Another year is in the books with some great highs and some
devastating lows. I wanted to take the time to look back and celebrate the good
and memorialize the losses.
Red Bull Air Racing
was BACK!
If you read this column regularly, you know that I love Air
Racing of any kind – especially the Closed Pylon Racing like we do at the
National Championship Air Races in Reno. But, I also have a great affection for
the Red Bull Air Racing Series.
After a three year hiatus, the series came back stronger
than ever. Finishing the season at their Home-Drome with the Championship being
decided on the last flight. Amazing year – Congrats to all, especially Nigel
Lamb, the 2014 Series Champion!
Ruby and the Reno Air
Races
At the Reno Air Races this year, Team Ruby did better than
ever, in fact – we increased our top qualifying speed over 13 mph – from 178.7
to 191.9 --- so close to 192… And our goal was just 180!
We also gained a new Junior Crew Dude in Jill Corrigan. Team
Ruby has consisted of Jason Fisher as Lead Baby Sitter and Crew Chief, the
masterful Don Dull as our Technical Guru, Christine Dull as the Team Mom and
Matt Williams as the original Junior Crew Dude. Matt took a one year hiatus and
we needed Jill – and she was there to help! Welcome to the Family – and put
your feet up – you’re staying for a while!
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Team Ruby – Getting Ready for the Big Race
Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com
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Inspiration
We lost two of my favorite aviators this year; Eddie
Andrieni in May and Lee Behel in September. Both of them were inspirations to
me and so many others. A true loss to Airshows and Air Racing respectively. You
will never be far from my thoughts, gentlemen. Thank you for your leadership
and your encouragement over the years.
And there are several other lesser known names that I keep
in my heart – they are not forgotten.
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One of the best, Eddie Andrieni
Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com
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Next Year
What is in store of us next year? Well, we plan on attending
more Air Shows in 2015. We will be at Chino – of course! Wouldn't miss it! In
fact, Mooney International Corporation will be the lead sponsor again this year
for the Planes of Fame Air Show 2015, (May 2 & 3). This year’s theme will
be "A Salute to Veterans". They always put on a wonderful show – so
we’re looking forward to this one!
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Lee Behel and his beloved GP-5
Photo by Bruce Croft
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The Reno Air Races will be held September 16-20th
this year. And Pylon Racing School will be held June 17th – 20th.
Get your race package if you're looking to race, or get your vacation time
lined up and your hotel accommodations made now – so you don’t forget!
Sun-n-Fun is on our list again this year. We weren't able to
make it last year – but it is such a great event, we definitely are putting
that on our list.
And of course, Oshkosh. I was able to attend in 2014 and had
a wonderful time – although I did end up tearing ligaments in my ankle and
clumped away in a walking boot. But – I have high hopes for a successful
Oshkosh EAA Airventure in 2015.
Finally - we must go to at least one of the Red Bull events on the
calendar this year – Dallas or Vegas – where shall we go!? Maybe Budapest? Sochi?
Hope everyone had an epic 2014 and is ready to start 2015 on
the right track!
Thanks again to Anthony “Hopper” Taylor, Rob “Phred” Miller,
“Jolly” Roger Cain, Bruce “20W” Croft and Tim Adams for all their wonderful
photography I've used this year.
Until then.. Fly Low
– Fast and Turn Left!
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
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Farewell to 2014 – let’s go 2015
Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com
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