Defence

The US NASCAR-like Rocket Racing League (RRL) has announced its first team as it issues requests for proposals for race venues and teams. Leading Edge Rocket Racing, founded by two former F-16 pilots, will take delivery of a rocket-powered Mark-1 X-racer, built by XCor Aerospace, later this year. RRL is seeking competitive bids to host four of the six races planned for the 2007-8 season, which will begin after an inaugural exhibition flight at the X Prize Cup in New Mexico in October 2006. It is also seeking proposals for independently owned race teams, which must be secured by a $100,000 deposit on an X-Racer. Bidders must demonstrate they can cover the estimated upfront cost of $1.2 million and operating costs of $500,000 to $1 million a year. RRL expects to have 10 or more teams for the 2007-8 season.