The 49th annual all-women’s race will take place from June 23-26, 2026, highlighting the aviation heritage of the Midwest and Southeast.
Air Race Classic
Registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby opens Sept. 1
The Derby is a one-day aviation event designed to challenge pilots on precision, planning, and navigation. The event offers pilots the opportunity to select their own route and flight day, providing flexibility to work around their schedules and weather conditions. Flights for this year’s Derby may take place from Oct. 1-14.
Air Race Classic unveils 2026 route
The 2026 race will highlight the aviation heritage and communities of Illinois, launching from St Louis Regional Airport (KALN) in East Alton, continuing through eight stops, then concluding at Mount Vernon Airport (KMVN).
Air Race Classic winners named
“In keeping with the 96-year rich history of women’s air racing and the 48th race of its kind, the pilots of this year’s Air Race Classic were met with challenges surrounding weather, decision-making, aircraft performance, and strategy,” officials noted.
Different paths to the cockpit
Rachel Skirvin and Sarah Roark didn’t start their working lives in aviation, but made bold pivots once they found their passion. Their journeys prove aviation can be a second career — even for those from entirely different fields.
Registration opens for Air Race Classic
Women pilots will take off June 17, from H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport in Fairhope, Alabama, for a 2,426 statute mile competition across nine states that ends at Felts Field in Spokane, Washington.
Route for 2025 Air Race Classic unveiled
The 2025 race will take off June 17, 2025, from H.L. Sonny Callahan Airport (KCQF) in Fairhope, Alabama, and end June 20 at Felts Field Airport (KSFF) in Spokane, Washington.
A twist on tradition for 2024 Air Derby
The ARC Air Derby is a VFR flight flown during daylight hours on a single day between Sept. 27 and Oct. 10, 2024. The objectives are for each team to design a route that conforms to the ARC Air Derby Rules, estimate the time it will take them to fly that route, and then fly it as close to their estimated time as possible.
Big distance and bigger fun
The Air Race Classic is all about flying the “perfect” cross-country.