ARC President Shares Thoughts on 2020 Race Cancellation

     The Air Race Classic Board of Directors has made the simple, yet difficult, decision that the 2020 Air Race Classic must be canceled. This was not a decision that was taken lightly; many hours were spent doing our due diligence. We created a risk assessment, measured triggers, considered CDC recommendations, collected pros and cons, and talked with our hosts and key volunteers. The simple part of the decision was easy, our principal concern was for the safety of all involved. The more challenging portion of the decision was the one that is less tangible. It involved acknowledging all of the hours that had been spent by the 2020 Start, Terminus and Enroute stops getting their airports and communities ready for racers; and validating the efforts of the inspectors, handicap pilots and race officials preparing for this year's race. It also concerned the emotional pull on each director and assistant director; all of us trying to find a way to make it happen, and hoping that it could. We were faced with unthinkable adversity, and the collaboration of this team of women has been both humbling and completely inspiring. In the end, none of us wanted to cancel, but unanimously determined that it was what we needed to do.

     The Air Race Classic is more than just a cross country air race, it's an experience. For anyone who has keyed the mic and announced "Classic Racer…," you understand. It's the challenge to make ourselves better, the camaraderie with like-minded women, and the adventure of seeing our country one general aviation airport at a time.

     But perhaps the larger significance is the sisterhood that happens during those few days. We meet as competitors, but often leave as lifelong friends. Every racer hopes that this will be the year that their team wins this storied race, but we all know the importance of preserving the race over our own individual race. Our competitive spirit does not overshadow the desire to see everyone cross the finish line; leave no racer behind! We support our peers; veteran racers mentoring the new teams as Mother Birds. These first time racers start as Baby Birds, learning not only how to race, but also the art of giving back and paying it forward; becoming the next generation of Mother Birds. It is truly about education, not just as aviators, but as human beings.

     This race is the catalyst that brings each of us together every summer for immersion in the "ultimate girl time," and you don't have to be a racer to have that emotional connection. This is summer camp for strong women...inspectors, timers, shuttle drivers, directors, and yes, racers. We crave this interaction- it empowers us, supports us, and it makes us whole. The ladies that gather each June are some of my dearest friends. I admire their strengths, accomplishments, and ideas, and am continually amazed by their dedication to preserving this event and its legacy for years to come. It is my privilege to serve the Air Race Classic organization, to be a part of the energy and commitment that drives it forward. Many tears have been shed over this year's impossible reality and I cannot express how devastating it is to me that we will not be gathering this June. I feel a profound sense of loss as I write this, and will miss seeing everyone this year, but we will focus our energies on 2021. We will gather at that Start as a stronger, and more grateful, group of lady aviators and I am looking forward to it! I hope you'll be a part of it!  

~Lara Gaerte, ARC President