The 2022 Air Race Classic begins in Lakeland, Florida on June 21 and concludes in Terre Haute, Indiana on June 24. The 2,548-mile route will cover 12 states with 8 planned stops: Moultrie, Georgia; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Ada, Oklahoma; Lawrence, Kansas; Mt. Vernon, Illinois; and Tullahoma, Tennessee.
This year’s route was originally chosen for 2020, however the race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Air Race Classic organizers hosted a one-day Air Race Derby in 2021 in which teams chose their own routes totaling more than 325 nautical miles. This year marks the return of a multiday race and organizers have confirmed that 50 teams from 35 states will be participating.
Women’s air racing began in 1929 as the Women’s Air Derby in which 20 female pilots raced from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio. One of those racers was Amelia Earhart. Racing continued through the 30s and was renewed again in 1947 as the All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race (AWTAR), better known as the Powder Puff Derby. The Air Race Classic stepped in to ensure the continuation of transcontinental speed competition for women pilots when AWTAR held its final flight in 1977.
Pine Bluff Regional Airport expects to see the bulk of air traffic from race participants on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22. Doug Hale, director of the airport said, “It’s quite an honor to be chosen as a stop for this annual event.” Added Sheri Storie, executive director for the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, “This event allows Pine Bluff another opportunity to shine and welcome our visitors with our superior hospitality.”
