Gunskirchen, Austria (OTS) – BRP-Rotax unveils its latest milestone
in aviation with Aircraft
Meets Racetrack. In an unprecedented accomplishment for the Bahrain
International Circuit, Red Bull athlete and Rotax Ambassador Luke
Czepiela became the first pilot to fly this Grand Prix track’s
complete racing line from the air, showcasing the capabilities of
Rotax powered aviation in a dramatic low-level performance.
In a demonstration of precision aviation, Luke Czepiela traced
the full ideal line of the Bahrain International Circuit at low
level, including short takeoffs and landings (STOL) on the
start/finish straight. The achievement is documented in the short
film Aircraft Meets Racetrack , the first project to emerge from BRP-
Rotax’s Brand Ambassador partnership with Luke Czepiela, launched in
2025. The short film premiered during the Bahrain International
Circuit’s official F1 pre-season press conference today.
Zwtl.: When Racing Meets Aviation
The project transfers what racing drivers follow on the ground
with high precision accuracy into the sky. The circuit’s racing line
becomes an aerial flight path, demanding exceptionally tight
tolerances, high and low speeds, and uncompromising line discipline.
Conducting the maneuver required extreme precision. Low altitude,
shifting wind conditions, more than 495 light poles, and the narrow,
enclosed layout of the Grand Prix track created an environment with
virtually no margin for error.
“Flying a racing line from the air demands absolute control at
low altitude and instant reaction in every phase,” said Czepiela,
Rotax Brand Ambassador. “It is precision flying in its purest form.”
The flight was performed in a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL equipped
with the 160-hp Rotax 916 iS engine. The aircraft’s lightweight STOL
design, immediate throttle response, and exceptional power-to-weight
ratio made the aerial replication of the racing line possible.
Production took place during the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand
Finals in Bahrain – marking the first time all project partners
collaborated on-site. Working closely with the Bahrain International
Circuit, Red Bull Bahrain, and local authorities, the team
implemented a comprehensive safety and operations plan. The track and
airspace were fully closed to ensure uninterrupted filming, supported
by constant air traffic coordination and emergency services on-site.
“With Luke Czepiela, we aimed to create something that
authentically unites our two passions: racing and aviation,” said
Peter Ölsinger, General Manager of BRP-Rotax and Vice-President
Sales, Marketing RPS-Business & Communications. “This project
represents technical precision, long-standing partnerships, and the
courage to pursue new creative paths.”
The film not only showcases a great achievement – it underscores
Rotax’s mission to connect disciplines, push boundaries, and deliver
high-performance experiences on the ground and in the air.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgMGArCGBU
Presskit:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hx6tkx8noatgydegdasdf/AOkll1z53-
D1HecnSjdNOVg?rlkey=4ftjqpup6omefpesko5vg1y5s&st=70t4v9cm&dl=0