Why Cleveland? Local businessmen such as Louis W. Greve and Frederick C. Crawford who were involved in the aviation parts industry, along with the city and numerous local businesses and the aviation industry provided the support and finances to host the races. They also contributed to providing sizable cash prizes for the racers. The first Cleveland race in 1929 was a great success with over 100,000 spectators and the event turned a sizable profit. Other cities involved in the races were not as successful as Cleveland, so with the support of the National Aeronautical Association who licensed the races, it remained the air racing centre for the majority of the 1920’s and 30’s.