Air Race Classic
The Air Race Classic is an annual transcontinental air race for female pilots. Route lengths are approximately 2,400 statute miles (3,900 km). All flights are conducted in day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. Each aircraft is handicapped for speed and engine power. The goal is to have the actual ground speed be as far over the handicapped speed as possible.
This women’s-only air race was originally started in 1929 as Women's Air Derby by pilots including Amelia Earhart back when women pilots were banned from competing against men.[1] Following the discontinuation of the Powder Puff Derby in 1977, the Air Race Classic was established in that year by a new organization to take its place.
2014 Air Race Classic
The 2014 race will occur June 16–19, 2014 with ten stops in 4 days flying from Concord, California to New Cumberland, Pennsylvania in the quest for the fastest time.
2012 Air Race Classic
The 2012 race will run from Lake Havasu City, Arizona (HII, Lake Havasu City Airport) to Batavia, Ohio (I69, Clermont County Airport), a distance of 2330.2 nm/2681.5 sm.
2011 Air Race Classic
June 17–21, 2011 from Iowa City, Iowa (IOW, Iowa City Municipal Airport) to Mobile, Alabama (BFM, Mobile Downtown Airport), a distance of 2365.4 nm/2722.0 sm. The race was won by Leah Hetzel and Sarah Morris flying a Cirrus SR-20.
2010 Air Race Classic
June 22–25, 2010 from Fort Myers, Florida (RSW, Southwest Florida International Airport) to Frederick, Maryland (FDK, Frederick Municipal Airport), a distance of 2,158 nm. This year's theme was "100 years of licensed women pilots." The race was won by Terry Carbonell of Alva, Florida, Ellen Herr of Fort Myers, and Laura Ying Gao of Spring Hill, Florida.
2009 Air Race Classic
June 23–26, 2009 from Denver (APA, Centennial Airport) to Atlantic, Iowa (AIO, Atlantic Municipal Airport), a distance of 2359.0 nm/2714.7 sm. The race was won by pilots Kelly Burris of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Erin Recke of Seattle in a Beechcraft Debonair.
2008 Air Race Classic
Thirty-three teams completed the race in June 2008, flying a course from Bozeman, Montana (BZN, Gallatin Field Airport) to Mansfield, Massachusetts (1B9, Mansfield Municipal Airport). Intermediate route stops were Miles City, Montana, Aberdeen, South Dakota, Mason City, Iowa, Decatur, Illinois, Frankfort, Kentucky, Franklin, Pennsylvania, and Saratoga Springs, New York.