We just returned from the 2011 Air Race Classic awards banquet that was an absolute lovely affair!!! Female air racing pilots sure know how to 'get dolled up' when awards and money are being handed out :-).
It was an exciting evening that commenced with recognition and appreciation to all of our ARC sponsors who make an event of this magnitude possible by their support and generosity. An introduction of all the air racing teams was made where we all received our certificates and plaques of participation which essentially is our "induction" into the exclusive sorority of 'female air racers;' I feel HONORED!!! :-) A scrumptuous dinner was served followed by a slide presentation of this year's adventure, remembering our female Hall of Heroes: those ladies who have flown in 25 or more air races. Then came the part of the program that all the racers were eagerly anticipating.
It was an exciting evening that commenced with recognition and appreciation to all of our ARC sponsors who make an event of this magnitude possible by their support and generosity. An introduction of all the air racing teams was made where we all received our certificates and plaques of participation which essentially is our "induction" into the exclusive sorority of 'female air racers;' I feel HONORED!!! :-) A scrumptuous dinner was served followed by a slide presentation of this year's adventure, remembering our female Hall of Heroes: those ladies who have flown in 25 or more air races. Then came the part of the program that all the racers were eagerly anticipating.
"Joyce and Athina with our certificates and plaques for successful participation!"
The categories included: Mother-Daughter team winners; Collegiate Team winners; Last-Place winner; numerous leg prizes; and finally the Top-Ten Racing Team winners. Drum roll, please!!!! UNFORTUNATELY, Team Bessie fans and bloggers, Athina and I did not take home any awards -- bummer!!!
"Athina and I are not in this picture; bummer!!!" :-( There's next year, though! :-)
But, no worries, sports fans! You'd still be as proud of us as we are of ourselves for competing in and completing this race!!! It was a great race and especially since this was my first time along with "The Joybird." I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT FLYING, AIR RACING, AND WHAT "The Joybird" CAN DO; SHE'S AN AWESOME AIRPLANE!!! Thank you, Lord, so much!!!! We finished well, with NO penalties and flying 3.4 kts above our handicap speed. In my estimation, that was great for a "first-time" racer!!!:-)
But, just as significant was the fact that , we represented well as the 1st ever
all-African-American team to compete, and many, many of our fellow racers were
happy and thrilled to see that part of history being made.
So, we'll come back strong next year with better strategy in aircraft loading and center of gravity considerations, "flying the winds" more precisely, and doing all that's necessary to eliminate as much drag on the aircraft. Next year, we WILL fly a better air race!!!
The best part, though, was reaching out to so many African-American girls and
women who never met a black female pilot and who knew nothing about our team namesake, the historic Bessie Coleman. We raced to keep her legacy alive!!!
But, just as significant was the fact that , we represented well as the 1st ever
all-African-American team to compete, and many, many of our fellow racers were
happy and thrilled to see that part of history being made.
So, we'll come back strong next year with better strategy in aircraft loading and center of gravity considerations, "flying the winds" more precisely, and doing all that's necessary to eliminate as much drag on the aircraft. Next year, we WILL fly a better air race!!!
The best part, though, was reaching out to so many African-American girls and
women who never met a black female pilot and who knew nothing about our team namesake, the historic Bessie Coleman. We raced to keep her legacy alive!!!
"Next year's Air Race Classic route!"
BTW: We came in 32nd out of 43 racing teams, so WE'RE MAD NOW!!! :-). Watch out Classic Racers; no messin' around next year!!! :-).
Good nite, Bessie Bloggers!!! Early morning wheels up to Topeka. Thank you all for your love and support! Many Blessings!!!...Joyce and Athina
Good nite, Bessie Bloggers!!! Early morning wheels up to Topeka. Thank you all for your love and support! Many Blessings!!!...Joyce and Athina
RSS Feed