This year a new format of wingsuit competition has launched. The Wide Open Wingsuit Series (WOWS) is a 4-cross event with pilots racing head to head. Each competition has two events: Speed and Distance. This year two regional qualifiers have already been held, the most recent being at Chicagoland Skydiving Center. The CSC event wrapped up with Keith Forsyth in first place for Speed (flying his C-Race), and Alexey Galda taking first in the Distance event (flying his CR+). There was a $2,200 prize purse, plus trophies and swag.

The WOWS mission is to increase skill, experience, and camaraderie in the wingsuit world. This is an event created by pilots, for pilots. The organization is not-for-profit and the event exists only for people who want to fly their wingsuits better, together with friends. It is an open event, which anyone may register for. To learn how the race works, watch this video.

The next regional qualifier is now full, and there are limited slots available for the championship event at Perris, CA, in November. More events will be announced soon for winter 2017. To register, visit www.wingsuitrace.org.