Air racing in the UK is as old as aviation itself. The magnificent trophies competitors race for each year carry names of pioneers in the history of flight.  Handicapped air racing is where competitors are set off at different times depending on the speed of their aircraft.  First one to cross the line wins (unless they get disqualified).  This is called a pursuit race.  Usual races are 4-5 laps and cover a total distance of 80-100 nautical miles.  Most of the race is flown at 500ft AGL or more for safety and noise abatement but the start and finish is much lower.