History

1929 was the year of the first women's only air race. It was called the First Women's Air Derby. Twenty pilots were in that race, including Amelia Earhart, Poncho Barnes, Louise Thaden, and Blanche Noyes. These aviators flew from Santa Monica, California to Clevland, Ohio. In our very first aviation class Kali and I created a report on this race. I think its fair to say the First Women's Air Derby might be the reason why we choose to participate in this wonderful and historic race!

After WWII women's racing began again as the All Women's Transcontitnetal Air Race (AWTAR), aka the Powder Puff Derby. AWTAR was discountinued in 1977, and the Air Race Classic, Ltd. came to the resuce to continue women's air racing. In 2002, the race became Air Race Classic, Inc. Today, Air Race Classic, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The race is open to all women with fixed wing aircraft from 145 to 570 horsepower.