As we are going to press, we are still enjoying our time at
Airventure 2014, or, as it is commonly known in the Aviation World as Oshkosh.
The AirVenture Cup just wrapped up for the year. This year
going from Mitchell, SD to Mankato, MN and then on to the finish line at
Wausau, WI. At that point, everyone would fly to Oshkosh to put their aircraft on display and spend the next
week telling stories about their adventure on the 400 nm race course.
This year’s AirVenture Cup is the 17th running
and celebrates the world's fastest cross country air races. Harking back
to the spirit of the Bendix Trophy, the AVC is flown to “unite aviation's rich
history with its promising future.”
This year’s AVC had several familiar faces in the ranks.
Creighton King of Formula 1 and Cassutt fame was there, and unfortunately had a
canopy issue and did not make it to Oshkosh as he had hoped. He is busy
repairing some damage so he can make Reno. Fingers crossed, Creighton!
The Sport Class was well represented, with Lee Behel and his
son Jay competing against each other and Vicky Benzing in her new Lancair as
well as John Parker, Tony Crawford, Charlie Greer and Klaus Savier putting in
their appearances.
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| John Parker and Blue Thunder II |
It is nice to see the racing spirit moves from one venue and
type of racing to another. All in the name of SPEED!
By now many of you have heard of the demise of Miss Picabo,
the stunning Thunder Mustang built by Fred Roscher and flown last year by Brant
Seghetti in the Sport Class. Fred went to PRS in June hoping to race his own
this year. Unfortunately, Miss Picabo is a total loss after an off airport
landing. Fred and his passenger, Jim Adams are okay. And that’s what really
matters.
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Fred Roscher in Miss Picabo
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More on the Sport Class…
The news from the Sport Class is all good, with 40 entries
flying in 4 heats, the Sport Class is getting ever more popular. Within
the Class they are now awarding beautiful “type” trophies for the fastest
airplane of a particular type any time they have two or more of any type.
Sophomore Andrew Findlay has new turbos for his airplane is
promising a lot more speed. Jeff Lavelle will be back and as fast as
ever. John Parker plans on pushing him—and based on his qualifying speed
last year, he just may be able to do it. Kevin Eldredge will bring
Relentless with the full support of Titan Engines behind him, so he should be something
to watch.
Lee Behel will have the GP-5 fresh from his World Record
setting flights in Mojave earlier this year. While Lynn Farnsworth has Aerochia’s
undivided attention this year, so expect him to be fast as well.
The tally shows 2 Thunder Mustangs are entered, 4 Super
Legacies, 2 Super Glasairs an NXT, and a GP-5! They won’t all make it
into the Gold Championship—one or more will be Silver. Imagine that much
speed!
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| Lee Behel racing in the Jet Class in American Spirit |
Bottom line is – Lee and his team have done an amazing job
of publicizing and leading the Sport Class. I remember their first years on the
ramp with just a few aircraft. Things have changed.
More News
Next month we’ll cover more about what to expect in each of
the classes. But for now, we know RARA is expecting 18 Unlimiteds and
relatively full fields in all the other classes.
If you haven’t already done so, buy your tickets and we’ll
see you on the ramp!
Special thanks to Anthony Taylor for his photos again this
month!
Until next time.. Fly low, fast and turn left!
