Masters Class

In 1996, the Masters Class was created. Any Rally entrant who has previously been awarded first place in two Rallies is automatically elevated to the Masters Class. Masters Class entrants compete only against other members of the Masters Class for the Mike Halstead Excellence Trophy.

A 2025 rules update clarified that a rally crew where only the co-pilot is a Masters Class member will generally not be considered a Masters Class entry, at the discretion of the rally committee. The intent of this rule is to encourage new pilots to experience the rally, without relegating them to Masters Class competition if their co-pilot happens to be a Master. Situations where it appears this intent is being circumvented, for example, a Master flying as co-pilot in their own previously winning aircraft, will be reviewed by the committee and likely deemed a Masters Class entry.

Members of the Masters Class:

• Bob Hecocks & Gary Neuner - Race 35, as of 1990
• Dennis Strout - Race 19, as of 1995
• Tony Flusche - Race 17, as of 2001
• Bill Courtney - Race 5, as of 2002
• Tom Neale & Bob Edwards - Race 71, as of 2003
• Donna Weeks & Larry Weeks - Race 12, as of 2006
• Sam Sun - Race 73, as of 2012
• Dave Hindi & Jeff Zalewski - Race 20, as of 2013
• Tim Ronan & Michael Saboff - Race 24 as of 2017
• Rod Fite & Hugh Gregg  - Race 7, as of 2019
  
• Mitzi & Dave Saylor  - Race 11, as of 2021
  
• Shawn Britton  - Race 77, as of 2024