Air Race Classic Celebrates Eighty Years of All-Women Transcontinental Racing

Historic Race Has Roots in 1929 Powder Puff Derby

DENVER, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Women pilots will gather in Denver, CO on
June 23 to continue what was started in 1929. Twenty women pilots, including
Amelia Earhart, made history by entering a transcontinental air race from
Santa Monica, CA to Cleveland, OH. Humorist Will Rogers dubbed the race the
"Powder Puff Derby" because each woman took time to powder her nose. The
women's determination and tenacity to prevail as aviators established a time
honored tradition among female pilots that is carried on today. The race
stands as a symbol of a proud heritage. The friendly, competitive spirit and
camaraderie still exist.

Over the years, the race has gone through twists and turns and eventually
evolved into the Air Race Classic. Today, it is the only all-women
transcontinental air race. Year after year, women come to test their skills as
pilots. Participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds, universities and
careers, with ages ranging from eighteen to ninety.

The early races were designed to keep the women together so that conditions
were consistent for all contestants. The first to cross the finish line was
declared the winner. In the present day race, each team is judged on flying
ability. Today's race is won based on the efficiency and accuracy a team
exhibits in all aspects of the race. All airplanes are assigned a handicap
speed allowing planes with varying horsepower to race against each other.
Teams are judged based on their performance compared to their airplane's
handicap. The objective is to give each team an opportunity to use its best
cross-country skills regarding weather and winds. The race also now includes
longer legs with a course of 2,359 nautical miles. This year's route includes
stops in Liberal, KS, Sweetwater, TX, Lufkin, TX, Russellville, AR, Grenada,
MS, Sparta, TN, Jacksonville, IL, Racine, WI, and terminates in Atlantic, IA.
All racers will be available for interviews.

During the Start and Terminus weekend at each year's race, the Air Race
Classic presents a program to educate youth about airplanes and aviation.
Another major initiative is encouraging and assisting university race teams
whereby schools with an established aviation program may compete for the
Collegiate Challenge Trophy.

For more information, visit http://www.airraceclassic.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Marolyn P. Wilson
315-796-9777
marolyn@hollandfarms.com

SOURCE Air Race Classic

Marolyn P. Wilson, +1-315-796-9777, marolyn@hollandfarms.com, for Air Race
Classic