More than a race

The 2022 race proved the annual all-women Air Race Classic is more than a race.

The 2,500-mile race, which began June 21 in Lakeland, Florida, and ended June 24 in Terra Haute, Indiana, offers racers a way to test their teamwork, their aviation skills, and their fortitude.

Almost half of the 97 pilots this year were first-time racers. Of the 51 teams that competed, 18 represented colleges or universities, including Auburn University, Kent State University, Purdue University, the University of North Dakota, and more.

One of the teams — the Flying Carastros — was made up of three generations of women pilots. Marie is a veteran racer and the mother of teammate Susan Carastro and grandmother to Danielle Carastro, who also flew in the 2016 race as the youngest Air Race Classic participant.

Marie, who is in her 90s, was the oldest racer this year, while Jensen Dix was the youngest racer.

This year’s race featured many highs and lows.

The lows began even before the race began.

After arriving in Lakeland, a pilot on the Cirrusly Fast team got the news that her boyfriend died in a plane crash.

Immediately, other racers gathered to comfort her. People offered hangar space for the team’s plane if the young pilot wanted to go home. One woman gave her a 99s courage coin. She had the support of the entire group no matter what her decision. She decided to race as the co-pilot.

Her decision led to one of the highs of this year’s race.

“This was the first time in 10 years that every team that started finished,” reported Joanne Alcorn, chair of the start for the race.

The racers also made a difference for those pilots coming up behind them.

The pilots participated in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) events for girls before the race started.

Racers who matched up with students at the start of the race encouraged the young girls to follow the race online in real time through the Air Race Classic website.

The girls attending the STEM event in Florida received hats, pens, and a pilot teddy bear from sponsors.

The girls also had a scavenger hunt in the Florida Air Museum, the chance to use the flight simulators at the Aerospace Center for Excellence, and a presentation in the Skylab by a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Hurricane Hunters are based at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL).

NOAA officials also gave the racers their weather briefing before the start of the race.

The beginning of the race actually starts long before the time to takeoff.

It starts up to a year before the race takes off, as women form teams and secure airplanes to fly. Many seek out sponsors as it costs between $5,000 and $8,000 to fly to the start point, through the race, and back home. The racers are responsible for their entry fees, hotels, food, and other expenses during the race.

Besides the thrill of competing and testing their piloting skills, the racers also make connections and friendships with one another that can last a lifetime. Many first-time racers are mentored by the veterans who share knowledge and strategies.

Aside from aircraft inspections, credentialing, and other preparations for the race, the racers share time at receptions and banquets. From Portland, Oregon, Alison Faddis, Director of Air Safety and Operations for Amazon Global Air, was the guest speaker at the start banquet and she also waved the ARC flag to signal the launch. In 83° heat, she waved the flag from the first plane to the last as the aircraft taxied in groups of five.

At the group photo shoot, the first shots included all the racers. The next group showed all the members of the 99s. Another group included the members of Women in Aviation. One woman gave a shout-out for a photo of members of a minority pilot organization.

Women may represent only 6% of licensed pilots, but what a mighty percentage it is.

The Race Results

This year’s winning team was the Flying Flashes, Team 52, Laura Wilson and Alex Johnson of Kent State University. Both Laura, who was a first-time racer, and Alex are certified flight instructors and recent graduates from the university.

Other top finishers:

• Birds of Paragon, Team 16, Katie Truedson, Connie Leege, and Cassie Thompson Pride
• Camanche-me If You Can, Team 46, Elisabeth Millspaugh and Ashley Zook
• Kay’s Angels, Team 40, Mel Shrewsbury and Lauren Heisey
• The Whole SHE-Bang, Team 99, Lara Gaerte and Donna Harris
• Cardinal Cruisers, Team 9, Minnetta Gardinier and Jeneanne Visser
• Team Bernoulli, Team 15, Naiara Petralanda and Lauren Thompson
• DC3 (-1), Team 20, Debi Dreyfuss and Joy Halcott
• Michiana Redbirds, Team 1, Margaret Wint and Sue Glisson
• Tennessee Flight Training, Team 10, Bunnie Ambrose and Alexa Baumgartner

The aircraft are handicapped so that the slowest plane has equal footing with the fastest. The race is won by skill and planning to bring out the best flying time. Race officials note that because of that system, the last plane to complete the race could actually be the winner.

Registration for next year’s race is expected to open in January 2023.

To find out more about the race and get a list of all the winners, go to AirRaceClassic.org.