Dare County is pleased to announce that the Sport Air Racing League is bringing the second annual OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Race Challenge to the Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI), located at 410 Airport Road in Manteo, on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free event provides members of the public with a unique opportunity to spend the day learning about the world of aviation and its decades-long history on the Outer Banks—while also getting an up-close-and-personal view of various aircraft competing against one another to win a friendly race as pilots navigate from airport to airport across northeastern North Carolina.
In addition to the air race competition, the event will also include a “muscle car cruise in” featuring local hot rods, and attendees will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the Dare County Regional Airport Museum.
Whether you’re a pilot planning participate in the challenge, an aviation enthusiast in search of an educational and action-packed experience, or a visitor simply looking for a unique local event to enjoy on the Outer Banks during your spring visit, the 2026 OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge has something to offer everyone!
2026 OBX Air Challenge Event Schedule:
Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – Pilot sign-in and registration
10 a.m. – Mandatory pre-challenge pilot briefing (attendance required for participating pilots)
10:45 a.m. – Pilots report to aircraft
11 a.m. – Engines start and race begins
2 p.m. – Awards ceremony at Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI)
2026 Race Courses:
Short Course:
KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo, NC) – KFFA (First Flight Airport – Kill Devil Hills, NC) – 7NC2 (Pine Island Airport – Corolla, NC) – KONX (Currituck County Regional Airport – Maple, NC) – Camden Point – KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo, NC)
Long Course:
KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo, NC) – KFFA (First Flight Airport – Kill Devil Hills, NC) – 7NC2 (Pine Island Airport – Corolla, NC) – KONX (Currituck County Regional Airport – Maple, NC) – NC61 (Moyock, NC) — CVI (Cofield VOR) – KEDE (Northeastern Regional Airport, Edenton, NC) — Leonard’s Point (south end of NC-32 bridge) – KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo, NC)
Questions about the OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Race Challenge? Contact race host Michael Bergen at dmbergen@comcast.net or 443-597-3720 or visit the Sport Air Racing League’s website for further details.
Watch the video below to learn more about what to expect during the 2026 OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Race Challenge at the Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI) in Manteo, NC!
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