99's Okie Derby

July 12 - The OKIE DERBY, sponsored by the Oklahoma Chapter 99s, is the world’s largest proficiency air rally. Not only is the Derby fun for the pilots, it also test their piloting skills and knowledge of the capabilities of the airplanes they fly.

Competitors, gathering Wiley Post Airport, are flying in from Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico, as well as from Oklahoma. Many of the teams will be collegiate teams, which gives an additional competitive spirit to both veteran and first time racers. The race course, which is not to exceed 225 miles, will be revealed at a pilot briefing the night before the race. Scores will be determined by matching the actual performance in time and gasoline consumption against the pre-flight estimates.

The Derby was begun to generate funds for aviation scholarships – $20,000 has been awarded since 1990. The Derby entry fees only account for a part of the scholarship fund. The Oklahoma Chapter 99s relies on friends and supporters of aviation and education to help achieve their goals. Many sponsors donate $99 in keeping with the organizations name.

For more information about the OKIE DERBY go to www.okiederby.info or contact Amy Padgett-McCue, Registration Chairman -405-359-9774 - email: AmyMcCue@fullnet.net