Collegiate Testimonials

Each year we encourage collegiate teams to compete in the Air Race Classic.  The chance to learn from the collective experience and wisdom of other women racers is an invaluable experience.

To bolster the collegiate presence, the Air Race Classic began offering the Collegiate Challenge Trophy.  Along with the chance to win the Air Race Classic overall, each team has the chance to take home the coveted Collegiate Challenge Trophy.  Below are testimonials of what participating in the Air Race Classic meant to past collegiate racers. 

If you are a past collegiate racer and would like to share your story, email webmaster@airraceclassic.org.

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The part of the Air Race Classic that I liked the best was the competition and the camaraderie. I learned so much about weather, flying, and really pushing yourself and each other to the limits. I learned that you use literally everything you learned from the time you were a private pilot. Each leg was a challenge to make sure you had just enough fuel, including your reserve, to compete. This is some of the best flying that I have ever done, not to mention the people that you meet along the way. I will definitely compete again!

I raced in the 2006 Air Race Classic for Western Michigan University with Leslie Treppa. We both had a great time and placed 4th as first time racers. I would do it all over again but I want another female aviator to be able to experience such an awesome opportunity. I wish everyone had the opportunity to race. Through out my training I never flew more than 250 NM from my home base and this race gave me the chance to really spread my wings. Leslie and I were able to fly as a team and be very competitive while enjoying every bit of the race. The people at every stop were so hospitable, it was amazing how kind and helpful these strangers were; they treated us like family. I plan to race again some day and encourage anyone who has the chance not to pass it up!

Flying in the Air Race Classic was one of the greatest adventures of my life. Actually flying the race was such a great, new challenge in that you bring all of your pilot training together to make the safest decisions for your aircraft along the specified route of flight for the given weather conditions all in the interest of speed. I really like that the cross-country course is different every year, because you get a glimpse of general aviation all over the country. The best part of participating in the Air Race Classic was meeting fellow female aviators from all backgrounds - all of the women are remarkable! I certainly hope to race again in the future.