Airspeeder and HOK unveil modular race vertiport

Image: courtesy of HOK

Airspeeder and HOK have recently unveiled the modular race vertiport, a ground-breaking project that represents the future of airborne motorsport, combining cutting-edge technology with a thrilling, immersive fan experience.

Airspeeder, the world’s first crewed flying car racing series, has partnered with HOK’s London Sports + Entertainment group to design a revolutionary modular vertiport and private event space for eVTOL racing.

“We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing eVTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry,” said Stephen Sidlo, Global Media & Marketing Director of Airspeeder. “This collaboration with HOK represents not just a new sport but the future of high-speed, sustainable mobility.”

Airspeeder collaborated with the senior design team at HOK to develop this immersive solution, focused on the future of air race infrastructure. The design addresses the unique viewing challenges of air racing while providing a modern, on-site experience for fans and a modular working environment for teams and staff. This unprecedented project positions Airspeeder races as a destination for top-tier sports and entertainment.

Skydeck: The Beating Heart of eVTOL Racing

At the center of the design is the Skydeck, a modular vertiport serving as both the hub for race operations and an exclusive spectator space. Positioned directly beneath the airborne racetrack, the vertical layering of the racing experience enables fans to view the grid, race start and finish line directly above them, creating a 360° immersive experience.

HOK’s design also features an ‘airside’ zone, where teams have protected workspaces, ensuring operational safety while still allowing spectators to feel part of the action. Retractable landing pads enable Airspeeders to make mid-race pit stops to change batteries, ensuring fairness and efficiency in competition.

“It is incredibly exciting to design a brand new sports typology,” said John Rhodes, director of Sports + Entertainment for HOK. “Airspeeder challenged us to draw on our decades of expertise designing for F1 and other sporting events while also imagining a physical environment for the future.”

Modular Design for Growth

The Skydeck’s modular design can expand its pit garages alongside the Airspeeder series, accommodating up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders while maintaining the core integrity of the race. This future-proof approach ensures the racing experience can evolve and grow without compromising on performance or fan engagement.

Sustainability at Its Core

The project features a “leave no trace” policy, solar-powered infrastructure and virtual tracks that eliminate the need for structures, preserving the desert environment. This commitment to reducing environmental impact makes Airspeeder races a model for sustainable sports and events.

“As a new sport, Airspeeder is uniquely positioned to integrate sustainability into everything we do,” said Sidlo. “From our infrastructure to our racing technology, we are pioneering the future of green, zero-emission motorsport.”

Authentic and Augmented Viewing Experience

The project’s design balances the natural and augmented viewing experiences, keeping the fan experience authentic while leveraging advanced technology to bring spectators closer to the action than ever before. This innovative approach ensures that every fan, whether on-site or remote, feels connected to the spectacle of airborne motorsport.

Collaboration

Airspeeder’s partner, Saltwater Games, creator of the Airspeeder simulator “Celeros,” will train gamers to become pilots both at live events and beyond. This partnership ensures that gamers are prepared for the unique challenges of eVTOL pilot racing, blending virtual and real-world training.

Saltwater Games is an investor in Airspeeder, further strengthening their role in shaping the future of flying car racing. INK Agency and Epidemic Sound also joined Airspeeder on this project.

Image below courtesy of HOK / Airspeeder