x-cup general info

so the x-cup, im not too sure what thats about and was hoping i could have a little information about it. It has been narrowed down to 2 places right?? ive got that far, but it isnt going to be where the x-prize is won? so is it a competition between teams to win events? because surely theyre going to be very different ships and events will be predictable and boring? surely a rocket will get to space quicker than a plane, shuttle style ship?any info would be great!
Rob

the host of the x-cup has been narrowed to 2 locations, and they are not based at all upon x-prize competitors (though i suppose that scaled helps new mexico probably), there are several threads here with good information/speculation about the nature of the competition, but i don't think we'll really know what it will be until it's announced. what i see it as is mostly a big airshow, but for spaceships not planes, and the competition will be based on something like turnaround time, accuracy of landing, height, and stuff like that because most of the ships won't actually go faster than any other one, but of course i very well may be wrong.

Info from the x-prize organization itself:

What is the X PRIZE CUP?

X PRIZE Follow-On: High visibility, high revenue, & high value.
Millions of people at one location each year –watching the launches!

- After the X PRIZE is won...
- Each year, X PRIZE Teams from around the World are invited to a single location to race and set new records.
- During a 21 day period, teams launch as often as they can...
- Teams are scored in 5 categories:
Category 1: Turn Around Time
Category 2: Max PAX
Category 3: Total PAX
Category 4: Max Altitude
Category 5: Fastest Flight Time

- Combined Category Score = X PRIZE CUP Champion

Objectives of X PRIZE Cup
- Create an exciting, high-revenue, annual event.
- Bring global recognition and economic impact to a spaceport venue.
- Motivate X PRIZE teams to continue to build and improve their spaceships
- Brings the sponsorship revenue model to the space industry.
- Creates tremendous public interest & participation.