AIRRACE was an AOR act that was initially assembled around ex-MORE guitarist Laurie Mansworth and for a short spell had ex-GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis as frontman. Subsequently, the band added drummer Jason Bonham, ex-WHITE SPIRIT keyboard player Toby Sadler and former MOONTIER vocalist Keith Murrell.
AIRRACE supported both DEF LEPPARD and TED NUGENT in Britain before signing to Atco records. AIRRACE released a melodic rock album in 1984 which provoked more interest due to the appearance of Jason Bonham (son of LED ZEPPELIN's John Bonham) than it did for song content. Although the album was produced by Beau Hill, noted for his contemporary work with American melodic rock acts, AIRRACE's effort fell far short of its competitors.
The band supported AC/DC, QUEEN, MEAT LOAF and during 1984. However, AIRRACE split shortly after the album release with Sadler and Murrell teaming up with ex-members of LIONSHEART to form a new act. Murrell, who held down a day job as backing singer for CLIFF RICHARD, also auditioned unsuccessfully for both MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and FOREIGNER. The singer would also be in the frame to join Scott Gorham's 21 GUNS at one stage.
AIRRACE reformed in 1986 with a line-up of Mansworth, ex-HAMMERHEAD vocalist IAN PARRY, keyboardist Mark Venebales, bassist Kevin Brown and drummer Simon Tomkins. By 1990 Parry was fronting Dutch rockers VENGEANCE, and would soon assume a solo career issuing three albums. Parry went on to fronts Progressive Rockers ELEGY. Keith Murrell was later to turn up fronting Irish act MAMAS BOYS then involved himself in the PHENOMENA III project.