Built in 1929, the Howard DGA-3 was nicknamed “Pete” and flew on a 326cu 90hp Wright Gipsy in-line four. This setup allowed Pete to do about 160mph. That wasn’t all that fast even for its day, particularly when considering the competition Howard faced when he raced for the 1930 Thompson Trophy. He found himself up against two Travel Air Mystery Ships, the Laird Super Solution, and the ill-fated Page Racer—all of which had top ends well over 200mph. But Howard was tenacious and hung in while a number of other entrants dropped out due to mechanical failures including the fatal crash of Captain Page. When it was over Howard captured 3rd place and a purse of $2000.

While the development of Pete allowed Howard to cut his teeth as a race plane builder, this aircraft significantly advanced his career in other ways. Pete’s winnings funded the development of more powerful racers—namely Mike and Ike, and eventually Pete was sold and the proceeds went toward the development of the Mr. Mulligan. Miraculously, Ike, Mike, and Pete are all still around. Pete has flown in recent years and now lives at the Crawford Museum in Cleveland.