| Home |
| News |
| 2007 Events |
| Entry Kit |
| Info |
| Previous Races |
| Marion Jayne |
| Shop |
| Aviation Links |
| Sponsors |
| Press |
| Scholarships |
| Contact Us |
|
July 2, 2007:
Air Racing: Entries close July 6,
Mooney entries, Young Eagles, Learn-to-Fly Scholarships, Sponsors
There is still time to enter and enjoy
hangar flying from the 2007 National Air Races for years to come. The
trophies have been ordered and one of them would look great in your
house so join the fun for 1, 2 or all 3 events. Just click here http://www.us-airrace.org
For the first time, Mooney Airplane Company
is a Gold Sponsor of the National Air Races. They are also sponsoring
two entries. Race 15 is Dave Copeland and Dr Remy Henry Blanchaert,
Jr, flying Remy’s Mooney Acclaim. The Acclaim team will have competition
for the top spot in the turbo division of the Wichita 300 Air Race.
Race 8 Rick Neely and his best friend Justin Milam will fly a Mooney
Ovation in the Marion Jayne Air Race.
It has been confirmed that we’ll be
flying young Eagles at both the Wichita 300 and the Stevens Point 300.
If you are an EAA member and would like to help, please reply to this
message and I’ll get you connected to the right folks. After Race
1 completes the course, retired SR-71 pilot, Col. Harlon Hain has volunteered
to fly more young Eagles. Some youngsters will be very fortunate indeed
to have him as their pilot.
Thanks to generous sponsors we’ll be
raffling off at least 8 Learn-to-Fly Scholarships, four in Wichita and
four at Stevens Point. Check out one of last year’s winners on the
2006 Awards page. I’m excited to announce that the beautiful Official
Air Race program has been posted in its entirety on the web site at http://www.us-airrace.org
On a personal note – it is rarely a
good thing when your hometown area is featured on The Weather Channel
and this week was no exception. After over two years of extreme drought,
we have rain, rain and more rain in the DFW area. It has been a surprise
to have ‘lakefront’ and ‘riverfront’ property. Anyone who flies
in Texas will find uncharted ‘new’ water features. As a Tex-ified
Yankee, I can vouch for the fact that everything is ‘bigger’ in
Texas and that includes rainfall.
Reprise of May, 2007 news
Air Racing: One week to go,
Live Broadcast, More race teams, new Flyers, AirVenture Cup
Speed is a virtue except when eating
ice cream. Just a week from now the final touches will be put on the
Official Race Program and it will be sent off for printing. So, hurry
up, if you want to be included in the bound copy of the beautiful 52-page
glossy program as a race team, your entry needs to be in Texas by June
1. Nearly everything can be done over the internet or via fax so it
is easy to do a quick entry. Just click here http://www.us-airrace.org
Yippee! It has been confirmed that the
Wichita 300 Air Race will be broadcast live on the local sports radio
station. This is yet another way to bring out the spectators and engage
more people in General Aviation. We are in the process of arranging
for Young Eagles flights while the teams are out on the race course
– not that it takes the returning 2006 Champions, Race 10 Mike Jones
and Rick Vandam, very long to fly 300 miles in Mike’s Glasair III
:-). Usually flying something this wickedly fast with pilotage-only
Renaissance Rules is a major disadvantage, however the not-so-secret
weapon is Rick. Rick’s past military reconnaissance missions were
done at much higher speeds and with much more at stake. Of course this
tough-to-beat team was bested in both 2006 300 mile races by Piper Cherokee
Arrow pilots Dennis and Jeanette Hackler as Race 7. Dennis and Jeanette
are the first team in 12 years to win a second 300-mile race and this
is added to their 2003 Flying Magazine Texas 200 victory that was celebrated
in front of 190,000 people at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Two cool new racers are coming to join
the fun. The double D team, David and Donald from Indiana are flying
a PA-28-151 with 160 hp and are Race 61. If they follow in the footsteps
of the 2006 Race 2 Cherokee 140 team, they’ll be bringing home some
extra gas money and great bragging rights.
We have created colorful new Flyers for
posting at FBOs. These new Flyers include the APR Aircraft Performance
Racing options. So if you can’t race, please help promote the events
by printing and posting Flyers on our behalf. Just click here and be
linked directly to the web site section that includes the Flyers. http://www.us-airrace.org
For
those teams that enjoy flying into Oshkosh with the AirVenture Cup,
we have scheduled our events so that you can participate in all three
National Air Races, receive your trophies in Wisconsin and still have
an entire day to fly to Dayton and join the AirVenture Cup festivities.
It means you can fly four different races in only 7 days. What incredible
fun is to be had!! Enter now and bring a friend or two, you will be
so glad you did.
Reprise of Apr, 2007 news
Air Racing: Early entry discounts,
STE sponsor, first APR entry, more PSR entries, Volunteer openings
In a mere 5 days the early entry discounts
will expire*. In only 78 days the first of the three National Air Races,
the Wichita 300 will depart the Jabara airport. The next three days
will see the prestigious Marion Jayne Air Race flown east to the Ozarks,
then to Nashville, northeast to the edge of the Appalachians, northwest
to the shores of Lake Michigan, north to the Upper Peninsula, west to
the shores of Lake Superior and then south to Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
At about 600 miles a day, the Marion Jayne is steeped in great scenery
and tailor-made for fabulous hangar flying each evening. The next day
the City of Stevens Point is sponsoring the Stevens Point 300 Air Race.
Two days later Oshkosh (just a few miles east) gets into full swing
with the GTO convention in between. Does it get any better than this?
This is air racing for everyone with
a 2007 theme of “Compete to Fly the Perfect Cross Country”. YOU
have a place in these competitions, whether you want to test your pilot
skills in the “Pilot Skill Racing” (PSR) where aircraft are equalized
with individual handicaps or whether you want to test the airplane in
the “Aircraft Performance Racing” (APR) or test both.
*The free Entry Kit at www.us-airrace.org has all discounts published correctly for PSR
race teams and the early entry discount is valid as long as entries
are postmarked by April 30. In recognition that APR racers may just
be learning they can compete, the January discounts are available if
entries are postmarked by April 30. Remember that discounts for teams
with less than 1000 hours, instructors bringing student pilots and teams
bringing new competitors do not expire.
The City of Stevens Point continues to
invest in its airport and places value on General Aviation patronage.
Here is a charming city on the shores of the Wisconsin River with the
pizzazz of summertime riverfront concerts. We’re fortunate to have
the city sponsor our events for a second year. Perennial sponsor and
competitor Maisie Stears has also made a donation for the U.S. Air Race
to achieve its goals of promoting a positive reputation for General
Aviation, improving pilots’ skills through competition and awarding
Learn to Fly scholarships by drawing.
Aircraft Performance Racing APR is new
to the National Air Races but the first entry has raced with us before.
Bob and Jeanine Axsom built their own RV and will be racing in the APR
competition as Race 71. They will accrue SARL (Sport Air Racing League)
points as the National Air Races are SARL-sanctioned.
We are delighted to see many past race
winners return for more challenges. Charles Robinson III and Maisie
Stears as Race 6 are back with Maisie’s Geronimo. They are the first
team to have supplied all credentials and have been awarded 5 chances
each at the Learn-To-Fly Scholarship drawing. While they already know
how to fly very well, they can gift the scholarships to someone who
wants to learn. 2006 Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy winners, Mike Jones
and Rick Vandam will be cruising east in Mike’s Glasair to compete
again as Race 10. Race 41 Shelby Bowles and Jim Reed will be charging
hard in Shelby’s Cessna Skymaster as they work to repeat their 2004
Perpetual Trophy victory.
As for me, some of the jobs that I do
are open for new volunteers. The volunteer positions of Chief Fundraiser
and Race Director have brought over a decade of joy as I’ve met hundreds
of aviation enthusiasts that are now friends and educated huge numbers
of reporters on the benefits of flying ‘small’ airplanes. I’m
sure I’ll miss the fun of flying the continent as I organized these
events however, when the choice is between spending time with the newly
retired husband or doing something else – the time with husband wins.
If you would like to volunteer for either of these positions, please
send me an email at pjkeefer@gmail.com … oh and it’s important to know that you
would be covered by Directors and Officers insurance via the U.S. Air
Race, Inc.
Reprise of Mar, 2007 news
Air Racing:
First Entries, EI sponsor, PSR, APR and SARL
The Wichita Airport Authority of Wichita,
Kansas – the Aviation Capital of the World – is organizing fabulous
fun for all of the 2007 race teams. We have lots of great news to report.
Here’s the scoop on the first entries, Pilot Skilled Racing (PSR),
Aircraft Performance Racing (APR) and the Sport Air Racing League (SARL).
We already have three teams that have entered all three National Air Races. The teams are each unique in their composition. Race 1 is returning Shreveport 300 winners, Harlon Hain and Charlie Daubs in their 260 Comanche – as 2 of the 90 original SR-71 pilots – they have thousands of hours flying fast and precisely. The second team to enter is Race 9, Angus and Chloe Watson in the Schaumburg Flying Club 182S – they did well in their first 300 race in 2006 and are back for more. Angus is the business executive pilot with 210 hours. Chloe is the home executive and is just as excited as Angus to try their hand at all three races this year and they are eligible for the Best team with under 1000 hours award. . Race 11 is the ying and yang team – Mooney Ranger owner Dr Henry Punzi has about 600 hours and co-pilot Bill Vorderbruggen has over 20,000 hours – this is the third time Punzi has entered … stymied in 2005 with starter trouble and then held back with bad weather in 2006, I’m betting he will race in 2007. More entries are on the way with Renaissance 300 winners Maisie Stears and Charles Robinson III in Maisie’s Geronimo partially entered and a new team from my old hometown, Palatine, Illinois has also said they are coming. Join the fun!
The free entry kit is at http://www.us-airrace.org
Mac Speed and Electronics International
is once again a Silver Sponsor – check out their good stuff at www.buy-ei.com
Some folks have already noticed the broadening
of the racing we offer. Pilot Skilled Racing (PSR) is the handicapped
speed events we have held for years. We have added Aircraft Performance
Racing (APR) for those folks who just want to see how fast they can
fly their planes. RV builder Bob Axsom is considering this category.
It is a different type of competition that still requires smooth pilot
techniques but also rewards those who can tweak engines and airframes
to the best advantage. APR teams will race the same course with full
panels but without handicaps and will compete for awards that are commensurate
with participation. We are actively working with the Sport Air Racing
League (SARL) and have agreement in principle today – when the final
details are firm, we’ll formally announce how teams can participate
and earn SARL points. More details are below.
Reprise of Jan, 2007 news
Air Racing:
Fresh Start and Flying the Perfect Cross Country
Happy New Year and welcome to the Fresh
Start part of 2007. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have a
Fresh Start to flying – to have more fun flying … not to fly to
just keep current or to get maintenance done but to truly go someplace
different and fun. The routes for the National Air Races by U.S. Air
Race, Inc. fit that resolution and I’m putting them on my calendar
now. This is your personal invitation to join the fabulous flying July
15-20, 2007.
Our theme this year is “Air Racing:
Compete to Fly the Perfect Cross Country” and the free entry kit is
now available at http://www.us-airrace.org
There are a number of incentive discounts
on the entry fees. To encourage instructors, student pilots and teams
with less than 1000 hours, there are entry discounts. Those teams that
enter early get the same amount of fun at a lower cost. Those that have
raced with us in the past and bring in a new team to join the fun also
receive discounts.
We have dovetailed our schedule to join
the Jones Publishing GTO™ (Gateway to Oshkosh) Convention. We are
fortunate to have both Jones Publishing and Arthur T. Mott Realty returning
as Top Gun sponsors. The City of Wichita Airport Authority is also a
2007 Top Gun sponsor. The Wichita 300 will be flown Monday July 15.
The premiere 1900-mile Marion Jayne Air Race will travel east across
the Ozarks, over the scenic Ohio river valley, north along the east
shores of Lake Michigan, into the Upper Peninsula and then south to
Wisconsin. The third National Air Race will be the Wisconsin 300 on
Friday July 20. The free entry kit is at www.us-airrace.org and has more details. We hope that you'll join
with us too and enjoy the fabulous camaraderie that develops with shared
flying adventures.
You can fly one, two or all three of
our events. Participants will receive an estimated $25,000 in custom
trophies, cash, completion plaques, prizes and the all-important bragging
rights. Teams may compete in cruise or speed divisions in the 1900-mile
Marion Jayne Air Race. Custom divisions with or without handicaps (such
as, all RVs, Glasairs, Lancairs, all 172s or turbos) are possible for
five or more teams. The events are open to all qualified pilots and
planes. Flying will be done under Federal Aviation Regulations in daylight,
VFR conditions of 1000’ and 3 miles or better. In PSR – Pilot Skilled
Racing, planes are individually handicapped which makes the events a
test of flying skills. In APR – Aircraft Performance Racing Division
of the Marion Jayne Air Race, there are no handicaps. The Cruise Division
is flown at cruise speeds and the team who most closely estimates their
flight time, wins. Our goals are to promote the sport of General Aviation
and the events’ proceeds will benefit aviation endeavors. As always,
participants have the opportunity to dedicate an aviation scholarship.
Scholarships will be distributed evenly among men and women and awarded
by drawings in Wichita and Wisconsin.
Reprise of Nov, 2006 news
Air Racing: Marion Jayne Thanksgiving and 2007 National Air Races
Each of us has several families. We have
the family that we were born into and the families we acquire throughout
life. Folks receiving this email are part of the aviation family and
perhaps the air race family. Yesterday as I watched the Mayor of New
York talk about the absolute joy of flying during the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade, it reminded me of how Mom, Marion Jayne, spent her Thanksgivings.
My first memory of Thanksgiving was traveling. We were dressed in our
good clothes as the family traveled to Grandma’s house where Mom’s
sister, her family and other relatives gathered. A few years later the
gatherings moved alternately to our house or Mom’s sister house which
was just around the corner.
The third iteration involved traveling
again. As we children married, Thanksgiving revolved around job schedules
and in-laws. It was harder to gather as a family but Mom had a solution
for that. At times we had Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday in two
different cities. Mom always set the table the night before, labeled
the serving pieces with the planned contents and set her alarm clock.
She’d get up early, put the turkey in the oven and off she went to
the airport. She’d fly to wherever one of her children and their spouse
were, pick them up and fly home. The family gathered and gave thanks
for all manner of blessings – including the flying travel that enabled
us to gather as a family.
As I savor yesterday’s memories and
leftovers, I look forward to making more great traveling memories in
2007. Before we leave 2006 let me once again say thank you to all of
those who made the 2006 National Air Races possible: the Race Boards,
the many volunteers, the wonderful sponsors at http://www.us-airrace.org
Shortly the web site will be updated
for the 2007 National Air Races by U.S. Air Race, Inc. where all pilots
and their friends can enjoy “Air Racing: Compete to fly the Perfect
Cross Country”. Save July 15-20, 2007 for fabulous flying. The entry
kit will be available January 1. We will dovetail our schedule to join
the Jones Publishing GTO™ (Gateway to Oshkosh) Convention. We are
fortunate to have both Jones Publishing and Arthur T. Mott Realty returning
as Top Gun sponsors. The City of Wichita Airport Authority is also a
2007 Top Gun sponsor. The Wichita 300 will be flown Monday July 15.
The premiere 1800-mile Marion Jayne Air Race will travel east across
the Ozarks, over the scenic Ohio river valley, north along the east
shores of Lake Michigan, into the Upper Peninsula and then south to
Wisconsin. The third National Air Race will be the Wisconsin 300 on
Friday July 20.
I hope that your Thanksgiving holidays
were and are filled with marvelous memories and pleasant plans for the
future that include flying the perfect cross country in one or more
of the National Air Races.
The bookend renaissance-style 300-mile
races are where pilotage and precise flying reign supreme as teams compete
with only a compass and sectional charts for navigational aids across
a mystery route. The Marion Jayne Air Race is where the full panel is
used with weather and aircraft knowledge being added to the competitive
equation. After 3 days and 1800 miles of cross country flying, teams
will be honored awards. The results of the three national races will
be combined to determine the winner of the stunning Marion Jayne Perpetual
Trophy.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. was founded by
famed race pilot Marion Jayne. Jayne is the only U.S. pilot to have
raced twice around the world. She placed second in the 1992 race and
won the FAI Gold Medal in 1994. Marion has been honored as one of the
century's 100 Aviation Heroes along with the Wrights, John Glenn, Eileen
Collins and others at the 2003 Centennial Celebration. Her personal
success, her two races around the world, her life before flying were
cited as well as her entrepreneurial spirit in founding 4 air races
- three of which are still run annually. The National Air Races honor
her memory and contributions.
Our ‘Safe, Fair and Fun’ catch phrase
was coined at the 1995 inaugural event and characterizes how we work
together as organizers and participants to have successful flights.
Our teams have flown over 507,607 miles with a perfect safety record.
For first-time participants a special briefing is held and new teams
are given an experienced event buddy to make sure their rookie experience
goes smoothly. Come join us for the fun flying, the camaraderie, the
cruising and/or the competition. You’ll have hangar flying stories
for years to come!
Wishing you Blue Skies and Tailwinds,
Pat
Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer
President, U.S. Air Race, Inc.
National Air Races and Air Cruise
July 26, 2006:
The winners of the top awards at the National Cross Country Air Races are justly proud of their achievements. All events were closely contested and all pilots completed the three races.
Winners Hutchinson 300 AND Wisconsin 300
Jeanette and Dennis Hackler, Arlington, Texas
Flying Race 7, the "Magic Carpet" a Piper Arrow
Winners 1800 Mile Marion Jayne Air Race and Overall Winner of the
Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy
Rick Vandam, Reno, NV-Co-pilot, Mike Jones, Fullerton, CA-Pilot
Flying Race 10, "Warp Speed Wanda" a Glasair III
July 23, 2006:
Race 10 emerges as overall winner of the 2006 National Air Races. Mike Jones and Rick Vandam piloted Warp Speed Wanda to the overall championship and are now the holders of the Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy. Race 3 with Marvin Guthrie and Cheryl Finke came very close to repeating Marvin's 2005 win and finished second overall.
The Wisconsin 300 provided a first for the National Air Races. Race 7 came in first as they had just a few days earlier in the Hutcinson 300. Second place went to past champions Shelby Bowles and Jim Reed. Third were Mike Jones and Rick Vandam with past champion Arthur Mott and John Dawson and Bruce Chapaman in fourth.
The Marion Jayne Air Race saw so many different strategies and each one ended up bringing success to the racers. Race 10 with Mike Jone and Rick Vandam came in first flying one of the fastest entries, a Glasair III. Second was Race 3 with Marvin Guthrie and Cheryl Finke in a Beech Bonanza. Third place was won by Wanda Zuege and John Thompson flying the slowest aircraft in the race a Cherokee 140. Fourth was Arthur Mott, John Dawson and Bruce Chapman in a Beech Baron. Race 17 with Denise Waters and Nancy Toon in a Gruman Tiger posted fifth with the husband and wife team, Pam and Mathew Giltner in sixth in the "Mighty Mooney".
All racers entered finished the events successfully and the perfect safety record continues.
July 21, 2006:
The 2006 Marion Jayne Air Race is in the history books. All aircraft finished safely. The pilots who finished on July 20, 2006 were on hand to greet the final wave of planes as they arrived at Stevens Point. The slowest aircraft in the event, Race 2 finished at 4:20 CDT having come in from Wolf Point, MT. All others arrivng Friday started the day at Wolf Point, MT. The pilots praised the people at Devils Lake, ND and Orr, MN for the fast turn arounds on the ground.
Stevens Point is providing a great terminus for our events. The early arrivals have sought out the local attractions and even found a "garage sale" going on at the local brewery and were showing off the bargains they bought.
The final event of the 2006 National Air Races took off at noon from Stevens Point Municipal. The start time was moved for a second time. Weather was looming to the north and a noon start provided the chance of a clear course for the Wisconsin 300. All aircraft finished safely. The course was covered in good time by all pilots and it appears to be a very tight. It will not be until Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 p.m. that all the winners will be announced. First the results of the Wisconsin 300 will be announced. Now racers can average their scores for two events and the tension will build. The result of the 1800 Mile Marion Jayne come next and then the overall winner will receive the Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy.
July 20, 2006:
Day two of the Marion Jayne Air Race is complete. All teams are on the ground safely with five teams across the finish line. The 2006 winner, Race 3, Marvin Guthrie and Cheryle Finke from Florida are in Stevens Point. Will moving across the 1800 mile course quickly be the winning strategy for Marvin's Bonanza, "Winning Machine"? Race 10, Race 13, Race 29 and Race 74 agree as they are in Stevens Point enjoying being at the finish. The balance of the racers are at Wolf Point, Montana. They are in the "real west" and enjoying some Montana hospitality. They must cross the finish line by 5:00p.m. on Friday, July 21. Holding back is rookie race team #2. They are in the slowest aircraft, a Cherokee 140 and they are the hometown favorites. Wanda Zuege and John Thompson are based at Stevens Point and will be flying hard to the finish.
Weather conditions do not only effect the strategy on the race course. The start of the Wisconsin 300 Air Race has been changed from 10:00 a.m. Sunday, July 23 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22. This change should assure the running of this event with no delays. Awards for both events will be July 23 at 4:00 p.m. as scheduled.
Race 13, Bob Samson and Carol Burns, Fort Worth, Texas being flagged off at the start of the Marion Jayne Air Race
Race 10, Mike Jones, Fullerton, CA and Rick Vandam, Reno, NV being flagged off at the start of the Marion Jayne Air Race
4th place Hutchinson 300 receiving their special prizes. Pilot Arthur Mott is a foremost supporter of cross country air racing and appears to be pleased with his rather flashy prize boxers. Co-pilot John Dawson and crew, Bruce Chapman are joining in the fun.
July 19, 2006:
The Marion Jayne air race flagged off at 9:00 am on July 19 from Hutchinson, Kansas. There was good VFR and once into the Dakotas the heat started to break....a little.
Race stategy is evident as the racers a spread from Stop 1 to Stop 3. Akron. CO has Race 3, 17, and 29 spending the night. I guess they tremendous welcome they recieved on arrival made holding back early an easy decision. Race 1, 2, 7, 10, 11, 41, 54, and 74 have held at Rapid City. They surely are enjoying the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. The three netword television stations were on hand for the first arrival along with the hometown press. Mike Jones was most gracious and provided them all with interviews. Race 13 moved on north to Wolf Point, Montana. Which will be the winning strategy? The race officials moved on ahead and are at Devils Lake, ND at the Spirit Lake Casino.
The weather looks good for racing tomorrow. There are still two days to make the finish deadline at Stevens Point, WI. Stay tuned for updates.
July 18, 2006:
US Air Race, Inc. announces the winners of the Hutchinson 300 Air Race. All aircraft completed the 300 mile course and the results saw veterans and first timers emerge on top. First place is the husband and wife team of Jeanette and Dennis Hackler from Arlington, Texas. They are veteran racers with a 2003 win in the Flying Texas 200. They fly the "Magic Carpet", a Piper Arrow. The 2005 overall winner is back and in second place at this point. Marvin Guthrie from Clearwater, Florida and Cheryle Finke, Largo, Florida, guided "Winning Machine" Marvin's Beechcraft Bonanza through the Kansas skies. The bar has now been set and it has been proven that racing cross country using pilotage only is possible in a "really fast" airplane. An impressive third place finish was posted by Mike Jones, Fullerton, California and Rick Vandam, Reno, Nevada in Mike's Glasair III, "Warp Speed Wanda"
There are 2100 miles to go and it is anyone's race. Congratulations are in order for all pilots as the perfect safety record of the U.S. Air Race, Inc. continues. The flag drops at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2006 for the 1800 mile Marion Jayne Air Race. Racers have three days to fly the course from Hutchinson, Kansas to Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
July 5, 2006:
THE OFFICIAL 2006 NATIONAL AIR RACE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEB SITE. The U.S. Air Race is excited to provide this quick and easy access to the 2006 National Cross Country Air Races Program. Click on the 2006 Event button and you may meet all the racers. Pages are printable. Late entries and sponsorships will be added as insert pages.
In keeping with the 2006 theme, “It’s all about the racers”, the program cover showcases the overall winners from 2003, 2004 and 2005. Racing gets in your blood and these past winners are returning with hopes of being repeat winners and with the certainty that they will become even better pilots. They will fill their scrapbooks with even more clippings and photos to keep the memories alive of the camaraderie shared and the friendships made in 2006. At the conclusion of the exciting week of racing and just plain fun they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have been able to contribute to General Aviation in a most positive way. 2400 air miles will be covered. Seven airports and towns and cities will be visited. Hundreds will be effected on a one on one basis. Yes, it is “All about the pilots” and yes, it is all about those individual pilots carrying the banner for aviation in a manner befitting the true champions that they all are.
At this time we are excited to announce a late entry, Race 17, Denise Waters, New York, New York and Nancy Toon, Atlanta, Georgia. This is a veteran team, highly successful racers and a pair of ladies that everyone is excited to have on board. Denise is just off a second place finish in the All Women’s Air Race Classic. She has won this event twice and is a Marion Jayne Air Race Division winner and International Racer. Nancy has also won the Air Race Classic twice, is a Marion Jayne Division winner and the 1998 Marion Jayne Air Race winner. When not in the air in Denise’s Grumman Tiger they enjoy all the camaraderie on the ground. Race 41, Jim Reed has already made sure Nancy is bringing one of her musical instruments so they can “jam it up”. Jim plays a very plucky mandolin. The pilots who take part come to hone their skills and compete in fair competition. They are such a cohesive group that the fun on the ground provides just about the best time anyone could imagine.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. recognizes sponsors who have provided merchandise to be awarded as prizes to the lucky winners of the races. The air racers are thrilled to receive these wonderful items. Oregon Aero products and Jeppesen Flite Star programs have the pilots hoping for the right placement to take home a great prize.
Entries are open until July 10, 2006 and the complete entry kit is just a click away on this web site. It all starts on July 16, 2006 at Hutchinson, Kansas. Don’t miss out on all the FUN, FAIR and SAFE competition and camaraderie.
July 4, 2006: Celebrate the 4th of July by using your freedom to fly the most perfect cross country and have an explosively good time! Entries will be open until July 10. Refer to the 2006 Events tab for the Official Race Program and schedule.
May 12, 2006:
Air Race Central, May 12, 2006 Entries for the 2006 National Cross Country Air Races are arriving from all over the U.S. Veteran racers and past champions will be welcoming many teams new to the world of cross country air racing. With past champions Shelby Bowles and Jim Reed, Bob Samson and Carol Burns, Arthur T. Mott and Marvin Guthrie competing alongside event winners Dennis and Jeanette Hackler, Maisie Stears and Ed Hutson and Larry Chubb, 2006 could see a second multiple champion. In 1999 and 2000 Ken Johnson and Dan Reed repeated as perpetual trophy winners.
Entries new to the National Cross Country Air Races include rookie racers and highly experienced racers. Heading to Hutchinson, Kansas from California are Mike Jones and the husband/wife team of Don and Pat Eisenberg. Mike is a winning Sport Class racer at the National Championship Air Races at Reno. Don and Pat admit to decades in the air and have flown events in Canada.
Rookie teams will be recognized with trophies and prizes for the highest score in the Marion Jayne Air Race. Pilot Journal Magazine is the proud sponsor of these awards. 2005 Top Rookies are returning. The husband/wife team, Bobby and Annelise Bennett starting rebuilding their Cessna 182 the minute they returned from the 2005 races in their Cessna 172 so they can “go a little faster” in 2006. Bennetts finished third in the 2005 Marion Jayne Air Race and are ready to encourage all this years first timers.
Past Highest Scoring Piper team, Bob Samson and Carol Burns are again after those beautiful trophies. Again they will fly a blue and white Piper but “Big Blue” their venerable Piper Lance and has been replaced by the “Ski Bunny Express”, a new Piper Saratoga. New Piper once again shows their appreciation to their loyal owners by sponsoring this award.
The US Air Race will be timing and tracking the racers with the special build GPS loggers used so successfully in 2005. Cross country air racing has been revolutionized by the Air Observer which is designed and built by Tilt-Tec of South Africa. Safety has been enhanced and precise data ensures accuracy and fairness in scoring. The logger units are maintained in an independent library that has in large part been endowed by Arthur T. Mott. Marvin Guthrie manages this library and is the go to man for technical expertise.
Hutchinson, Kansas is ready to welcome the 2006 National Cross Country Air Races and is sponsoring the Hutchinson 300. The scenic splendor of Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin unfolds as racers fly the 1800 mile Marion Jayne Air Race from Hutchinson to Arkron, CO, Rapid City, SD, Wolf Point, MT, Devils Lake, ND, Orr, MN and finish at Stevens Point, WI. Stevens Point is the sponsor of the climax of the air racing with the Stevens Point 300. The Gateway to Oshkosh ™ will be in conjunction with the Cessna and Piper Owners Associations Convention “happening” along side the US Air Race events at Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
From July 16-23, 2006, it is all happening at the 2006 National Cross Country Air Races.
April 18, 2006:
The following newsletter is available on about a monthly basis. You can automatically receive it via email by going to the Contact Us area on this web site, clicking on second item and following the directions.
Air Racing: IRS, Low Fat, Zero Carbs and Orr sponsorship
It is the weekend everyone dreads if they haven’t already calculated the impact of the IRS on their life. My husband and I once painted our entire living and dining rooms as a procrastination tactic before tax preparation. The next year we outsourced the final preparation but we still have to gather everything. Ugh. So today, they got mailed. Yea! The purpose of this email is to bring a little levity to this weekend and remind us that after the IRS is paid, we can pay ourselves with a good time flying. In a mere 91 days the 2006 National Air Races will convene. Where will you be when the fun starts? If you would like a quick procrastination tactic of your own, go to the web site (www.us-airrace.org) and download the entry kit and use that as your carrot to complete the taxes, and then enter one or more air races. If you can’t make it this year, since this is an all volunteer company, tax deductible charitable donations are welcome for Learn-To-Fly Scholarships or raffle tickets for same. Details are on the web site.
I want to mention that this is low fat fun. In fact, regardless of what I eat, air racing is usually good for a one week weight loss of five pounds. It must be all the adrenaline pumping that blasts through the fat … and mind you, I’m just watching the fun. When I did the world race I lost even more at a rate of a pound a day for 24 days and so did everyone else. Of course there are zero carbohydrates in air racing ... so what’s not to like?
Everyone along the route is gearing up for your arrival. The city of Orr, Minnesota – a town of 250 – is helping to sponsor the race and has an excellent brochure that is included with the Confirmation Kit. The race teams may only stop and top the tanks or spend one night but wow, this is a place that needs to be seen again – nature at its finest!
Here is a reprise of the details from the previous newsletters.
4/13/06 Air Racing: NAA endorses timing method, Cherokee 140 team to race, Returning Champions, HUT hosts Comanche Fly-in, Confirmation Kits available
We are excited to announce that the National Aeronautic Association (NAA at www.naa.aero) has endorsed the U.S. Air Race timing method as an approved process for record setting purposes. This means that any team that flies with us and desires to set speed records during the Marion Jayne Air Race will be able to apply for NAA recognition. The NAA is the record-keeper for United States aviation and has ties with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), a sister organization to the Olympics.
Wisconsin has their first race team entry with Wanda Zuege and John Thompson (Race 2) of Am I High Aviation (wwwamihighaviation.com) racing the venerable Cherokee 140. I must share that Wanda did laugh/giggle at the thought of calling a Cherokee 140 a race plane however she realized that because the National Air Races is ‘Air Racing: Where it’s all about the pilots’, she and John have a chance at some bragging rights. In the Hutchinson 300 they will have quite an advantage with their speed and radius of turn. Wanda and John will race two of the three National Air Races as they will also be running the Ground School during the GTO (Gateway To Oshkosh) Convention. Their accelerated ground school has a 100% pass record.
Of course, Wanda and John will have to contend with returning Champions Shelby Bowles and Jim Reed (Race 41). This team exemplifies the spirit of race teams. In 2003 they had a surprisingly poor showing in the first of the three National Air Races. When I say poor, I mean they placed last in the California 300. Ever the competitors, they chugged on along in the Marion Jayne Air Race which was 7 legs and 2100 miles that year. The Cessna 337 Skymaster team didn’t win the first leg to Arizona or the second leg to New Mexico but they kept on coming. By the time they finished at the Cleveland National Air Show, they’d won their division of the Marion Jayne Race. The final challenge was the Cleveland 300 pilotage only race and they took first place to shoot them into Champion status for the combined three events. And along the way they helped one of their key competitors by hand-propping a Tiger when its starter failed. Come meet Shelby the Marine turned financial planner and Jim, the engineer turned air show pilot. They have bushels of hangar flying stories to share. Oh, almost forgot to mention that these two are running a race in May. See www.crosscountryairrace.com for details.
Race start headquarters, Hutchinson, Kansas showed off its aviation hospitality at the March 31 – April 2 Comanche Fly-In. 65 people and 35 planes from 12 states enjoyed the Wells Aircraft services, Airport Steakhouse and Blue Duck Bistro cuisine while taking in a Comanche maintenance seminar and the fabulous Cosmosphere with a few sides trips for antique shopping thrown in for good measure. The Hutchinson Press covered the event with a photographer and reporter. This gem of a city managed to have perfect weather in the midst of tornado and storm season. We’ve asked the Chamber of Commerce to arrange for the same weather in July. They said they’d put in the request.
3/10/06 Air Racing: Father-Son team enters, Popular Questions and Great Press
One of the neatest things about running an air race is seeing the passion for flight passed from generation to generation or friend to friend. Air racing is what cemented the already good relationship my mother, Marion Jayne, and I had – after all, it is soooo hard to argue when your shoulders are but a few inches apart. Also, it was really fun to tease her and say that as the navigator, I told my mother where to go on a regular basis and she did it! (It is a good thing I was right otherwise my air race days would have been a very small number). In 2006 Race #31 will be the father-son team of Glenn and Grant who will be flying the family 2003 AG5B Tiger with us for the first time. We are thrilled they will join all the fun of the Marion Jayne Air Race. The team comes from Indiana and they had the two most popular questions.
1. What are the license requirements for the co-pilot? None. A second person is required to be able to spot a plane and alert the pilot. Multiple crew members are encouraged as it is fun to share the experience and the belly waxing responsibilities. Handicapping is done with all crew on board.
2. What if your insurance company declines to name the air race as additionally insured? Call us and let us know. Since insurance companies have helped sponsor the race, this has always been just a matter of education.
We have great press to report again. The air race is the cover story for the Fly-Low publication which shipped about 70,000 copies this month and covered all 50 states. The story is just part one of the planned coverage. Ralph McCormick has published this gem for six years now and has a very loyal base of readers and advertisers. Look for it at your airport or log onto their web site at www.fly-low.com and you’ll see our entry kit duplicated there. We appreciate Ralph and his team’s support.
Check out the latest issues of Cessna Owner Organization Magazine and the Piper Owners Society magazine as they both highlight our competitions. We dovetail into their GTO ™ convention – see details below. We are excited at this new partnership that brings fun and benefits to race teams and racing opportunities to GTO attendees. Soon you’ll hear about the joint arrangements in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
2/15/06 Air Racing: Hutchinson, Kansas Start, GTO(™) Finish and Race Team 8 is Great
The Hutchinson Airport Advisory Board and the City of Hutchinson, Kansas are hosting the start festivities for the Marion Jayne Air Race and the Hutchinson 300 Air Race. Let me tell you a bit about this fabulous city that loves its airport. I first visited this central Kansas city in 1997 when it was a stop on our race. I was greeted with warm cookies from the Wells Aircraft FBO and a City of Hutchinson ceramic mug. There is an immediate feeling of welcome comfort here. Everything from the Arkansas River that started in the Rocky Mountains and passes through the city center and runs parallel to the vintage Avenue A boulevard of large Victorian homes to the how-the-race-to-space-unfolded Smithsonian quality exhibits shown in the stunning Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Museum. The Museum holds a mounted SR-71, the Endeavor space shuttle, the Apollo 13 Command module, an IMAX theater, Dr Goddard’s Lab, a café, shop and more. Wells Aircraft is sponsoring the trophies for the Hutchinson 300. By the way 60 kt tailwinds were recorded during the 1999 race here. Check them out at www.hutchchamber.com
If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, they have an excellent steak house in the airport terminal building, a water park in the hotel in which we’ll be staying and the new Salt Mine attraction is due to open soon. Shopper Alert – there is an antique district downtown and a unique Amish community about 20 minutes southeast of town. Those folks that come to our events will likely follow me in returning to Hutchinson again and again. We’ll talk about the intermediary stops on the 1800-mile Marion Jayne route in coming newsletters.
The finish for the Marion Jayne Air Race is at the Gateway to Oshkosh, GTO(TM) Convention and Fly-in operated by Jones Publishing – the folks who bring you the Cessna Owner Organization and Piper Owners Society monthly magazines. Their Convention and Fly-in has seminars, fun food gatherings, ground schools and very comfortable transportation to and from EAA’s AirVenture event at Oshkosh for the opening three days. When we lived in Illinois, we used to go to Oshkosh all the time. It was a great experience flying in but I still remember taxiing for 45 minutes to a parking space and then pulling the plane down the taxiway as we were the umpty-umpth plane in line for departure – that light Twin Comanche got heavy. The bus rides sound like we get all the fun without so much of the work. I’m all for that.
Our theme this year is "Air Racing: Where it’s all about the Pilots". Race Team ‘8 is great’ is competing again this year. Last year the Texas married folk of AnnElise and Bobby Bennett nearly took the top award in their rookie race efforts in their personally renovated 172. Now they are addicted. Bobby had been a pilot for years when he challenged AnnElise with “If you learn to fly, I’ll buy you an airplane”. She did and he did so the rest is happy flying history. It was AnnElise’s turn to excite Bobby with this whole idea of air racing. They are a relaxed fun couple on the ground and keen competitors in the air. They are looking forward to seeing their new friends from last year.
1/20/06 Air Racing: Tailwinds, First Entry, Press and Sponsors
Where is an air race when you need one? Today I had 55 kt tailwinds at 3,000’ in the DFW area. Too bad I was only exercising the engines and pilot skills and had to return with the corresponding headwinds. The racing juices were flowing as I certainly did enjoy watching the GPS speeds for part of the flight!
I am happy to announce the first entry for all three of the 2006 races is Mike Jones from Fullerton, CA. Mike and his yet to be named co-pilot will be flying Mike’s Glasair lll as Race #10. This is the same number he uses when he competes in the Reno Air Races. Even though this is the first time Mike will race our events, with his credentials, I expect him to have fun and take home some hardware. There are another 11 teams in the process of entering and they fly 172s to Barons. The entry kit is posted on the web site at http://www.us-airrace.org/entrykit.html. With folks like Mike you can see why our theme this year is "Air Racing: Where it’s all about the Pilots". OK, there are gorgeous airplanes too and fabulous scenery and … well, you get the idea.
Arthur T. Mott Realty is again a Gold Sponsor for the John Dawson Division of the Marion Jayne Air Race as well as funding the Arthur T. Mott Library of Loggers. This technology will be in each aircraft and improves timing and scoring. Arthur’s perennial sponsorship is a generous tribute to his love of racing. By the way, we are looking for a pair of folks with Excel knowledge, a laptop with lots of memory and storage, an airplane and IFR capability to fly along and score the races so if you are interested, let me know.
Mac S. Speed of Electronics International, Inc. is a Silver Sponsor for the first time so look for the hot link to his web site under the sponsor tab at www.us-airrace.org or go directly their now at www.buy-ei.com.
12/31/05 Oshkosh Made Easy Happy almost New Year. Our entry kit is posted on the web site http://www.us-airrace.org/entrykit.html just in time to start off 2006 right. You did make a resolution to fly more, didn’t you? This is your invitation to join us for the U.S. Air Race 2006 events. Our theme this year is "Air Racing: Where it’s all about the Pilots". OK, there are gorgeous airplanes too and fabulous scenery and … well, you get the idea. We have a lot of fun and this year, we could call this Oshkosh made easy as well. Here is why.
The Cessna Owners Organization and the Pipers Owners Society (in alphabetical order) have a Convention and Fly-in that dovetails with EAA’s AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The race teams will arrive in time to enjoy that event and take advantage of their excellent and easy transportation to AirVenture. So if you were planning on going to Oshkosh anyway, here is a great chance to have a huge amount of fun in getting there. By the way, we have been assured that pilots of all aircraft types will be welcome. Beech Bonanza owner and 2005 Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy winner, Marv Guthrie, plans to join the fun.
We hope that you'll join with us too and enjoy the fabulous camaraderie that develops with shared flying adventures. You can fly one, two or all three of our races: the exciting cross country 1800-mile Marion Jayne Air Race from Hutchinson, Kansas to Wisconsin, the Hutchinson 300-mile Air Race in Kansas and/or the Wisconsin 300-mile Air Race in Wisconsin. A cruise at your own speed division is also available. These fabulous flying events will be held July 16-23, 2006. Participants will receive custom trophies, cash, completion plaques, prizes and the all-important bragging rights.
Teams may compete in cruise or speed divisions in the 1800-mile Marion Jayne Air Race. Custom divisions (such as, turbo or all RVs) are possible for five or more teams. The events are open to all qualified pilots and planes. Flying will be done under Federal Aviation Regulations in daylight, VFR conditions of 1000’ and 3 miles or better. Race planes are individually handicapped which makes each event a test of flying skills. Our goals are to promote the sport of General Aviation and the events’ proceeds will benefit aviation endeavors. As always, participants have the opportunity to dedicate an aviation scholarship. Scholarships will be distributed evenly among men and women and awarded by drawings in Kansas and Wisconsin.
We are excited to bring you a projected route abounding in scenic splendor and clear of nearly all special use air space. The route begins in Hutchinson located in the middle of Kansas on the Arkansas River. You’ll follow the river valley towards the eastern plains of Colorado and then fly north in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to the scenic Badlands and the edge of the Black Hills in South Dakota’s Rapid City where teams may remain overnight and see the fabulous evening Mt Rushmore presentation. Then it is off to Montana and the Missouri River. Turning east, you’ll follow the Missouri River a bit until it is joined by the Yellowstone River to create beautiful Lake Sakakawea. Still heading east, you’ll cross North Dakota and Minnesota just south of the boundary waters and then turn southeast and fly just over the tip of lake Superior and finish in mid-Wisconsin. As in the past, legs are about 300 sm and with an easy two-legs-a-day strategy, you’ll land in time for all the fun on the ground. The free entry kit is at www.us-airrace.org and has more details.
The renaissance-style 300-mile races are where pilotage and precise flying reign supreme as teams compete with only a compass and sectional charts for navigational aids across a mystery route. The Marion Jayne Air Race is where the full panel is used with weather and aircraft knowledge being added to the competitive equation. After 3 days and 1800 miles of cross country flying, teams will be honored awards. The results of the three national races will be combined to determine the winner of the stunning Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. was founded by famed race pilot Marion Jayne. Jayne is the only U.S. pilot to have raced twice around the world. She placed second in the 1992 race and won the FAI Gold Medal in 1994. Marion has been honored as one of the century's 100 Aviation Heroes along with the Wrights, John Glenn, Eileen Collins and others at the 2003 Centennial Celebration. Her personal success, her two races around the world, her life before flying were cited as well as her entrepreneurial spirit in founding 4 air races - three of which are still run annually. The 2006 National Air Races honor her memory and contributions.
Our ‘Safe, Fair and Fun’ catch phrase was coined at the 1995 inaugural event and characterizes how we work together as organizers and participants to have successful flights. Our teams have flown over 480,145 miles with a perfect safety record. For first-time participants a special briefing is held and new teams are given an experienced event buddy to make their rookie experience goes smoothly. Come join us for the fun flying, the camaraderie, the cruising and/or the competition. You’ll have hangar flying stories for years to come!
February 16, 2006:
Press Release
(Printable (PDF) version of this Press Release)
U.S. Air Race, Inc.
runs 11th annual National Air Races
The most prestigious cross country air
race, the 1800-mile Marion Jayne Air Race will be run by U.S. Air Race,
Inc. as one of the three National Air Races. The theme for 2006 is "Air
Racing: Where it’s all about the Pilots". Yes, there are gorgeous
airplanes too and fabulous scenery but with individually handicapped
aircraft, this is the most practical of all the forms of air racing.
The goal is to get from one point to another in the shortest possible
time and this is done under conditions comparable to everyday flying.
Cross country speed racing is the sport of flying. It is real world
of flying and requires the use of all flight skills to win the competition.
Truly, it is all about the pilots.
2006 offers one week of unmatched camaraderie
and competition with three racing events that culminate on the doorstep
of EAA’s AirVenture. Teams can fly one or all three of the aces:
the exciting cross country 1800-mile Marion Jayne Air Race from Hutchinson,
Kansas to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the Hutchinson 300-mile Air Race
in Kansas or the Stevens Point 300 Air Race in Wisconsin. These fabulous
flying events will be held July 16-23, 2006. Participants will receive
custom trophies, cash, completion plaques, prizes and priceless bragging
rights. Those entering all events will compete for the Marion
Jayne Perpetual Trophy. Flying either 300-mile race is where the
teams are able to prove their all around ability in cross country flying
as navigation in this event is by pilotage only.
Hutchinson, Kansas is the first of seven
locations to be visited during the week. The city of Hutchinson
and the Hutchinson Municipal Airport are rolling out the red carpet
for the pilots. This central Kansas city sits on the banks of the Arkansas
River and features the Smithsonian quality Kansas Cosmosphere and Space
Museum which holds a SR-71, the Apollo 13 command module and an IMAX
theater. The welcoming warm cookies at Wells Aircraft FBO add to the
hospitality. “Learn to Fly” scholarships will be awarded by raffle
drawing in Hutchinson and Stevens Point. Details are at www.us-airrace.org.
The exciting 1800-mile route with 300-mile
legs abounds in scenic splendor and begins in Hutchinson located in
the middle of Kansas on the Arkansas River. Teams will launch together
and then make their own decisions when to fly during the three days
allotted to make the finish deadline at Stevens Point. Five mandatory
fueling stops are located along the route. Teams will follow the river
valley towards the eastern plains of Colorado and then fly north in
the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to the scenic Badlands and the edge
of the Black Hills in where teams may remain overnight and see the fabulous
evening Mt Rushmore presentation. Then it is off to Montana and the
Missouri River. Turning east, flights will follow the grandeur of Missouri
River a bit until it is joined by the Yellowstone River to create beautiful
Lake Sakakawea. Still heading east the route is across North Dakota
and Minnesota just south of the pristine wilderness of the boundary
waters and then turns southeast and flies just over the tip of Lake
Superior and finishes at Stevens, Point in mid-Wisconsin. Flying is
daylight VFR and FAR compliant.
The events are timed to join the GTO™
(Gateway to Oshkosh) convention run by Jones Publishing who produces
the monthly Cessna Owners organization and Piper Owners Society magazines.
They will be running seminars, ground schools and providing coach tour
buses to and from EAA’s AirVenture venue at Oshkosh. This is definitely
Oshkosh made easy.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. enters its eleventh
year of producing Safe, Fair and Fun cross country speed races.
Since 1994, twenty race events have been flown covering 480,145 safe
miles with 3,180 happy landings and a perfect safety record. U.S. Air
Race, Inc. was founded by famed race pilot Marion Jayne. Jayne is the
only U.S. pilot to have raced twice around the world. She won the FAI
Gold Medal in 1994 longest race in history and has been honored as one
of the century's 100 Aviation Heroes along with the Wrights, John Glenn,
Eileen Collins and others at the 2003 Centennial Celebration. Her personal
success, her two races around the world, her life before flying were
cited as well as her entrepreneurial spirit in founding 4 air races.
Free entry kits and more information
are available at www.us-airrace.org.
For media questions U.S. Air Race contact point: Pat Purcell 904-564-9410 ppurcellk@aol.com
October 3, 2005: 2005 National Air Race Pilots may receive their complete data files for the Marion Jayne and/or the Carolinas 300 Air Race by emailing your request to: marvin@jmarvin.com.
October 2, 2005: The 2005 National Air Races came to a close on September 30, 2005 at Monroe, NC. Initially the event was moved from the start location at Mesquite, TX to flee Hurricane Rita. All the racers positioned in Glasgow, KY which was Official Stop #3 on Sat. Sept 24, 2005. On Sunday all participants repositioned at Monroe, NC. The start and original route for the events were cancelled and now the planned finish became the start and finish. The Cowhand 300 was cancelled. The Marion Jayne Air Race ran on a shortened route and the Carolinas 300 flew as scheduled. The Marion Jayne Air Race was won by Arthur Mott, Waxhaw,NC and John Dawson, Richmond, VA flying a Beech Baron. The Carolinas 300 was won by Marvin Guthrie, Clearwater. FL and Esther Grupenhagen, Troy, Mo flying a Beech Bonanza. The winners of the Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy are Marvin Guthrie and Esther Grupenhagen. Another highly skilled team of pilots have taken top honors from a field that included the 1996 and 2004 perpetual trophy winners.
September 29, 2005 Monroe, NC The Marion Jayne Air Race concluded on Wed. Sept 28, 2005 right on schedule. Weather dictated every other segment of the planned schedule of events and racing competition. After moving the racers from a hoped for start in Glasgow, Kentucky on Sun. Sept 25 to Monroe, NC weather did not allow actual competitive flying until Tuesday. New routes were laid out by the race officials and with the GPS Loggers in each race plane the racers rose to the challenge. Results are in for the Marion Jayne Air Race but will not be officially annouced until the awards ceremony on Friday, Sept 30. The Carolinas 300 takes place on Friday and good weather looks like a favorable bet. Cumulative results from all events determine the winner of the Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy. All winners can be justly proud of their piloting as new routes were presented daily and a revolutionary new timing system was employed. Camaraderie and high spirits were abundance Thursday, Sept 28 at the finish line celebration and Carolinas BBQ held at Monroe Regional Airport.
September 28, 2005: The first day of racing for the Marion Jayne Air Race is now in the history books. Weather conditions were favorable but provided a good challenge with winds having a mind of their own. The course provided three legs in opposing directions. Racers used many different stratesgies trying to find the best winds....there were early arrivals and there were arrivals just before sunset.... The competition is keen, the camaraderie is at an all time high. Racing for this event concludes today at 5:00 pm EDT at Monroe, NC. The pilots again take to the skies on Friday, Sept 30 for the Carolinas 300.
September 27, 2005: Monroe, NC The 2005 National Cross Country Air Races are officially underway. After being chased further and further East from Texas by Hurricane Rita the planes were flagged off for the start of the Marion Jayne Air Race at precisely 9:00 am. First off was Race 5 flown by local pilot Larry Morris with his rookie co-pilot Dr. Dan Spagnoli and determined to overtake them and flying the same model Beechcraft Baron were Race 29 with local resident Arthur Mott and John Dawson. Race 29 are past winners taking top honors in this event in 1996. Racing will conclude today at Official Sunset after flying a round robin course back to Monroe, NC. Wednesday all planes again do a group start with another challenging round robin course from Monroe, NC. All racers were well prepared and more than ready to start the competition. Friday concludes the event with the Carolinas 300.
September 26, 2005: The 2005 National Air Races are now safely positioned in Monroe, NC. The finish location is now hosting the start and finish of all the events. With Hurricane Rita bearing down on the Texas/Louisiana coast the race repositioned the start to Stop #3, Glasgow, Kentucky. The Begley's at Glasgow Aviation were able to handle the early arrival. They had already set up for us on short notice as Hurricane Katrina washed out the Pascagoula, MS stop and Glasgow,KY replaced them. Again, the weather would no cooperate. On Sunday, conditions would not improve and again the start location was repositioned....now to the finish at Monroe, NC. All racers are now in Monroe,NC and will start on an amended route on Tuesday for the Marion Jayne air race and continue as scheduled for the balance of the week.
September 22, 2005: The Start of the 2005 National Air Races has moved from Mesquite Texas to Glasgow, KY. Hurricane Rita is predicted to have a serious effect on a major portion of the original route of the air race. To ensure a safe event, the routes have been moved to the East and at this time the events will take place as scheduled but in a different location. Stops at Mesquite, TX, Miami,OK and Tunica, MS have been cancelled.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2005: The U.S. Air Race has changed a portion of the route of the 2005 Marion Jayne Air Race. Stop #3, Pagcagoula, Mississippi has been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The relief efforts in that area will continue for many weeks. This stop has been replaced with a stop at Glasgow Municipal Airport, Glasgow, Kentucky.
As of this date, the Official Route for the 2005 Marion Jayne Air Race is Mesquite,TX-Miami,OK-Tunica,MS-Glasgow,KY-Gadsden,AL-Waycross,GA-Monroe,NC.
We look forward to having PQL on a future race route and wish them well during the process of rebuilding.
AUGUST 29,2005; FOURTH IN A SERIES-THE 2005 NATIONAL AIR RACE ROUTE
TRENT LOTT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI
OFFICIAL STOP #3
SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2005
Stop #3 on the Marion Jayne Air Race has you in the Deep South on the Gulf Coast. Are you ready for some seafood? Hope you are not distracted on your fly by approach by the sign on top of one of the local seafood restaurants advertising their establishment.
Trent Lott Internation Airport will become a Class D airport with an operational control tower at the end of October 2005. PQL is striving to meet the needs of the local ecomony with the facility being a premier location for businesses. A new runway coupled with the control tower and planned new terminal will put this airport at the forefront of progressive GA facilities. Todd Cockroft heads up the operation at U.S. Aviation and is proud to have been chosed to be part of the 2005 National Air Races. T.J. is the man on the front line and is ready to give all the racers the "red carpet" treatment.
Pascagoula is Mississippi's premier and busiest port. It is the home of the state's largest employer, Northrop Grumman. Other major industries include a Chevron refinery, Signal International, First Chemical Corporation, and BP/Amoco. This city is home to Naval Station Pascagoula and is homeport to several Navy warships as well as a large Coast Guard contingent.
At this time, Hurricane Katrina is bearing down on PGL. Check back here later this week for a status report on the airport.
AUGUST 21,2005; THIRD IN A SERIES-THE 2005 NATIONAL AIR RACE ROUTE
TUNICA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TUNICA MISSISSIPPI
OFFICIAL STOP #2
SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2005
Racers will be landing at Tunica, Mississippi the home of Tunica Air Racing, the only closed course racing venue offering a full card of event outside Reno and the home of the nation's third largest gaming resort community.
Tunica was once an impoverished farming community and until the recent developement of the gaming, tourism and transportation was one of the poorest counties in the nations. It now provides 5% of the budget of the state of Mississippi. The airport received a $39 million grant from the FAA which is the largest single project ever funded in the state.
The Tunica Air Center is Northern Mississippi's newest and premier FBO. Cliff Nash and Eric Konupka have our stop ready for us and everyone there is ready to greet the XC racers with an 11,000 square foot terminal with all the "bells and whistles". TAC knows air racers. The first week of June they are the center of the Tunica Air Races and Air Show.
The casinos offer wonderful accomodations with 6,300 rooms, 14,000 slots, 400 gaming tables, great entertain and fabulous food.
The town of Tunica with it's historic downtown exudes Southern charm is billed as "The Other Side of Tunica". From antique shops to outlet malls to the Tunica River Park and Museum there is something for everyone to enjoy in Tunica.
August 14, 2005: Sponsors Old and New Join the Races.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. will again fly with 'JEPPESEN ON BOARD' as they continue their sponsorship of the National Air Races. Jeppensen's support includes the presentation of their Flite Star software to a lucky winner.
Sunshine Makers, Inc. of Huntington Harbor, CA join us as a new sponsor. They are the makers of Simple Green cleaning progducts. Racers will be receiving their remarkable EXTREME Aviation and Precision Cleaner.
August 10, 2005: SECOND IN A SERIES – THE 2005 NATIONAL AIR RACE ROUTE
MIAMI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, MIAMI, OKLAHOMA
OFFICIAL STOP #1
September 26-27, 2005
Miami, Oklahoma and the Miami Municipal Airport are shining examples of real small town America. The airport is a General Aviation dream, a hidden gem any pilot would love to call home. Airport Manager, pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, Paul Dolph does it all with genuine enthusiasm and expertise. This facility provides 5,600 feet of runway with taxiways, a truly full service terminal, easily accessed self-serve fuel, ample tie towns and full repair service.
MIO came into being in 1931 when 180 acres were leased for the municipal airport. The ‘city’ of Miami prospered during the 1930’s with the paving of the local stretch of Route 66, the building of a hydro electric dam and bridge across the Grand River and a new Junior College. During that time the locals residents gathered at the Coleman Theatre for vaudeville and motion pictures. Opening in 1929, the Coleman is still in use today with concerts, plays and tours and is owned and operated by the city. It is one of the few preserved "movie palaces" replete with the original "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ.
From 1941-1945, Miami Municipal was home to the Spartan School of Aeronautics, No.3 British Flying Training School.
Racers who RON at Miami will have courtesy transportation available at the airport. If the weather dictates a longer stay, an amazing variety of attractions are to be found. Tour the Coleman Theatre and the Dobson Memorial Museum. Go gaming at the Stables Casino. Enjoy scenic Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. Go Honky Tonking at R & B Country Dancing. Locals brag that the best authentic Mexican food North of the Rio Grande in right in Miami at Milagros.
There are nine Native American tribes located near Miami. Annual Pow Wo’s are held here by the Shawnee, Wyandotte, Ottwa, Quapaw and Miami Nation.
Located on historic Route 66 and alongside Interstate 44, Miami is well equipped to serve the traveler.
August 1, 2005: The "Bear" has arrived!
The 2005 National Air Races Commemoration
teddy bear,"MONROE" continues the US Air Race
tradition of offering an original one of a kind
collectible at auction during the 2005 events.
Click on the 2005 EVENTS button for details.
JULY 28, 2005: FIRST IN A SERIES-THE 2005 NATIONAL AIR RACE ROUTE
MESQUITE METRO AIRPORT
AIR RACE CENTRAL
SEPTEMBER 23-26, 2OO5
It all starts in Texas at the Mesquite Metro Airport. This airport has what it takes to be the gathering point and the starting point of the 2005 National Air Races. Mesquite will be the location of the Cowhand 300 Air Race and the starting line for the 1800 Mile Marion Jayne Air Race and Cruise. Airport manager, Cynthia Godfrey is justly proud of her facility. HQZ has been honored by the Texas Department of Transportation as the RELIEVER AIRPORT OF THE YEAR. Situated under the edge of the DFW TCA, Mesquite Metro is part of the Dallas Metroplex, yet the feel here is that of your friendly, accessible small town airport. Racers will be parked in the huge North ramp area and greeted by Jake and Cruiser! This pair of Border Collies “manage” the Mesquite Aviation Flight School. But, WHOA…there is a 5000’ runway and every amenity a pilot could want. Self serve fuel is competitively priced and alongside the ‘pit’ area. Large golfcarts will be transporting the pilots about the airport. The gorgeous new terminal opened in October 2004. These delightful surroundings will be the site of registration and pilot briefings. Wireless internet access is available and the big screen monitor in the lobby continuously shows a view of the runway. Yes, the racers will be on closed circuit TV. The airport is 5 minutes from downtown Mesquite. The original town square and small town feel are alive and well. There are several “really good” home owned restaurants there. Just a few more stop lights and you will be at the Holiday Inn Express and the Mesquite Convention Center and the Mesquite Rodeo that are situated alongside Interstate 635. You will be able to easily access every restaurant imaginable and enough shopping to satisfy anyone. Be ready to have a real taste of Texas. The Mesquite Rodeo is a true legend and you will witness some of the most heart pounding competition imaginable. We are directing our early arrivals to gather for fun and great food at the Trail Dust Steakhouse. This restaurant is adjacent to the Holiday Inn and is a long standing establishment guaranteed to provide a WHOOPING GOOD TIME! Another National racing event will be underway at this time and those racers will be housed in the same location that our pilots will be staying. The Hot Rod Nationals, drag racings championship event will be going in nearby Ennis, TX the same weekend we are flying. Be ready to compare notes with those earthbound speedsters during Happy Hour at the Hampton. The U.S. Air Race is proud to bring you to Mesquite and recognizes the force behind it all, Cynthia Godfrey, airport manager.
July 22, 2005
The U.S. Air Race welcomes VAN BORTEL AIRCRAFT,INC. as a sponsor of the 2005 National Cross Country Air Races. Cessna's by Van Bortel is the premier Cessna dealership in the United States. Mr. George Van Bortel is sponsoring a pair of trophies to be awarded to the Highest Scoring Cessna entry.
July 10,2005
GPS TECHNOLOGY TO REVOLUTIONIZE TIMING OF CROSS COUNTRY AIR RACES
Modern Cross Country Air Racing has truly entered the 21st century with the Air Oberserver GPS Logging System. This GPS unit has been specifically designed for air racing by Jan Hanekom, Tilt-Tech, of South Africa. The logger is completely self contained and is the size of a pack of cigarettes. It records and stores positions in three dimensions every second. The encoded data file is in compliance with the FAI General Aviation Commission requirements under the GAC FAI Sporting Code, Section 2, Annex4. Accuracy of the data is within 1/100th of a second.
The U.S. Air Race will be using these loggers during the 2005 National Air Races!
July 3, 2005
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. welcomes Piedmont-Hawthorne, Inc/Garrett Aviation/Associated Air Center as sponsor of the Highest Scoring Beechcraft Trophy for the 2005 National Air Races. The world's largest Beechcraft dealer is pleased to honor the Beech pilots who can go the distance and have the right stuff.
The big question is....will it be one of the "Battling Barons" that takes the prize or will a very special Bonanza from Florida smoke the field. Maybe this will be the year that 1998 event winner Nancy Toon flies her own Beech Duchess! XC racing counts many loyal Beechcraft owners in it's ranks. If you fly a Beech, join the camaraderie and go for those trohpies.
June 30, 2005
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. is pleased to announce New Piper Aircraft is again sponsoring trophies for the Highest Scoring Piper entry in the 2005 National Air Races. New Piper Aircraft continues to build on its solid reputation and proudly recognizes the accomplishments of their loyal owners with this special award.
Cross Country Air Racing is a complete test of all pilot skills. The aircraft flown in these races are, for the most part, the owners personal planes. Piper has been well represented over our 10 year history. Winning teams have flown Piper Lances, Piper Comanches, a Piper Cherokee, a Piper Arrow and a Piper Geronimo. Competing Piper models have ranged from a 1947 Clipper to a shiney new 2003 Saratoga.
New Piper awarded two very spectacular trophies...they were huge...in 2004. Reports are, New Piper plans to make the winners in 2005 very happy with their awards. If you fly a Piper....here is one more reason to join the fun in September.
May 12, 2005
Air Racers need to make special note of the N.O.T.A.R.S. button on the home page of this web site.
N.O.T.A.R.S. are Notices to Air Racers and contain must know information. Action items such as deadline
reminders, rule changes and timely information pertinent to current racers will be published there. To stay
current, click on N.O.T.A.R.S. often.
April 23, 2005
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. is pleased to announce the Official Route and designated stops for the 2005
National Air Races. It all starts at Mesquite Metro Airport (HQZ), Mesquite, TX. Cowboys, B-B-Q and the
Dallas/Fort Woth Metroplex await you. HQZ offers every service and amenity a pilot could ask for.
Airport Manager, Cynthia Godfrey, extends a warm welcome and is justly proud of the new terminal building.
We will make good use of these outstanding facilities. All pre-race functions will take place at Mesquite
Metro along with the start/finish of the Cowhand 300 Air Race and the start of the Marion Jayne Air Race.
Fun and excitement on the ground will center around the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.
The Official Route of the Marion Jayne Air Race includes the following mandatory timing and fueling stops. All airports serve as optional RON's. First off is Miami,OK (MIO), Stop #2-Tunica, MS (UTA), Stop #3-Pascagoula, MS (PQL), Stop #4-Gadsden,AL (GAD), Stop #5-Waycross, GA (AYA) and the finish line at Monroe, NC (EQY). Monroe will host the Carolinas 300 Air Race. EQY was the finish of our 1997 event and in 2005, our 10th Anniversary year, we return to an airport for the very first time in our history. Yes, Monroe has what it takes!
March 1, 2005
We hope you’ll come fly with us and enjoy the fabulous camaraderie that develops
with shared flying adventures. "Cattle country to the Carolinas" is the theme for the
2005 U.S. Air Races. The teams in the exciting cross country 1800-mile Marion
Jayne Air Race will fly from Texas to North Carolina. The Cowhand 300-mile Air
Race will be in Texas and the Carolinas 300-mile Air Race will be in the Carolinas.
These fabulous flying events will be held from September 23 to September 29, 2005.
The free entry kit is available at www.us-airrace.org. There are very special
incentives to enter by the end of March.
This is truly air racing for everyone. As long as your plane is FAA Airworthy with a current annual and insurance of $1,000,000, you can race with us and win trophies, cash, prizes and the all important bragging rights. You get to have a great excuse to go flying, help promote a positive view of general aviation, see new parts of the country and make great flying friends.
You are welcome to race or cruise. Some folks don't realize we also offer an Air Cruise on the same dates and route as the race. This Air Cruise option is a fabulous chance to fly where the ground arrangements and team gatherings are handled by the U.S. Air Race and the flying is up to you at whatever power setting you normally use. Join the fun at your speed, make new friends and enjoy great hangar flying!
As in 2004, teams may compete in cruise, speed and collegiate divisions in the 1800- mile Marion Jayne Air Race. Custom divisions (such as turbo or all Tigers) are possible for five or more teams. The events are open to all qualified pilots and planes. Flying is done under Federal Aviation Regulations in daylight, VFR conditions of 1000’ and 3 miles or better. Race planes are individually handicapped. Our goals are to promote the sport of General Aviation and the events’ proceeds will benefit youth and collegiate aviation endeavors. Participants will receive custom trophies, completion plaques and prizes.
The renaissance-style 300-mile races are where pilotage and precise flying reign supreme as teams compete with only a compass and sectional charts for navigational aids across a mystery route. The Marion Jayne Air Race is where the full panel is used with weather and aircraft knowledge being added to the competitive equation. After 3 days and 1800 miles of cross country flying, teams will be honored with awards. The results of the three national races will be combined to determine the winner of the stunning Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy.
Our ‘Safe, Fair and Fun’ catch phrase was coined at our 1995 inaugural event and characterizes how we work together as organizers and participants to have successful flights. Our teams have flown over 468,965 miles with a perfect safety record. For first-time participants a special briefing is held and new teams are given an experienced event buddy to make their rookie experience goes smoothly. Come join us for the fun flying, the camaraderie, the cruising and/or the competition. You’ll have hangar flying stories for years to come! All race teams are eligible for the prestigious Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy.
The U.S. Air Race, Inc. was founded by famed race pilot Marion Jayne. Jayne is the only U.S. pilot to have raced twice around the world. She placed second in the 1992 race and won the FAI Gold Medal in 1994. Marion has been honored as one of the century's 100 Aviation Heroes along with the Wrights, John Glenn, Eileen Collins and others at the Centennial Celebration. Her personal success, her two races around the world, her life before flying were cited as well as her entrepreneurial spirit in founding 4 air races - three of which are still run annually. The 2005 National Air Races honor her memory and contributions.
The U.S. Air Race is a charitable enterprise dedicated to the sport of cross country flying and provides scholarships to young people interested in aviation. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Come join the flying fun, volunteer or make a contribution. More details are in the entry kit.
Wishing you Blue Skies
© COPYRIGHT 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED U.S. Air Race, Inc.