(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — The University of Central Missouri’s Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport will host women aviators from across the country as one of seven designated stops for teams participating in the 2016 Air Race Classic June 21-24.

More than 115 aviators in 47 aircraft will be landing at the airport to refuel and continue the race or spend the night in the Warrensburg area before continuing the next day. The race route is approximately 2,300 statute miles in length, with competitors given four days to complete route. Each leg of the race is 280 to 320 statute miles, with stops designated for timing.

Each plane is assigned a “handicap” speed, with the goal of obtaining actual ground speed as far over the handicap speed as possible. The objective is to fly the “perfect” cross country race, with teams developing their own strategies for compensating for factors such as weather and the winds.

The race will start June 21 in Prescott, Arizona, and conclude June 24 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Refueling and timing stops are scheduled for Midland, Texas; Waco, Texas; Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Warrensburg; Champaign/Urbana, Illinois; Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Americus, Georgia.

UCM Department of Aviation and Skyhaven personnel, UCM aviation students and volunteers will be on hand to provide refueling, information about area restaurants, and transportation to and information about Warrensburg for those wishing to spend the night before continuing to the next stop.

Learn more about the Air Race Classic at airraceclassic.org.