What happens when a lifelong passion for aviation, speed, and service collides with a legendary cross-country challenge? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Chris Holder of Concord Battery and Charlie Duffie of CJ Aviation to unpack an ambitious and heartfelt mission: a 31-hour Cannonball Run across the United States to raise $1 million for the Tango 31 Aero Club.

Chris and Charlie dive into the history of the Cannonball Run, the engineering and performance behind Charlie’s hand-built Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, and the logistics of attempting a coast-to-coast drive at speed—all while honoring the legacy of Kevin Lacey, founder of Tango 31. The conversation highlights how Tango 31 has transformed the lives of underserved youth by teaching them to build, maintain, and fly aircraft, producing pilots, A&P mechanics, and aviation leaders now working across the industry.

Beyond the car and the run, this episode is about giving back, sustaining aviation education, and creating a future pipeline of skilled professionals. With industry-wide support, major sponsors, and a growing wave of momentum, this Cannonball Run is more than an endurance challenge—it’s a mission to ensure Kevin Lacey’s vision lives on and expands nationwide.

Thank you to everyone supporting this effort and helping keep aviation dreams alive for the next generation.

The Cannonball Run for Tango 31 Aero Clube

• A 31-hour coast-to-coast Cannonball Run honoring Tango 31
• Southern Route: Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA
• Goal: Raise $1 million to ensure long-term sustainability for Tango 31 Aero Club

The Mission Behind Tango 31

• Founded by Kevin Lacey, aviation icon and mentor
• Youth rebuild donated aircraft from the ground up, then learn to fly them
• Alumni now include corporate pilots, A&P mechanics, and industry professionals
• Funds will support insurance, travel, aircraft operations, and program growth

The Car & The Build

• Hand-built Type 65 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe
• 480 horsepower, ~2,740 lbs, built for speed and endurance
• Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s aviation and racing legacy
• Designed for performance, safety, and long-distance comfort

Industry & Community Support

• Sponsors include Concord Battery, Michelin, Lightspeed Aviation Headsets, and more
• Strong backing from aviation manufacturers and distributors
• Early commitments already exceeding $70,000

What’s Next

• Teaser videos and updates rolling out on Concord Battery’s social platforms
• Planned stop at Tango 31 in McKinney, Texas, with youth aircraft escorting part of the run
• Car appearance (and possible drag race!) at Sun ’n Fun

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction & the 31-hour Cannonball concept 0:45 – 4:39 | History of the Cannonball Run & route selection 4:40 – 11:41 | Tango 31 Aero Club, Kevin Lacey’s legacy, and youth impact 11:42 – 16:29 | Record times, strategy, and modern-day challenges 16:30 – 22:30 | The Factory Five Type 65 Coupe: design, power, and performance 22:31 – 27:30 | Logistics, fuel strategy, comfort, and endurance 27:31 – 31:24 | Sponsors, fundraising, and how to get involved 31:25 – End | Final reflections, legacy, and the future of Tango 31

• Tango 31 Aero Club (Donations via Zeffy): https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one
• Concord Battery: https://www.concordebattery.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
• BULBag: https://bulbag.com/