The field is set for the 43rd Air Race Classic (ARC), the annual all-women cross-country airplane race.
According to organizers, 51 teams, consisting of 113 women pilots from across the United States and around the world, will take off at 8 a.m. June 18, 2019, from Jackson, Tennessee, for a 2,538-mile international competition that ends June 21 in Welland, Ontario.
The oldest race of its kind in the nation, the Air Race Classic traces its roots to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, aka the Powder Puff Derby, in which Amelia Earhart and 19 other female pilots raced from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. This year’s race celebrates the 90th anniversary of that historic competition, which marked the beginning of women’s air racing in the United States.
This year’s course will take racers through nine states and one Canadian province. Teams will depart beginning at 8 a.m. June 18 from McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, taking off one after another, 30 seconds apart. From there, the field will spread out as faster planes move to the head of the pack.
At each of the nine intermediate stops — LaGrange, Georgia; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Bryant, Arkansas; Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Fairmont, Minnesota; Wausau, Wisconsin; Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; North Bay, Ontario; and Brantford, Ontario — teams will execute high-speed fly-bys over a timing line as they race against the clock.
Faster planes may cover the course in only two days; slower teams may not arrive at the Terminus, Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport in Welland — named in honor of one of Canada’s legendary aviatrixes until moments before the arrival deadline at 5 p.m. on June 21, organizers note.
The 51 teams of two or three pilots will have four days to complete the course, flying normally aspirated, piston-powered airplanes in visual flight conditions during daylight hours.
Fifteen colleges or universities are fielding teams: Auburn University, Colorado Northwestern Community College, Indiana State University, Jacksonville University, Kent State University, LeTourneau University, Lewis University, Liberty University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Middle Tennessee State University, Northwestern Michigan College, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of North Dakota and Western Michigan University.
Because each plane receives a unique handicap, teams are racing against their own best time, not against one another. This creates a level playing field, so slower planes can compete against faster aircraft on an equal basis, organizers explain. Teams strategize to play the elements, holding out for better weather or seeking more favorable winds, to beat their handicap by the greatest margin.
Official standings aren’t determined until after the last team has crossed the finish line – the last arrival at the Terminus may, in fact, be the winner, officials note.
I’m visiting Jackson, TN, and can’t wait! What a marvelous way to celebrate women of today and yesteryear! I’ll be there with bells on!
I consider myself “non-sexist” in all ways. I can see separating the sexes in most physical athletic contests, but are you not encouraging a bit of sexism by having a female-only race? I see no difference in the ability of male or female pilots so this only encourages the segregation.
I know, this is only continuing the “tradition” of the original races, but don’t you think it’s time to say you are equal and open it up to anyone? Just a thought…
Dear Mr. Hed,
Major air races have been held nationally and internationally since 1909, but accomplished female pilots were not permitted to participate because of their sex. Finally, in 1929, the Women’s Air Derby was established as a separate female only part of the National Air Races. To qualify, the women had to meet the same standards that were required of men competing in the National Air Races.
Twenty planes competed however only 15 completed the course. Claire Fahy’s plane was forced to land and found to have suspicious mechanical damage. Marvel Crosson, who had just set an altitude record at 23,996 feet the previous May, perished in a tragic crash, some speculated it was caused by tampering.
Yes, female-only races are commemorative races.
They commemorate the trials women had and still have in their struggle for equality in numerous occupations including aviation.
I live in Jackson, Tn and have my airplane hangars at KMKL. We are so excited about the race coming to our city. We welcome all of you and hope we can share some Southern Hospitality.
Thank you Gary! This will be our first air race and we are so looking forward to being a part of it! I have never been to Tennessee. That’s a first too! (for me)Our team is #24 Maxwell’s Belles. I hope you stop by to say hello!
Blue skies,
Jan Aarsheim
It would be nice if you could list the winner of the 1929 powder puff instead of an aviatrix that got lost-Louise Thaden.