WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: NASCAR in the Clouds

The Rocket Racing League draws closer to launch, promising to rekindle the thrills and white-knuckle adventure of aviation's early years. By Michael Belfiore.
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Leading Edge Rocket Racing co-founder Robert Rickard shakes hands with RRL CEO Granger Whitelaw. League co-founder Peter Diamandis (left) and Leading Edge co-founder Don Grantham look on.Photo: Michael Belfiore

See related story: NASCAR in the Clouds

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An artist's rendering of a Mark 1 X-Racer graces a promotional poster.

Photo: Courtesy of Rocket Racing League
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Rocket Racing League's prototype plane lines up for takeoff with test pilot Rick Searfoss at the controls.

Photo: Courtesy of Rocket Racing League
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Rocket racers will zip through virtual racetracks in the sky.

Image: Courtesy of Advanced Micro Devices and Rocket Racing League
A computer simulation shows what a virtual racetrack might look like.

A computer simulation shows what a virtual racetrack might look like.

Image: Courtesy of Advanced Micro Devices and Rocket Racing League
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The prototype rocket racer soars through the air.

Photo: Courtesy of Rocket Racing League