Let’s make a race of it!

When 1947 arrived, the Los Angeles Chapter of The Ninety-Nines found new life and new purpose. Carolyn West, beginning her second term as chapter chairman, could hardly wait to open the January 1947 chapter meeting. Carolyn had in her hand a letter from Gladys Pennington of the Florida Chapter of The Ninety Nines. Pennington was the chairman of the upcoming First All-Woman Air Show. The dates (March 15–16) were fast approaching, and Gladys was inviting the West Coast Ninety Nines to “fly in” and join them for the fun and festivities.
In the invitation, Carolyn saw a potential breakthrough in flying opportunities for women.

Four chapter members showed immediate interest. Carolyn signed on; she would fly the family’s 85-horsepower Ercoupe. She asked Bea Medes to be her copilot. Bea jumped at the opportunity to fly the race.

Barbara London was anxious to go, but the business she and Jack had launched was too new to be able to sponsor her participation. Barbara got her paperwork ready to file.
A stickler for efficiency, she had everything in order, but she was unable to find someone to sponsor her. Barbara opted not to enter.

Dianna Cyrus was looking for challenges, a place to take The Huntress, and a chance to break some records. “Let’s make a race of it!” she said.

Those six words were destined for aviation immortality.

--From Let’s Make A Race Of It! The Story of Those Daring Women Who Flew The Powder Puff Derby, 1947-1977, By Sarah Byrn Rickman