News/Press Releases

Registration Now Open for the 2026 Air Race Classic

EAST ALTON, IL – The Air Race Classic, Inc (ARC) is proud to announce that registration for the 2026 Air Race Classic officially opens today, January 15, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Women pilots from across the globe are invited to secure their spot in the 49th annual race, a historic 2,400-statute-mile journey that celebrates the skill and heritage of female aviators.

The 2026 race will take off on June 23 from St. Louis Regional Airport (KALN) in East Alton, Illinois, and conclude on June 26 at Mount Vernon Airport (KMVN) in Illinois. This year's route features a diverse array of stops, including Frankfort, Kentucky; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Douglas, Georgia; Tanner, Alabama; McComb, Mississippi; Russellville, Arkansas; St. Joseph, Missouri; and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

All teams that submit their completed registration between now and February 15 will be eligible for the Top Ten Team Number drawing. Securing a 1-10 team number is a long-standing tradition in the Air Race Classic, and this drawing provides an early incentive for teams to finalize their entries well before the final March 31 registration deadline.

Complete information regarding team and airplane qualifications is available online. To be eligible, teams must consist of at least two female pilots, and aircraft must meet specific certification and performance criteria to ensure a fair, handicapped speed competition. All pilots must also meet the flight experience requirements detailed in the E-01 Rules.

Prospective contestants can find the E-01 Rules, airplane requirements, and the registration portal by visiting the Air Race Classic website at www.airraceclassic.org.

Registration closes March 31 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
ARC Publicity Team
Air Race Classic, Inc.
Email: publicity@airraceclassic.org  
Website: www.airraceclassic.org