S.M.A.L.L. Race/Rally History
The first S.M.A.L.L. Race was held July 16, 1956 with 47 aircraft particapating. The title stood for Southern Michigan All Ladies Lark. The race was conceived by Bea Steadman as a means of moving the All Woman Transcontinental Air Race contestants from Flint, the race terminus, to Harbor Springs, the host city for the Annual Ninety-Nines Convention.
In 1957, the Paul Bunyan Trophy was presented to the Race by Merl Lutz, Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, as a special traveling trophy to be given to the first place winner each year. The race has been moved around the state providing many airports with the opportunity to host the event. In 1960 the event became a "round robin" event. Throughout the years, the race has changed from a speed event to a precision cross-country for single and twin-engine aircraft from 65 to 600 hp.
In 1981 the race was opened to male pilots as PIC. During the last few years, the event has challenged pilots with the BACK TO BASICS format that involves covering all electronic navigational equipment. The team can only use eyes, compass, chart, and stopwatch to arrive at designated timing lines within seconds of their predicted time.
Traveling trophies include the following:
Paul Bunyon - 1st place winner
Ned Patterson Silver Cup - Rotated to next consecutive finishing position (11th place and up).
Michigan Best Female - Female PIC with best finish.
Sammy McKay Memorial Trophy - Youngest PIC to compete in rally.
Lynn Jeffery & Sam Cardella Award - Best finish by first time rally team.
The late, Mrs. Sammy McKay of Grand Blanc, Michigan, had the distinction of being the only pilot to fly all of the first 36 races. Sammy always filed a ground speed that put her in the number 1 position because she liked to go fast. In 1994 Rally position #1 was retired in her honor.
In the mid 90s the name was changed from a race to a rally at the request of the events insurance company.
Past rally winners. |
Year |
Winner |
From |
Host airport |
1956 |
Alice Roberts |
Arizona |
Flint |
1957 |
Bea Steadman |
Michigan |
Lansing |
1958 |
Mrs. Elmer Weidwald |
Ohio |
Sturgis |
1959 |
Marion Elbinger |
Michigan |
Bay City |
1960 |
Margaret Ringenberg |
Indiana |
Muskegon (1st Round Robin) |
1961 |
Dottie Anderson |
Ohio |
Jackson |
1962 |
Sophia Payton |
Indiana |
Flint |
1963 |
Mary Ann Noah |
Kansas |
Kalamazoo |
1964 |
Sophia Payton |
Indiana |
Mount Pleasant |
1965 |
Elizabeth Schucker |
Michigan |
Grand Haven |
1966 |
Linda Markham |
Michigan |
Alpena |
1967 |
Sammy McKay |
Michigan |
Grand Rapids |
1968 |
Marietta H. Huitt |
Michigan |
Ann Arbor |
1969 |
Julie Auerbach |
Michigan |
Mount Pleasant |
1970 |
Jean Lennerston |
Missouri |
Coldwater |
1971 |
Sammy McKay |
Michigan |
Saginaw |
1972 |
Jean Lennerston |
Missouri |
Alpena |
1973 |
Jean Lennerston |
Missouri |
Howell |
1974 |
Lisa Dixon |
|
Bellaire |
1975 |
Julie Clarke |
Michigan |
Owosso |
1976 |
Beverly Mitchel |
Michigan |
Flint (1st Proficiency) |
1977 |
.....Weathered out..... |
|
Grand Rapids |
1978 |
Sammy McKay |
Michigan |
Midland |
1979 |
Winnie Duperow |
Michigan |
Grand Rapids |
1980 |
Carol Kline |
Michigan |
Saginaw |
1981 |
John Roman |
Michigan |
Battle Creek |
1982 |
June Beers |
Michigan |
Traverse City |
1983 |
Joan McCombs |
Michigan |
Traverse City |
1984 |
Rich Truchetti |
Michigan |
Sugar Loaf |
1985 |
.....No Race..... |
|
|
1986 |
Joan McCombs |
Michigan |
Lansing |
1987 |
Ron Wiand |
Michigan |
Grand Rapids |
1988 |
.....Weathered out..... |
|
Battle Creek |
1989 |
John Miller |
Michigan |
Grand Rapids |
1990 |
Lynn Jeffery |
Michigan |
Owosso |
1991 |
John Miller |
Michigan |
Saginaw |
1992 |
Ted Nestell |
Michigan |
Tawas |
1993 |
Greg Stockman |
Michigan |
Midland |
1994 |
Jim Self |
Michigan |
Holland |
1995 |
Brian Champagne |
Michigan |
Owosso |
1996 |
Greg Stockman |
Michigan |
Gladwin |
1997 |
Greg Stockman |
Michigan |
Lapeer |
1998 |
Brian Champagne |
Michigan |
Adrian |
1999 |
Linda Haynes |
Michigan |
Owosso |
2000 |
Mark Mann |
Michigan |
Traverse City |
2001 |
John Haynes |
Michigan |
South Haven |
2002 |
Nancy Walters |
Michigan |
Clare |
2003 |
Jim Self |
Michigan |
Midland |
A word about the Michigan Chapter Ninety-Nines
The Michigan Chapter began in February 17, 1934, recently celebrating it's 67th anniversary. Its birthplace was Gratiot Airport, Roseville, Michigan.
Eight women pilots were present at the very first meeting of the Michigan Chapter and today we are forty plus strong.
Many of our members have competed in the Michigan SMALL Rally. This flying event helps the pilot and navigator sharpen their flying skills.
The Michigan Chapter is comprised of women from all walks of life who love to fly and encourage others to make their dreams come true and enjoy the freedom of flight.
Please tell your flying friends about this event.
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