From June 18-21, the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport will be a vibrant hub as it hosts 49 teams of female pilots participating in the 2024 Air Race Classic (ARC). This historic race, covering a distance of 2,628-statute miles across 11 states, will see Owatonna functioning as the fifth stop on the route.

“We are honored to have been selected as a stop along the route of this historic race,” said David Beaver, Airport Manager. “It really demonstrates that our airport is recognized nationally for its ability to accommodate groups and provides the features that pilots value.”

For the racers, Owatonna presents more than just a checkpoint. City staff and Visit Owatonna have collaborated to offer discounts on fuel and hotel accommodations, encouraging participants to extend their stay. By promoting Owatonna as a premier destination, they aim to entice the racers and their supporters to explore the local community.

As the 47th edition of the race, the ARC continues a legacy dating back to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, making it the oldest race of its kind in the nation.

For more details about the race and to follow it live, visit Air Race Classic 2024 - MAProgress. To learn more about the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, check out their website.