The ‘Formula One’ of the model aircraft racing world, planes that participate in the sport regularly exceed 300km/h.

“This is high-speed stuff,” organiser and local model plane enthusiast Ranjit Phelan said.

“These are ethanol-powered model planes that can travel at speeds comparable to that of F1 racing cars.”

Three aircraft will compete in each heat around a pylon course at the Gloucester air strip off Maslens Lane. There have been around 20 nominations already received in three different categories.

Mr Phelan, who has been racing model aircraft for more than 40 years, said it was the first time a model aircraft racing event had come to Gloucester with plans to make a permanent calendar fixture.

“We’re in the process of forming a club as a subsidiary of the main aero club to attract more competitions to Gloucester,” he said.

“Down the track there is every possibility we could host a State or even a national championship.”

The Gloucester round of the championship will take place this Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29 with practice on Saturday and competition Sunday.

Spectators are more than welcome to attend with flights starting from about 9.30am on both days.