The complete technical and sporting regulations governing the world's first manned-capable, remotely-piloted flying car racing series.
X1Racing is the world's first grand-prix series for manned-capable flying race cars. All races are 100% remotely piloted (zero onboard human risk) with mandatory AI augmentation for safety and performance.
Remote operation enables risk-free collisions, maximum performance, and maximum competition — machines can sustain full-throttle aggression, extreme G-forces, repeated high-impact contact, deliberate ramming, and boundary-pushing maneuvers without endangering human life, creating racing that is faster, closer, and more intense than any traditional or manned series.
Core Mantra: Maximum Boost — unlimited power, maximum performance, maximum entertainment, maximum safety.
By removing the pilot from the cockpit, we unlock extreme 3D aerial maneuvers, true aerial combat, and sustained peak performance impossible in conventional motorsport.
Our mission is to accelerate real-world Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology through fierce competition, practical consumer tech transfer, and unforgettable spectacle.
Championship: X1 Grand Prix Series (multi-round season).
Race Types: Sprint races, Feature races, Endurance events, and Special formats (Pursuit, Elimination, Mixed Reality Challenges).
Tracks: 3D air circuits (urban canyons, mountain passes, stadium loops, coastal courses) — both real geo-mapped and synthetic.
Grid & Heats: Maximum 22 machines per heat. Events exceeding 22 entries are divided into multiple heats; top finishers advance to the final race.
Race Starts: Standing start (zero speed on ground or hover) or in-air start (formation managed by X1 AI Boost layer). Start type is chosen by Race Control per event.
Race Duration: 22–44 minutes plus one lap. Exact duration is set by Race Control for each event.
Events are run remotely/AI-augmented only (manned mode limited to future demos or certification testing).
Manned-capable (side-by-side seats for certification/future demos), but race-remotely-operated only.
Propulsion: Series hybrid — fossil fuel combustion unit drives generator → charges accumulator → powers electric ducted fans.
Fuel Strategy:
Power: Unlimited — Maximum Boost.
| Configuration | Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Unfolded (Flight) | Overall span (tip-to-tip) | 15.5 feet (4.72 m) |
| Unfolded (Flight) | Length | 18 feet (5.486 m) |
| Unfolded (Flight) | Height | 9.2 ft (2.8 m) |
| Folded (Transport) | Height | 53 inches (4'5") |
| Folded (Transport) | Width | 90 inches (7'6") |
| Folded (Transport) | Length | 18 feet (5.486 m) |
MTOW: 3500 lbs (1588 kg) — ready to race, no pilot.
Min Dry Weight: ~2500 lbs (1134 kg).
Fuel Capacity: 60 US gallon tank, 50 gallon usable propane maximum, approx 200 lbs of fuel.
Mandatory: Two side-by-side bare-frame seats (no padding required).
Cockpit remains empty during races (may carry sensors or ballast).
Remote Operation Interface: All piloting occurs through a gaming interface (PC, Xbox, or PlayStation console with standard game controller).
Minimum requirement: Standard game console controller plus compatible PC/Xbox/PlayStation running the X1Racing interface software. No sim rig required.
AR goggles are permitted as optional visual enhancement. Sim rig interface software is open source.
Communications: All communications must route exclusively through the Starlink network. Direct-to-machine links are prohibited. Target end-to-end latency: < 50 ms.
X1 AI Boost (mandatory, sealed unit): All external control inputs and flight control sensor data must pass through the AI Boost layer. Each motor is individually controlled through the AI Boost layer.
Core functions: Real-time collision avoidance (Safe Zones only), 3D geofence enforcement, input augmentation, predictive assists, energy optimization, and full telemetry logging.
Tamper-proof: Modification or bypass = disqualification + penalties.
Architecture: Series hybrid — fossil fuel combustion unit drives generator → charges accumulator → powers electric motors.
Generation Unit: Must demonstrate continuous 50-hour operation at race output for homologation.
Electric Accumulator: Maximum 10 kWh nominal capacity.
Fans:
Fuel Capacity: 60 gallon tank, 50 gallon usable propane maximum, approx 200 lbs of fuel max. Tanks may be single or multiple.
Power-off landing mandatory (accumulator + regen). Thrust-to-weight: >2:1 encouraged.
Folded Max Dimensions: 53" height × 90" width × 18 feet length.
Hauler Capacity: Must hold at least 2 folded machines in upper deck.
Unfolding/Assembly: Max 20 minutes (1–2 persons). Loading: Solo (1 person). Unloading: Min 2 persons (no time limit).
Folding: Manual permitted; electric actuators optional (game controller if used).
AI Boost primary safety envelope.
Automatic Fail-Safes: Hover, controlled descent, return-to-home.
Failure Mode Design Requirement (mandatory): Systems must be designed so that failure modes do not cause collateral damage to spectators ever, or to other competitors where possible.
Environmental Safety: Fuels and liquids must be biodegradable and require minimal cleanup.
Full inspection/testing required for every machine/update. Proof: 10-fan layout, 50-hour generator endurance, 10 kWh accumulator limit, power-off landing, folded dimensions, timed assembly, remote ops + manned capability, multi-fuel capability (propane mandatory for races; kerosene, diesel, and gasoline supported for tech transfer and homologation only).
Aerial Testing: Unlimited aerial testing is allowed with permission from X1Racing at official test sites.
Test Facilities: Regulatory permission will be fast-tracked and test facilities built by X1Racing or partners that are both over water and over land.
Public Access: Where possible, facilities will be dual-use and accessible to be viewed by the public.
The X1 AI Boost layer is mandatory. All external control inputs, flight control sensor data, individual fan motors, the generator, and the accumulator are controlled exclusively through the AI Boost layer.
Enforced exclusively by the X1 AI Boost layer:
Collisions are prevented. AI automatically overrides inputs to avoid contact.
Collisions are allowed, encouraged, and include deliberate ramming — legal and unrestricted. Major impact, damage, and deliberate targeting are fully permitted.
Intentional sabotage of other machines either directly or through an intermediary.
Actions detrimental to flying car racing (including but not limited to bringing the sport into disrepute, deliberate interference with race operations, or any conduct that undermines the integrity, safety, or reputation of the series).
Spoofing telemetry or falsifying compute usage.
Hacking opponent systems (lifetime ban).
Tampering with or bypassing the X1 AI Boost layer.
Unsportsmanlike conduct.