Racing Rivals: Air Racing History Comes to Life

Cleveland History Center

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• Date Thursday, August 28, 2025
• Time 6:00PM - 7:30PM
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The Cleveland History Center houses diverse exhibits that narrate the history of Northeast Ohio through various collections of items, documents, and artifacts. It offers a sense of identity in our mobile society and a platform for learning about innovation and... more

National Air Races:

During the Golden Age of Aviation, air racing emerged. From 1929-1949, the National Air Races in Cleveland were a grand spectacle, attracting over 100,000 spectators, with countless more huddled around radios, hanging on every twist and turn of the aerial events. The races were more than entertainment; they were important to technological advancement. Competitors returned year after year with refined aircraft, showcasing entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The relentless pursuit of speed and efficiency played a pivotal role in propelling the aviation industry forward.

Mister Mulligan:

The Howard DGA-6 “Mister Mulligan” made history at the 1935 National Air Races as the first aircraft to win both the Bendix Trophy and Thompson Trophy in the same year.

The Bendix Trophy was a cross-country race spanning from Burbank, California to Cleveland, Ohio. “Mister Mulligan”, piloted by Ben Howard reached speeds of 238 MPH to narrowly edge out Roscoe Turner by 23.5 seconds! The Thompson Trophy was a 10-mile pylon race. Mister Mulligan was piloted by Harold Neumann and reached top speeds of 220 MPH.

The 2025 Cleveland National Air Show will commemorate the 90-year anniversary of this air racing landmark with the performance of “Mr. Mulligan” a Howard DGA-6 replica, built by Jim Younkin and acquired by Doug Rozendaal. Doug will provide a presentation on “Mr. Mulligan” and the Golden Age of Aviation. Rick Oyen, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum Volunteer, will join the program as “Roscoe Turner”.

The program is included with museum general admission. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and explore the current aviation exhibition “Speedway of the Skies”