Back in 2008, Rookie Race Pilot, Steven Hinton was able to get a
few laps in, first in Lady Jo and later that week in Sparky. He finished as
high as 2nd in the Bronze and was probably the happiest guy on the
ramp.
Stevo flying a perfect line Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Who would have guessed that same young man would be a seven time
Unlimited Champion – 4 in Strega and now 3 in Voodoo? All I know is – I’ve had
a front row seat to his incredible journey. I could not be happier for him, his
entire family and the Button Family and the entire Voodoo Crew!
Qualifying at 475.027, some expected them to go for the
Qualifying Record of just under 500 mph – but there was no one in his rear view
mirror – so why push it. As we say in racing – “2nd place sets the
pace”.
Speaking of 2nd place -- Jay Consalvi flew Czech
Mate, the highly modified Yak-11 to a 444 qualifying lap and a well flown 2nd
place finish. A pretty impressive showing for a Rookie! But, Jay is only a Rookie at Reno. With quite an impressive pedigree, we are happy to have Jay join our little family of racers!
Jay Consalvi, Reno Rookie all around amazing pilot in
Czech Mate Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Brian Sanders flew Dreadnought to a 440 qualifying time and a
safe 3rd place finish. Curt Brown in Sawbones was 4th. Joel Swager –
another Rookie – came in 5th in Argonaut just ahead of his
father-in-law, Dennis Sanders in 924.
Rookie Joel Swager flying Argonaut to a respectable 5th place finish Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Dusty Dowd took the Silver in Lylia, another Yak-11. Dusty comes
to us from Syracuse, KS and is – a Crop Duster. We’re hoping the bugs stay away
each September so he can continue to grace us with his flying.
A real surprise was Mrs. Virginia; the Allison powered P-51A
owned by the Planes of Fame Museum. John Maloney flew her to some pretty
impressive speeds – good enough to beat out several of the Merlin Powered P-51Ds.
Those P-51Ds included Wee Willy flown by Rob Patterson, The
Rebel flown by John Currenti and Doug Matthews and Sparky/Blondie flown by
Brant Seghetti.
This year’s event was another series of ups and downs. Over the
next few columns we will dissect each Race Class in detail – but until then –
here are your winners this year.
Congrats to all the teams and to RARA for running another
spectacular event.
- Jet Class, American Spirit, L-39 Albatros, Pilot Rick Vandam
- Sport Class, Race 39, Glasair III, Pilot Jeff LaVelle
- T-6 Class, Baron’s Revenge, AT-6B, Pilot Chris Rushing – First time winner
- IF1 Class, Fraed Naught, Gilbert DG2, Pilot Lowell Slatter – First time winner
- Biplane Class, Reno Rabbit, Mong Sport, Pilot Jeff Rose – First time winner