The Blue Sky Challenge Cup©, presented by Scheyden Eyewear, is a progressive new Air Racing format that features crowd-pleasing aerobatic skill. It will be presented exclusively at the Faribault Airfest & Balloon Rally for 2009.

Invited participants to Minnesota's first Aerobatic Race include world class pilots and their aircraft from the exciting theater of Air Shows and Aerobatic Competition. Featured pilots compete in front of event spectators by performing precision aerobatics during a timed racing sequence, all while under the meticulous eye of a certified National Aerobatic Judge.

The competition routine consists of maneuvers that will be graphically represented and distributed to spectators in the form of a Scheyden Eyewear Discount Card* (Race Card). The Air Show Narrator will call the maneuvers as they are being performed while the crowd uses their Scheyden Race Cards for easy reference during each pilot's flight. Every individual watching will actually know the names of each maneuver and exactly what is transpiring during the race as the show announcer makes a 'streaming call,' much like a horserace. Each Scheyden Race Card will depict the same graphic symbols that the pilot references in the cockpit.

Pilots must complete each figure quickly but successfully in order to avoid penalties that will degrade their final score, and ultimately, their chances of winning the event. Prior to the closing flights, Air Show spectators can guess the winning pilot by placing their own name under their favorite pilot at the Scheyden event booth. The victorious pilot will win the Blue Sky Challenge Cup© trophy and a lucky spectator's name will be drawn for the Grand Prize from Scheyden. Prizes to spectators will also be given for the 2nd & 3rd place pilots as well.

Just remember to fill out the stub from the Scheyden Race Card and drop your name into the bin under the pilot you believe will win.

The Blue Sky Challenge Cup© is a fun and exciting way for Airfest spectators to directly interact with the show by gaining more insight on the thrill and exhilaration of aerobatic flight. By choosing a performer to win, with the added potential for spectator prizes, the event motivates individuals to cheer for their pilots with genuine enthusiasm and a degree of vested interest.

*Don't forget to redeem your Scheyden Discount Card on-line for substantial savings on high quality eyewear and luggage.

www.Scheyden.com