The Pulitzer races were always exciting events which also included stunts and parachute jumps. When they were discontinued, the American aviation community wanted to keep a series of national air races going. The National Aeronautic Association was formed and organized big national air shows in Philadelphia and Seattle.

While this new series of air races was launched, a group of businessmen in Cleveland decided they wanted this event as a permanent annual showcase for their new Hopkins airport, still under construction. A continuing series of air races would also promote the city of Cleveland to the status of hub of the aviation industry in the United States. Fred Crawford, Vice President of Thompson Products, and Louis Greve, head of Cleveland Pneumatic Tool, were committed to the aviation industry. They and their management teams were racing enthusiasts.

Crawford and Greve convinced local businesses to put up prizes and sponsor races and were able to get enough backing to secure the air races for Cleveland beginning Labor Day weekend, 1929. Over 100,000 people attended the opening of the 10-day program.

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