The National Air Races, often called the Cleveland Air Race consisted of the Thompson, a closed course

pylon race and the Bendix cross country race. In 1936 it would start at Floyd Bennett Field in NY and end

at LA's Mines Field in Los Angeles that became known as Los Angeles airport in 1941.

THE 1936 BENDIX RACE

Bendix Trophy

The Bendix trans continental race was won by Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes in a Stagger Wing Beech C17R

at 165.35 MPH between NY and LA taking 14 hours and 55 minutes. It was the slowest of all Bendix races

They won $4,500.

C17R Stagger Wing Beech

1936 THOMPSON AIR RACES

1936 was the first and only year that a foreign pilot was entered. Roscoe Turner was against his participation

but lost that battle with the officials.

Caudron RAFALE C-460

UNUSUAL FEATURES

His 460C used compressed air to retract the landing gear and had a 2 position propeller setting.

The Thompson Trophy

The Frenchman Michel Detroyat who was often called "Detroit" won the Thompson in his Caudron 460C with

a speed of 264.261 mph with the $14,000 prize for his victory around the pylons.

This Art Deco of the era says it all; fun-fun at the air races.

I was a wide eyed 8 year old and remember that line abreast start as they headed for the first pylon.

It was the first race-track like start of the Thompson.

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