So many great things are currently happening in the Air
Racing world!
Ely Air Races
It looks like the Ely Air Races are a GO this year!
We expect up to 16 International Formula 1 planes to perform
2 races per day. The festivities start on Wednesday, June 13th with
the final races on Saturday, June 16th. Balloon rides will start around 5:30am while Air Racing begins
at 9am each day.
Besides the Balloon rides and the Air Racing, the Town of
Ely and White Pine County are putting on quite a show. There will be live entertainment, a car show
and other military and civilian aircraft on display.
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| Ely Air Races at Yelland Field in June! Credit: White Pine County |
This year will feature IF1 races only – but who knows what
the future holds for Ely!
If you are venturing out to Ely, be sure to set aside time
to see the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and of course, the Great Basin
National Park offers tours of the Lehman Caves.
If you are driving from the West, you’ll be taking “The Loneliest
Road” in the World (Route 50). You might want to stop at Sand Mountain or consider
some of the Pony Express stops to gain a little history to go with your Air
Racing!
Red Bull Air Races
After just two events, Michael Goulian is in the lead in the
Red Bull Air Races Master Class. Matt Hall is nipping at his heels and Yoshide
Muroya, last year’s winner is in third.
Michael won the first race in Abu Dhabi and finished third
in Cannes. Matt Hall was the winner in Cannes and placed only fifth in Abu
Dhabi.
The racing is as close as ever and new faces are on the
podium. This year should be a fun one to follow.
They will be in Indianapolis in October, if you are interested
in seeing this amazing event in person! It is an unbelievable spectacle in person and I recommend it to all of you!
Unlimited Air Racing
As of today, we are hearing some very positive news about
new and old airplanes and racers joining us for PRS and for the races in
September. This is very exciting news. I don’t want to jinx anything, but keep
your fingers crossed that familiar faces will be there again.
As Bill Kerchenfaut would say – we’ll know who shows up when
they show up – but great efforts are underway to get more Unlimited Aircraft in
the show!
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| We miss Miss A! Credit: Tim Adams Photography |
Stihl Sponsorship and
the NBCSN Special
Stihl will remain the Title Sponsor for the National
Championship Air Races for another 2 years. What does that mean? It means we can
expect the NBCSN Special on the Races to continue.
Yes, I know this year’s three-part special had a few
problems – namely the delay on the last part of the series due to a live
broadcast going late. The T6’s wingtips do not go supersonic – I know. The reversal
of 5 and 7 on a few of the graphics. Jay goes by Jay and not James. It’s Swaid
Rahn and not Rahn Swaid – yeah, I know
all that.
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| Swaid Rahn in Heat Stroke Credit: Tim Adams Photography |
But, this is a GREAT way to get our sport out there to
others who haven’t had the pleasure of watching the FASTEST MOTORSPORT IN THE
WORLD!
Keep the faith, thanks!
