Gadsden airport to host stop in air race

The Northeast Alabama Regional Airport in Gadsden will be the eighth stop in the 29th Air Race Classic that begins June 22 in Fredericksburg, Va., and ends June 25 in Fairhope.  The classic is an annual all-female race in which pilots race against their own best speed in the small airplane of their choice.  Each combination of team and airplane receives a unique handicap. The teams’ speed for each leg of the race is calculated using the times that each team crosses a start and finish line.  The 2015 ARC’s field has 53 airplanes and 123 racers, with 17 of those teams representing colleges or universities.  Gadsden Airport Authority President Fred Sington said some pilots may stay in Gadsden overnight after coming in June 24. Others may buy gasoline for the final leg of the race. Planes must be in Fairhope by 5 p.m. June 25.

He said race personnel will be in Gadsden June 23 and 24.