 2 near the Hachiko Exit at Shibuya Station, Gate 3 where the Shuto Expressway Route 3 crosses, and Gate 4 near the Shin-minami Exit at Shibuya Station before making a low turn to reverse direction.

In the low turn, which reaches an altitude of 250 feet (about 76 meters), pilots have the option of making a vertical turn or a diagonal turn around Shibuya Sakura Stage, depending on their strategy and situational judgment. If there is no wind, a diagonal turn may allow the pilot to maintain speed more effectively, giving a slight advantage.

After the turn, the pilots will head towards Gate 5 near the Hachiko Exit, passing through Gate 6 while flying over Miyashita Park. They will then perform a high turn, reaching an altitude of over 500 feet (about 150 meters). Many pilots are expected to ascend slightly to the left to better position themselves for the next gate.

After passing through Gate 7 above the Shuto Expressway and Gate 8, they will make another low turn at Gate 9 near the Hachiko Exit, then pass back over Miyashita Park through Gate 10 and make another low turn. During this series of back-to-back low turns, pilots who opt for a more diagonal turn will create a figure-eight pattern from above, enduring more than 10 G’s, or ten times their body weight, which will be the most physically demanding part of the race.

Once again, they will pass over Gate 11 above the Shuto Expressway, then through Gate 12, before making the final turn. After completing the low turn, they will fly straight from Gate 13 near the Hachiko Exit towards Miyashita Park, aiming for the finish at Gate 14.

Mastery of the turns at either end will likely be the key to victory. Since the race aircraft will pass multiple times near the public viewing areas at Miyashita Park and Shibuya Sakura Stage’s “404 Not Found,” spectators can enjoy watching the AR view of the two race aircraft, noticing how the gap between them widens or narrows with each pass. This will undoubtedly enhance the excitement of the race.