Embry-Riddle to Host 2016 Start, Terminus of Historic Women's Air Race Classic

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. and PRESCOTT, Ariz., March 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As it celebrates its 90th year, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be the host sponsor of the 2016 Air Race Classic (ARC) beginning June 21 at Embry-Riddle's campus in Prescott, Ariz., and ending June 24 at its Daytona Beach, Fla., campus.

In addition to hosting the start and terminus, the university's residential campuses will field four teams of female student and instructor pilots as part of this year's race, the ARC's 40th, which features a special theme, "Collegiate Cross-Country," honoring aviation programs at universities and colleges across the country. This year also marks 20 years since a similar route was run between the two campuses in 1996.

"The Air Race Classic is thrilled that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be hosting the start and terminus this year," said ARC President Lara Gaerte. "Embry-Riddle has a long, proud history of promoting women in aviation and has been a huge supporter of the Air Race Classic for many years."

The 2016 ARC will cover a course that includes stops at airports at or near institutions of higher education that train and educate future pilots. One such stop is Albuquerque, N.M., where Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers courses at Kirtland Air Force Base. For this year's route, go to airraceclassic.org.

Embry-Riddle pilots scheduled to participate include four from the Daytona Beach Campus (Sarah Wendt, Sojung An, Emmy Dillon and Abbie Pasmore) and four from the Prescott Campus (Hannah Rooney, Rachel Hutzell, Hannah Burright and Shelby King).

"Embry-Riddle is excited to host the start and terminus -- not only because it marks the 20th anniversary of the previous run between our campuses, but because we are always proud to celebrate women aviators," said Embry-Riddle Interim President Dr. John R. Watret. "Growing female enrollment and providing opportunities for our students to participate in events such as this exemplify Embry-Riddle's commitment to shaping the diversity of the aviation and aerospace workforce."

More than 100 female pilots every year compete in the Air Race Classic, the oldest race of its kind in the United States. This year's course will cover 2,716 miles and consist of 55 teams.

Media Contacts:

• Melanie Hanns, Director of Media Relations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.; Office: (386) 226-7538; [email protected].
• [email protected]

SOURCE Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Related Links

http://www.erau.edu