News/Press Releases

SOARING THE SKIES IN THE 42ND ANNUAL AIR RACE CLASSIC

June 18, 2018

Over 50 teams have flown to Sweetwater to race in the 42nd Annual Air Race Classic.

Susan and Marie Carastro are racing in the ARC for the 17th time in a row.

"We're excited," said Susan Carastro. " I get to spend time with my mom, which is priceless to me and I get to experience this with her every year."

Over 50 teams have flown to Sweetwater to race in the 42nd Annual Air Race Classic.

Susan and Marie Carastro are racing in the ARC for the 17th time in a row.

"We're excited," said Susan Carastro. " I get to spend time with my mom, which is priceless to me and I get to experience this with her every year."

The all-female race will begin at Avenger Field in Sweetwater.

From there, pilots will fly to 9 stops totaling over 2,000 miles finishing in Fryberg, Maine.

The Carastro's told KTXS news their plan of action is to fly past the competition.

"Our strategy first off is to be safe, proficient and our third one is to win," Susan said.

International teacher - student duo , Madeline Mena Zapata and Michele Rivest won't give up their plans as easily.

"We don't want to say what our strategy is to other racers," said Zapata. "But, we are going to try and go as fast as possible."

However, both teams do have a couple of things in common. The chance to learn from some of the best and most experienced female pilots.

"I think the whole experience," Zapata said. "Just to be here what we can learn from other people. There are a lot of experienced pilots and that's the most important for us."

And their excitement to share the air with the ones who mean the most.

"I get to see her excited about this because she loves it," Susan said. "My mom is 89-years-old and is still as competitive and wants to win in. It's so exciting to me to see her excited about this."

The race begins Tuesday morning and wraps up on Friday.

The winners will receive $5,000.




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