We are dedicating our Air Race in memory of Tex Goppert who we hope will watch over us so we DON'T DO ANYTHING DUMB.

Marty and Kay with "Charley"

Marty and Kay with "Charley"

History of the Air Race Classic

In 1929, nineteen women set out from Santa Monica, CA, in flimsy, propeller driven airplanes, with a mission to be the first to cover the cross-country course to Cleveland, OH. Dubbed "The Powder Puff Derby" by Will Rogers, the competition was honest, agressive and dangerous. The air race featured such notable women fliers as Amelia Earhart, Louise Thaden, and Pancho Barnes. One female pilot, Marvel Crosson, died during the air race. Louise Thaden won the race, with Gladys O'Donnell and Amelia Earhart coming in second and third. The women's air race fell by the wayside during the war years. The race was renamed the All Women Transcontinetal Air Race (AWTAR) Derby in the 1940's and is currently called the Air Race Classic. 2010 marks the 34th all women's transcontinental air race.







2010 Air Race Classic

The 2010 Air Race Classic starts at Page Field (KFMY), Fort Myers, FL and terminates at Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK), Frederick, MD. The race has enroute stops at Waycross, GA (KAYS); Tuscaloosa, AL (KTCL); Hot Springs, AR (KHOT); Cameron, MO (KEZZ); Carbondale-Murphysboro, IL (KMDH); Elkhart, IN (KEKM); and Parkersburg, WV (KPKB). The race route is 2483.01sm, begins June 22 and ends on June 25. There are 55 all women race teams in the 2010 Air Race Classic. Marty and Kay will competing in Marty's 1953 Cessna 180. We will be Classic 3.





The Racers

Marty Goppert - Marty is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), Multi and Single Engine Land with over 5,000 flight hours. She has flown as a commuter pilot and medical airlift pilot. She flew a Stearman barnstorming act for 13 years with the "Flying Circus" in Bealeton, VA. Marty currently flies a 1953 Cessna 180.







Kay Renfrow - Kay is a 400 hour Private Pilot, Single Engine Land. Kay resides on a residential airpark in Texas and flies a 1950 Cessna 140A.



Thank You

Race Advisor - Jim

Maintenance Advisor - Tom

Sponsor - Gorilla Airfield in Onondaga, Michigan

and a big Thank You to our ground crew at Heritage Airpark; Dan, Chuck, Cliff and Trevor. We would have never got it done without all of you.










Friday, June 25, 2010

We Finished

We left Parkersburg, WV around 9:15am enroute to Frederick, MD. Had some mountain obscurations flying from WV to MD. Very hazy out and lots of mountains to climb over. A lot different from the flat lands of TX. Got into Frederick around 10:40 with a flourish. We flew the timing line with all the power Charley had, swung her around for a downwind, and on to base and final for Runway 23. We both let out a very loud scream when we touchdown. WE DID IT. We will forever after be known as Classic Air Racers and we have joined an elite group of women who have come before us. We are anxious to get our final score on Sunday evening at the banquet and learn who the winners are. We have a Meltdown Party tonight, so may not be able to blog tomorrow because we will be recovering. We will keep everyone posted as to our final score and placement. Maintenance Still OK. Thanks Tom.
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4 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 26, 2010 at 6:43 AM

    Congratulations! This is an experience that no one can prepare you for and does indeed change you... one that you cannot fully explain to those who have not done this before! Woo Hoo - so proud of you both and can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. Now you can relax and just savor the experience.

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  2. UnknownJune 26, 2010 at 6:48 AM

    Way to go!! Marty and Kay!! We are so very proud of both of you!!! What a historical event!! Marty, Michael says that his Aunt Marty is "way cool"!!!! Enjoy the weekend, and call us to give us all the details.
    luv, Steve, Patusa and Michael

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  3. UnknownJune 26, 2010 at 8:20 AM

    Congratulations Marty and Kay! Doug & I will look forward to seeing you in Frederick tomorrow. We proud of you!
    louise

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  4. AnonymousJune 26, 2010 at 9:28 PM

    Fantastic! The three of you (Charley included) have really impressed me and my neighbors. We have been checking your reports with much interest and now you have done it!!! I can not wait for my visit in November when I hope that we can have a "wetting down". However, since I can only hold one Scotch and Water it may be best described as drizzle down. We are all very, very impressed.Oh, by the way, I am going to contribute a mounted stop watch to Charley. Ha Ha

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