46th Annual Air Race Classic stops in Sulphur Springs
Pilots participating in the 46th Annual Air Race Classic made a pit stop in Sulphur Springs, Texas on the morning of June 21. The race, featuring 100 women pilots from around the world, commenced on June 20 from Grand Forks International Airport in North Dakota and will conclude on June 23 at Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport in Homestead, Florida.
The Air Race Classic, which originated from the historic Women’s Air Derby in 1929, celebrates its 94th anniversary this year. The event serves as the pinnacle of women’s air racing, bringing together pilots of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their piloting skills and aviation decision-making abilities.
The race course spans 2,684 statute miles across 12 states. The pilots make nine intermediate stops, including Sulphur Springs, as they execute high-speed flybys over timing lines to race against the clock. The teams depart in succession, with faster planes gradually pulling ahead.
The Air Race Classic fosters inclusivity and features teams from various colleges and universities, including Auburn University, Ohio State University, and Western Michigan University. Each race plane receives a unique handicap, ensuring fair competition among planes of different speeds.
Winners will be determined based on their ability to beat their handicaps by the largest margin, minus any penalties. As the pilots continue their journey towards Homestead, Florida, spectators eagerly await their arrival
Photos by Chloe Kopal
