Jump to content

National Air Races: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→History: Fixed typo.
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
New image
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:1931 NationalAirRace.jpg|thumb|right|163px|1931 National Air Race]]
[[Image:1929 National Air Races official program.png|thumb|right|Official program for the National Air Races of 1929 in [[Cleveland]]]]
The '''National Air Races''' (also known as '''Pulitzer Trophy Races''') are a series of [[pylon turn|pylon]] and cross-country [[air racing|races]] that have taken place in the [[United States]] since 1920. The science of aviation, and the speed and reliability of aircraft and engines grew rapidly during this period; the National Air Races were both a proving ground and showcase for this.
The '''National Air Races''' (also known as '''Pulitzer Trophy Races''') are a series of [[pylon turn|pylon]] and cross-country [[air racing|races]] that have taken place in the [[United States]] since 1920. The science of aviation, and the speed and reliability of aircraft and engines grew rapidly during this period; the National Air Races were both a proving ground and showcase for this.


==History==
==History==
In 1920, publisher [[Ralph Pulitzer]] sponsored the Pulitzer Trophy Race and the [[Pulitzer Speed Trophy]] for military airplanes at [[Roosevelt Field]], [[Long Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]], in an effort to publicize aviation and his newspaper. The races eventually moved to [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]], where they were known as the Cleveland National Air Races.<ref name=reno>[http://www.airrace.org/aboutRARA.php ''about the Reno Air Racing Association'' Retrieved 2010-03-10.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310145959/http://www.airrace.org/aboutRARA.php |date=2010-03-10 }}</ref> They drew the best flyers of the time, including [[Jimmy Doolittle|James Doolittle]], [[Wiley Post]], [[Tex Rankin]], [[Frank Hawks]], [[Jimmy Wedell]], [[Roscoe Turner]], and others from the pioneer age of aviation. These air races helped to inspire [[Donald Blakeslee]] as a young boy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081012/news_1c12blakes.html |title=''Donald Blakeslee; led P-51 fighters, first to reach Berlin'' Retrieved 2010-03-11. |access-date=2010-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313182138/http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081012/news_1c12blakes.html |archive-date=2012-03-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other races included in the U.S. National Air Races were the Mitchell Trophy Race, the Town & Country Club Race for civilians, the Kansas City Rotary Club Trophy "for all three military services," and the [[Glenn Curtiss]] Trophy Race for "biplanes with engines having less than {{convert|510|in3}}."<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|73–74}}
In 1920, publisher [[Ralph Pulitzer]] sponsored the Pulitzer Trophy Race and the [[Pulitzer Speed Trophy]] for military airplanes at [[Roosevelt Field]], [[Long Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]], in an effort to publicize aviation and his newspaper. The races eventually moved to [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]], in 1929,<ref name="rise_and_fall_2021_07_ohiomagazine">{{Cite web |last=Guerrieri |first=Vince |date=July 2021 |title=The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Air Races |url=https://www.ohiomagazine.com/ohio-life/article/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-cleveland-air-races |website=Ohio Magazine |language=en}}</ref> where they were known as the Cleveland National Air Races.<ref name=reno>[http://www.airrace.org/aboutRARA.php ''about the Reno Air Racing Association'' Retrieved 2010-03-10.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310145959/http://www.airrace.org/aboutRARA.php |date=2010-03-10 }}</ref> They drew the best flyers of the time, including [[Jimmy Doolittle|James Doolittle]], [[Wiley Post]], [[Tex Rankin]], [[Frank Hawks]], [[Jimmy Wedell]], [[Roscoe Turner]], and others from the pioneer age of aviation. These air races helped to inspire [[Donald Blakeslee]] as a young boy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081012/news_1c12blakes.html |title=''Donald Blakeslee; led P-51 fighters, first to reach Berlin'' Retrieved 2010-03-11. |access-date=2010-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313182138/http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081012/news_1c12blakes.html |archive-date=2012-03-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other races included in the U.S. National Air Races were the Mitchell Trophy Race, the Town & Country Club Race for civilians, the Kansas City Rotary Club Trophy "for all three military services," and the [[Glenn Curtiss]] Trophy Race for "biplanes with engines having less than {{convert|510|in3}}."<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|73–74}}<ref name="rise_and_fall_2021_07_ohiomagazine" />


Starting in 1929, the races usually ran for up to 10 days, usually from late August to early September to include Labor Day. Aviation promoter [[Cliff Henderson]] was managing director of the National Air Races from 1928 to 1939.<ref name=purdue>{{cite web|title=Clifford W. Henderson Collection on the National Air Races, 1928-1936|url=http://www4.lib.purdue.edu/archon/?p=collections/findingaid&id=1003&q=&rootcontentid=7441|website=Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> During [[World War II]] the races were on hiatus.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|76,130–133}}
Starting in 1929, the races usually ran for up to 10 days, usually from late August to early September to include Labor Day. Aviation promoter [[Cliff Henderson]] was managing director of the National Air Races from 1928 to 1939.<ref name=purdue>{{cite web|title=Clifford W. Henderson Collection on the National Air Races, 1928-1936|url=http://www4.lib.purdue.edu/archon/?p=collections/findingaid&id=1003&q=&rootcontentid=7441|website=Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> During [[World War II]] the races were on hiatus.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|76,130–133}}
The races included a variety of events, including cross-country races originating in Portland, Oakland, and Los Angeles, with a final destination in Cleveland.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|79–81}} Also included were landing contests, glider demonstrations, airship flights, and parachute-jumping contests. The more popular events were the [[Thompson trophy|Thompson Trophy Races]] which started in 1929,;<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|83}} a closed-course race where aviators raced their planes around pylons; and the [[Bendix trophy|Bendix Trophy Race]] across most of the USA starting in 1931.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|99}}
The races included a variety of events, including cross-country races originating in Portland, Oakland, and Los Angeles, with a final destination in Cleveland.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|79–81}} Also included were landing contests, glider demonstrations, airship flights, and parachute-jumping contests. The more popular events were the [[Thompson trophy|Thompson Trophy Races]] which started in 1929;<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|83}} a closed-course race where aviators raced their planes around pylons; and the [[Bendix trophy|Bendix Trophy Race]], the "transcontinental air race," across most of the USA starting in 1931.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|99}}


In 1929, a [[Santa Monica, California]] to [[Cleveland, Ohio]] route was started for the [[Women's Air Derby]] (nicknamed the "Powder Puff Derby"), featuring well-known female pilots such as [[Amelia Earhart]], [[Pancho Barnes]], [[Bobbi Trout]], and [[Louise Thaden]]. Thaden was the winner in the heavy Class D (engines with {{convert|510|-|810|in3}}), while [[Phoebe Omlie]] won the light Class C (engines with {{convert|275|-|510|in3}}). This was also the year for the first female pylon race, the winner of which was awarded the Aerol Trophy beginning in 1931.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|78–79,99}}
In 1929, a [[Santa Monica, California]] to [[Cleveland, Ohio]] route was started for the [[Women's Air Derby]] (nicknamed the "Powder Puff Derby"), featuring well-known female pilots such as [[Amelia Earhart]], [[Pancho Barnes]], [[Bobbi Trout]], and [[Louise Thaden]]. Thaden was the winner in the heavy Class D (engines with {{convert|510|-|810|in3}}), while [[Phoebe Omlie]] won the light Class C (engines with {{convert|275|-|510|in3}}). This was also the year for the first female pylon race, the winner of which was awarded the Aerol Trophy beginning in 1931.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|78–79,99}}<ref name="rise_and_fall_2021_07_ohiomagazine" />


In Chicago, on the last day of the 1930 trophy race (September 1), USMC Captain Arthur Page crashed his modified [[Curtiss F6C Hawk|Curtiss Hawk Seaplane F6C-3]], and died of his injuries later that day.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|98–99}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/1930%20National%20Air%20Races.htm | title=1930 National Air Races |work=Air Racing History| author=Bill Meixner |access-date=2014-11-19}}</ref>
In Chicago, on the last day of the 1930 trophy race (September 1), USMC Captain Arthur Page crashed his modified [[Curtiss F6C Hawk|Curtiss Hawk Seaplane F6C-3]], and died of his injuries later that day.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|98–99}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/1930%20National%20Air%20Races.htm | title=1930 National Air Races |work=Air Racing History| author=Bill Meixner |access-date=2014-11-19}}</ref>


After being on hiatus during the U.S. participation in [[World War II]], the post-war races featured newer surplus military planes that greatly outclassed the planes from the pre-war era. In 1949 [[Bill Odom]] lost control of his [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]] "Beguine" and crashed into a home, killing himself and two people inside.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/aircraft/Beguine.htm |title=Beguine |work=Air Racing History |access-date=2010-03-11}}</ref> The races went on hiatus again.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|146}}
After being on hiatus during the U.S. participation in [[World War II]], the post-war races featured newer surplus military planes that greatly outclassed the planes from the pre-war era. In 1949 [[Bill Odom]] lost control of his [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]] "Beguine" and crashed into a Cleveland-area home, killing himself and two people.<ref name="rise_and_fall_2021_07_ohiomagazine" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/aircraft/Beguine.htm |title=Beguine |work=Air Racing History |access-date=2010-03-11}}</ref> The races went on hiatus again.<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|146}}<ref name="rise_and_fall_2021_07_ohiomagazine" />


Though the events specific to Cleveland were in suspension, the cross country races for the Thompson, Bendix, and G.E. trophies continued. Three [[B-47]]s flew cross country from [[March Air Force Base]] to the [[Philadelphia International Airport]] as participants in the 1955 Labor Day race. In the 1956 event, three B-47s participated in the G.E. Trophy race for Jet Bombers, flying from [[Kindley Field]], Bermuda, to [[Oklahoma City]]. One of these set a course speed record of 601.187 MPH.<ref name=Natola>{{Cite book |editor=Mark Natola |title=Boeing B-47 Stratojet |publisher=Schiffer Publishing Ltd. |year=2002 |ISBN=0764316702 |pages=126–131}}</ref>
Though the events specific to Cleveland were in suspension, the cross country races for the Thompson, Bendix, and G.E. trophies continued. Three [[B-47]]s flew cross country from [[March Air Force Base]] to the [[Philadelphia International Airport]] as participants in the 1955 Labor Day race. In the 1956 event, three B-47s participated in the G.E. Trophy race for Jet Bombers, flying from [[Kindley Field]], Bermuda, to [[Oklahoma City]]. One of these set a course speed record of 601.187 MPH.<ref name="Natola">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/boeingb47stratoj0000unse/page/126 |title=Boeing B-47 Stratojet: True Stories of the Cold War in the Air |publisher=Schiffer Publishing Ltd. |year=2002 |isbn=0764316702 |editor=Natola |editor-first=Mark |location=Atglen, PA |pages=126–131 |oclc=51814640}}</ref>


The annual event resumed in 1964 as the [[Reno Air Races|Reno National Championship Air Races]], taking place in mid-September.<ref name=reno /> The [[Cleveland National Air Show]] also began in 1964.
The annual event resumed in 1964 as the [[Reno Air Races|Reno National Championship Air Races]], taking place in mid-September.<ref name=reno /> The [[Cleveland National Air Show]] also began in 1964.


National Air Races were run by U.S. Air Race, Inc. from 1995-2007. The company was founded by famed World Race Gold Medalist Marion P. Jayne and after her death from cancer in 1996, was run by her daughter Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer, 1994 World Race Gold Medalist. Under Keefer's leadership, the events tabulated a perfect safety record with nearly 600,000 miles raced, over 3,200 safe landings at 81 different airports in 43 states and two countries in 25 events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and over 250 different sponsors she awarded 26 Learn-to-Fly scholarships and reached an estimated 20 million people with a positive message about General Aviation.
National Air Races were run by U.S. Air Race, Inc. from 1995–2007. The company was founded by famed World Race Gold Medalist Marion P. Jayne and after her death from cancer in 1996, was run by her daughter Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer, 1994 World Race Gold Medalist. Under Keefer's leadership, the events tabulated a perfect safety record with nearly 600,000 miles raced, over 3,200 safe landings at 81 different airports in 43 states and two countries in 25 events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and over 250 different sponsors she awarded 26 Learn-to-Fly scholarships and reached an estimated 20 million people with a positive message about General Aviation.


==Locations, dates, Pulitzer Trophy winners and speeds==
==Locations, dates, Pulitzer Trophy winners and speeds==
[[File:Pulitzer Trophy - side view - Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - 2012-05-15.jpg|thumb|The Pulitzer Trophy on display in 2012 in the [[Smithsonian Institution|Smithsonian]] [[National Air and Space Museum]].]]
[[File:Pulitzer Trophy - side view - Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - 2012-05-15.jpg|thumb|The Pulitzer Trophy on display in 2012 in the [[Smithsonian Institution|Smithsonian]] [[National Air and Space Museum]]]]
*1920 [[Mitchell Field|Mitchel Field, New York]], 25 November, [[C. C. Moseley]], 156.54&nbsp;mph over a 29-mile triangle course<ref name=Berliner>{{Cite book |last=Berliner |first=Don |title=Airplane Racing |publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers |year=2010 |ISBN=9780786443000 |pages=57–58}}</ref>
*1920 [[Mitchel Field, New York]], 25 November, [[C. C. Moseley]], 156.54&nbsp;mph over a 29-mile triangle course<ref name="Berliner">{{Cite book |last=Berliner |first=Don |title=Airplane Racing: A History, 1909-2008 |publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc. |year=2010 |isbn=9780786443000 |location=Jefferson, N.C. |pages=57–58 |oclc=613990767}}</ref>
*1921 Omaha, Nebraska, 3 November, [[Bert Acosta]], 176.75&nbsp;mph over a 30.7 mile triangle course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|58–60}}
*1921 [[Omaha, Nebraska]], 3 November, [[Bert Acosta]], 176.75&nbsp;mph over a 30.7 mile triangle course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|58–60}}
*1922 [[Selfridge Field, Michigan]], 14 October, [[Russell Maughan]], 205.86&nbsp;mph over a 31.1 mile course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|60}}
*1922 [[Selfridge Field, Michigan]], 14 October, [[Russell Maughan]], 205.86&nbsp;mph over a 31.1 mile course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|60}}
*1923 [[Lambert-St. Louis International Airport|St. Louis Flying Field, Missouri]], 6 October, Al Williams, 243.67&nbsp;mph over a 31.1 mile course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|60–61}}
*1923 [[Lambert-St. Louis International Airport|St. Louis Flying Field, Missouri]], 6 October, Al Williams, 243.67&nbsp;mph over a 31.1 mile course<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|60–61}}
*1924 [[Wilbur Wright Field]], Ohio, 4 October, Harry Mills, 216.55&nbsp;mph<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|61}}
*1924 [[Wilbur Wright Field]], Ohio, 4 October, Harry Mills, 216.55&nbsp;mph<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|61}}
*1925 Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, 10–12 October, [[Cyrus K. Bettis]], 248.98&nbsp;mph<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|61–62}}
*1925 Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, 10–12 October, [[Cyrus K. Bettis]], 248.98&nbsp;mph<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|61–62}}
*1926 Model Farms Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 4–13 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|73–74}}
*1926 Model Farms Field, [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], 4–13 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|73–74}}
*1927 [[Felts Field]], Spokane, Washington, 21–25 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|74–75}}
*1927 [[Felts Field]], [[Spokane, Washington]], 21–25 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|74–75}}
*1928 [[Mines Field]], Los Angeles, California, 8–16 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|75}}
*1928 [[Mines Field]], [[Los Angeles, California]], 8–16 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|75}}
*1929 [[Cleveland Hopkins International Airport|Cleveland Municipal Airport]], Cleveland, Ohio, 24 August-2 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|76–86}}
*1929 [[Cleveland Hopkins International Airport|Cleveland Municipal Airport]], [[Cleveland, Ohio]], 24 August-2 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|76–86}}
*1930 [[Curtiss-Reynolds Field]], Chicago, Illinois, 23 August–September 1<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|93–99}}
*1930 [[Curtiss-Reynolds Field]], Chicago, Illinois, 23 August–September 1<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|93–99}}
*1931 Cleveland, Ohio, August 29-September 7<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|99–103}}
*1931 [[Cleveland, Ohio]], August 29-September 7<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|99–103}}
*1932 Cleveland, Ohio, 27 August-5 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|104–105}}
*1932 Cleveland, Ohio, 27 August-5 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|104–105}}
*1933 Mines Field, Los Angeles, California, 1–4 July<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|105–106}}
*1933 Mines Field, Los Angeles, California, 1–4 July<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|105–106}}
*1934 Cleveland, Ohio, August 31-September 4<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|106–107}}
*1934 Cleveland, Ohio, August 31-September 4<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|106–107}}
*1935 Cleveland, Ohio, August 30-September 2<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|127–128}}
*1935 Cleveland, Ohio, August 30-September 2<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|127–128}}
*1936 Mines Field, Los Angeles, California, September 4–7<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|128–129}}
*1936 Mines Field, Los Angeles, California, September 4–7,<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|128–129}} [[Michel Détroyat]] on [[Caudron C.460]]
*1937 Cleveland, Ohio, September 3–7<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|129–130}}
*1937 Cleveland, Ohio, September 3–7<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|129–130}}
*1938 Cleveland, Ohio, September 3–5<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|130}}
*1938 Cleveland, Ohio, September 3–5<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|130}}
Line 49: Line 49:
*1949 Cleveland, Ohio, 3–5 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|143–146}}
*1949 Cleveland, Ohio, 3–5 September<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|143–146}}
*1950 to 1963 Hiatus after crash
*1950 to 1963 Hiatus after crash
*1964 Resumption as "The National Championship Air Races" in Reno, Nevada<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|153}}
*1964 Resumption as "The National Championship Air Races" in [[Reno, Nevada]]<ref name=Berliner/>{{rp|153}}
*1964 Indirect successor as the Cleveland National Air Show<ref>[http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=CAS1 ''The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History'' Retrieved 2010-03-11.]</ref>
*1964 Indirect successor as the Cleveland National Air Show<ref>[http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=CAS1 ''The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History'' Retrieved 2010-03-11.]</ref>


Line 69: Line 69:
*[http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/collection_guides/guide_files/sc125.pdf R.H.R Atcherly 1932 Cleveland Air Races Photographs, Special Collections and Archives, Wright State University]
*[http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/collection_guides/guide_files/sc125.pdf R.H.R Atcherly 1932 Cleveland Air Races Photographs, Special Collections and Archives, Wright State University]
*[http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/collection_guides/guide_files/ms378.pdf Cleveland Air Races Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Wright State University]
*[http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/collection_guides/guide_files/ms378.pdf Cleveland Air Races Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Wright State University]
*{{cite web|title=Cliff Henderson Special Collection|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157649474580500|website=San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, Flickr|access-date=14 October 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=Cliff Henderson Special Collection|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157649474580500|website=San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, Flickr|date=22 December 2014 |access-date=14 October 2016}}


[[Category:Air races]]
[[Category:Air races]]

Latest revision as of 12:15, 4 January 2024

Official program for the National Air Races of 1929 in Cleveland

The National Air Races (also known as Pulitzer Trophy Races) are a series of pylon and cross-country races that have taken place in the United States since 1920. The science of aviation, and the speed and reliability of aircraft and engines grew rapidly during this period; the National Air Races were both a proving ground and showcase for this.

History

[edit]

In 1920, publisher Ralph Pulitzer sponsored the Pulitzer Trophy Race and the Pulitzer Speed Trophy for military airplanes at Roosevelt Field, Long Island, New York, in an effort to publicize aviation and his newspaper. The races eventually moved to Cleveland, in 1929,[1] where they were known as the Cleveland National Air Races.[2] They drew the best flyers of the time, including James Doolittle, Wiley Post, Tex Rankin, Frank Hawks, Jimmy Wedell, Roscoe Turner, and others from the pioneer age of aviation. These air races helped to inspire Donald Blakeslee as a young boy.[3] Other races included in the U.S. National Air Races were the Mitchell Trophy Race, the Town & Country Club Race for civilians, the Kansas City Rotary Club Trophy "for all three military services," and the Glenn Curtiss Trophy Race for "biplanes with engines having less than 510 cubic inches (8,400 cm3)."[4]: 73–74 [1]

Starting in 1929, the races usually ran for up to 10 days, usually from late August to early September to include Labor Day. Aviation promoter Cliff Henderson was managing director of the National Air Races from 1928 to 1939.[5] During World War II the races were on hiatus.[4]: 76, 130–133 

The races included a variety of events, including cross-country races originating in Portland, Oakland, and Los Angeles, with a final destination in Cleveland.[4]: 79–81  Also included were landing contests, glider demonstrations, airship flights, and parachute-jumping contests. The more popular events were the Thompson Trophy Races which started in 1929;[4]: 83  a closed-course race where aviators raced their planes around pylons; and the Bendix Trophy Race, the "transcontinental air race," across most of the USA starting in 1931.[4]: 99 

In 1929, a Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio route was started for the Women's Air Derby (nicknamed the "Powder Puff Derby"), featuring well-known female pilots such as Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barnes, Bobbi Trout, and Louise Thaden. Thaden was the winner in the heavy Class D (engines with 510–810 cubic inches (8,400–13,300 cm3)), while Phoebe Omlie won the light Class C (engines with 275–510 cubic inches (4,510–8,360 cm3)). This was also the year for the first female pylon race, the winner of which was awarded the Aerol Trophy beginning in 1931.[4]: 78–79, 99 [1]

In Chicago, on the last day of the 1930 trophy race (September 1), USMC Captain Arthur Page crashed his modified Curtiss Hawk Seaplane F6C-3, and died of his injuries later that day.[4]: 98–99 [6]

After being on hiatus during the U.S. participation in World War II, the post-war races featured newer surplus military planes that greatly outclassed the planes from the pre-war era. In 1949 Bill Odom lost control of his P-51 "Beguine" and crashed into a Cleveland-area home, killing himself and two people.[1][7] The races went on hiatus again.[4]: 146 [1]

Though the events specific to Cleveland were in suspension, the cross country races for the Thompson, Bendix, and G.E. trophies continued. Three B-47s flew cross country from March Air Force Base to the Philadelphia International Airport as participants in the 1955 Labor Day race. In the 1956 event, three B-47s participated in the G.E. Trophy race for Jet Bombers, flying from Kindley Field, Bermuda, to Oklahoma City. One of these set a course speed record of 601.187 MPH.[8]

The annual event resumed in 1964 as the Reno National Championship Air Races, taking place in mid-September.[2] The Cleveland National Air Show also began in 1964.

National Air Races were run by U.S. Air Race, Inc. from 1995–2007. The company was founded by famed World Race Gold Medalist Marion P. Jayne and after her death from cancer in 1996, was run by her daughter Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer, 1994 World Race Gold Medalist. Under Keefer's leadership, the events tabulated a perfect safety record with nearly 600,000 miles raced, over 3,200 safe landings at 81 different airports in 43 states and two countries in 25 events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and over 250 different sponsors she awarded 26 Learn-to-Fly scholarships and reached an estimated 20 million people with a positive message about General Aviation.

Locations, dates, Pulitzer Trophy winners and speeds

[edit]
The Pulitzer Trophy on display in 2012 in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Guerrieri, Vince (July 2021). "The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Air Races". Ohio Magazine.
  2. ^ a b about the Reno Air Racing Association Retrieved 2010-03-10. Archived 2010-03-10 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Donald Blakeslee; led P-51 fighters, first to reach Berlin Retrieved 2010-03-11". Archived from the original on 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Berliner, Don (2010). Airplane Racing: A History, 1909-2008. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 57–58. ISBN 9780786443000. OCLC 613990767.
  5. ^ "Clifford W. Henderson Collection on the National Air Races, 1928-1936". Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  6. ^ Bill Meixner. "1930 National Air Races". Air Racing History. Retrieved 2014-11-19.
  7. ^ "Beguine". Air Racing History. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  8. ^ Natola, Mark, ed. (2002). Boeing B-47 Stratojet: True Stories of the Cold War in the Air. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd. pp. 126–131. ISBN 0764316702. OCLC 51814640.
  9. ^ The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History Retrieved 2010-03-11.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to National Air Races.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=National_Air_Races&oldid=1193557728"