What’s new at the Reno Air Races?

The big news everyone is talking about is the hiring of Mike Crowell as the president and chief executive officer of the National Championship Air Races. After a few visits with Mike, I can say that I am very happy to see someone of his caliber taking the reins.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber step in to take the helm at the Reno Air Races,” said John Agather, chairman of the RARA board of directors. “We are looking to Mike to bring his leadership, experience and expertise in running efficient organizations to the Reno Air Races so that we can ensure this important northern Nevada event is successful for many years to come.”

Crowell’s specialty is turning around financially stressed organizations. That is exactly what we need. We also need someone who is not looking at it one year at a time, but sees a future for the Races and looks forward to that future.

Exciting Racing All Classes
Especially the Biplanes!

“I spent my entire career ensuring that the organizations I worked for saw results – results in sales, results in efficient operations, results in the bottom line,” said Crowell. “I’m looking forward to putting those skills to work for an event that not only makes a huge economic impact on our community, but one that air racing fans from literally all over the world come to enjoy each year. I’m fortunate to have the help of our dedicated staff, a supportive board of directors, our sponsors and amazing volunteers in that effort.”

Personally, I believe Mike is just the guy to turn the races around. We spoke of the five things he feels we need to focus on and they are all related – they include… Sponsorship, Attendance, Media exposure, Prize Money to bring in more Racers and Entertainment, keeping the event entertaining to everyone.

He is already working on Sponsorship. He understands that finding the right partner for the Races is critical to our future.

He spoke about how to bring the fans back. We need to find out what do we need to do to get the gate back up to previous levels. And that is coupled with all of the other points. Especially bringing in more racers and making a more entertaining event for everyone.

To that end, the Breitling Jet Team will be there to entertain us between races. This is their first trip to the USA and we are pleased they have added us to their schedule.

More Unlimiteds expected to be there in 2015

Last year’s winner, Voodoo and Stevo Hinton

Dick Cole, Doolittle’s Co-pilot during the Tokyo Raid, is scheduled to be there with us in September. This will coincide with the Tora Tora Tora exhibition at Reno this year. For those of you unfamiliar, this is a very exciting Aviation Event filled with history, excellent flying and KaBOOMS.

The Races bring in an estimated $65Million in economic value to the Reno-Tahoe area. And after such a dismal ski season this year, the area really could use the help.

Much has been said about the fact that Mike is not a pilot. I don’t think that is an issue. 

We have pilots – over 100 of them, we call them Racers – but what we need is for someone with vision, who can balance a checkbook. I believe the Reno Air Race Association may have just found that guy.

I wish Mike and the Board all the luck in the world. I will be there in September! How about you!?

See you there?! 

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
The Pylon Place

Introducing the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team

Preparing for the World Aerobatic Championships 2015

The Team

First, I want to congratulate the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team! The USA will be represented by a group of pilots who are long time aerobatic competitors. Everyone on the team has participated in at least one previous World Aerobatic Championship (WAC) in the past. This is very valuable experience!

The US team is comprised of Goody Thomas (Team Captain), Rob Holland, Jeff Boerboon, Nikolay Timofeev, Brett Hunter, Melissa Pemberton, Benjamin Freelove, Mark Nowosielski, and Tim Just.

This team will compete at the 28th FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Châteauroux-Déols (France) August 19-29, 2015. Who wants to go with me? I was lucky enough to help out in 2013 when the WAC was held at North Texas Regional Airport in Denison, TX. I’d be thrilled to go again and support our team.

Aerobatic Performance Zone – The Box

Competition Aerobatics takes place on a playing field just like most other sports. The only difference is our field is a “Box” in the sky.

Just like all sports there are penalties for leaving the “Box”. “Outs” or “Boundary Infringements” as they are referred to in Competition Aerobatics are verified by “Boundary Judges” that sit on the ground and use a sighting device to determine these penalties.

If you’ve ever seen clear panels on an Aerobatic Plane – this is why. We need to be able to see the ground positioning to stay in the box.

Sequence & Figures

The aerobatic sequence is made up of precisely defined maneuvers performed in a specific order and flown in a specified direction. Pilots are judged on both how well they fly the maneuvers and how well they follow their sequence.

The Aresti Catalog created by Colonel José Luis Aresti Aguirre shows each aerobatic figure via lines, arrows, geometric shapes and numbers representing the precise form of a maneuver to be flown.

Aresti Catalog

Judging & Flight Programs

Aerobatics sequences are judged similar to say, Gymnastics. Each figure can receive a score of between 10 and 0 based on the deviations from perfect. Each figure has a degree of difficulty called a “k-factor”. This k-factor is then multiplied by the score that the pilot received on the figure.  All scores are added up for the flight. 

Pilots can fly up to four programs in these aerobatic categories.  First, they fly the qualifications program first which is known as the “Q” program. The “Q” is the same for all competitors and is your “rite of passage” to the next phase.

They then move on to the Freestyle or “Free”, which is a sequence which each competitor creates – usually made to highlight their specific skill set. A “Free” is created based on a series of requirements and it is a way for the competitor to show a little of their creativity.   

If you pass through the “Free” you get to fly the Unknown. For this sequence, figures are selected by Teams, and then sequences are submitted to the Jury, checked and published. Pilots can then choose from the available Unknowns. The competitors do not get to fly these sequences to practice, but must jump right into flying them in the Box and in front of the Judges.

Once the devilish Unknowns are completed, additional cuts in the field are made.  At this time, the Four Minute Freestyle aka “4-minute” begins. The 4-minute is held at the end of the competition and is more closely associated with an airshow type routine. There is music and even smoke on some competitors. The timing is critical – so do not go over your 4 minute allotment.

Published Unknowns 2013 WAC

Then the waiting begins… followed by the Awards

Banquet and a new World Champion!

Helping Out - Sponsoring the Team

Because of the amateur nature of Competition Aerobatics in the US – each one of these members are paying their own way to get to France. They are also spending their own money to train and to get their aircrafts there as well. This is – as you can imagine – very expensive. Perhaps you can see helping out by donating to the team or to individual team members? Maybe even helping Sponsor them?

I’d like to introduce you to some of the team members. I've known all of them for years and consider some to be very good friends.

Introductions – Brett Hunter

Brett Hunter made the team for the second time. He competed at the WAC 2013 – where we first met. He flies a Pitts – like Ruby – during his airshow season, but flies an MXS in competition.  In his words:

My first memories of flying are sitting on a stack of phone books so that I could fly dad’s Piper Tri-Pacer. Ever since that day, I have been enamored with the people and the machines that fly. Aerobatics became my passion when I realized it was the key to unlock the secrets of true flight. Since that first spin, I have been building my life around aerobatics. From teaching aerobatics, to building a house next to a runway, to finding the perfect job that would support my interest, and finally owning a premier aerobatic airplane brings me here. – Brett Hunter

As you can see, Brett is VERY passionate about flying, aerobatics and representing the USA in France this August. Let’s see if we can help make his dream come true! 

Donate via GoFundMe for Brett Hunter

Brett Hunter’s MXS
Used with permission from Brett Hunter

GO TEAM!

I’d like to introduce you to more of the team over the next few months. Please get in touch with me or one of the team members directly to see how you can help.

2014 Year in Review

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!

Team Ruby – Getting Ready for the Big Race

Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com

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.

One of the best, Eddie Andrieni

Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com

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!

Lee Behel and his beloved GP-5

Photo by Bruce Croft

The Reno Air Races will be held September 16-20^th this year. And Pylon Racing School will be held June 17^th – 20^th. 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

Farewell to 2014 – let’s go 2015

Photo by Anthony Taylor – Warbirdfotos.com

Red Bull Air Race 2014: Worth the Wait

After a three-year hiatus, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship came back in 2014 with dramatic action.

It all started when twelve of the world’s best pilots reunited in February for the season opener in Abu Dhabi. The new rules, which mandated standardization of engines and propellers, were created to level the playing field and to make the action tighter – and they did.

Fans were able to see the action at eight locations on three continents. Venues like England’s Ascot Racecourse and the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria completely sold out, and at the race in Gdynia, Poland – the officials had to close access to the beach viewing when they reached the mandated civic limit of 130,000. Now, that’s a crowd!

Other interesting venues included two in the USA – both racetracks owned by Bruton Smith; Texas Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. While the Texas race was exciting and fun – though hot and humid, the Las Vegas race was sidelined by incredibly high winds which made the pylons unstable and the fans disappointed.

This year, the competition was closer than ever and made even small mistakes resulting in penalties much more costly over the season. It was exciting racing right through to the season finale at Red Bull’s home in Spielberg, Austria.

In the end, Britain's Nigel Lamb became only the sixth Champion in Red Bull Air Race World Championship history. At the wire, he beat local hero, Hannes Arch of Austria and Britain's Paul Bonhomme.

By finishing second, Lamb was able to amass enough points - after Hannes Arch ended up in fourth place due to penalties.

"It's just amazing," said Lamb, "I feel very lucky because I didn't think that my time was even good enough to get on the podium. It's an amazing feeling. It's a great day. It's an indescribable feeling."

Nigel Lamb flying through the Pylons at the finale in Austria

Nigel Lamb – Red Bull World Champion 2014

Nigel is well known in the Aerobatic Competition and Airshow Worlds. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), he was inspired to become a pilot by his father – a Royal Air Force Fighter Pilot in World War II. Nigel joined the Rhodesian Air Force and became qualified in Jets and Helicopters. Leaving the Air Force in 1980, he settled in England flying for the Marlboro Aerobatic Team.

An eight time British Unlimited Aerobatic Champion, he was a member of the British Team in three World Aerobatic and two Europe Championships.

He has also flown in several movies including a favorite of mine, Dark Blue World. He flew the Spitfire in some pretty incredible scenes in that movie. He also fly a P-51 Mustang in Hart’s War and was the Chief Pilot in Flyboys.

He is one of the few people I know who flies in so many different genres of aviation – from warbirds to jets to helicopters to competition to airshows to movies to Red Bull. That is an interesting career.

We congratulate Nigel on his hard fought win – and wish him the best of luck again next year.

Final Preparation for his Championship Winning Flight 

World Championship (final): 
1. Nigel Lamb (GBR) 62 points, 
2. Hannes Arch (AUT) 53, 
3. Paul Bonhomme (GBR) 51, 
4. Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA) 42, 
5. Pete McLeod (CAN) 38, 
6. Matt Hall (AUS) 33, 
7. Matthias Dolderer (GER) 21, 
8. Martin Sonka (CZE) 18, 
9. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN) 10, 
10. Kirby Chambliss (USA) 7, 
11. Peter Besenyei (HUN) 6, 
12. Michael Goulian (USA) 3;

2015 Race Calendar

1. Abu Dhabi (13/14 February)
2. Chiba, Japan (16/17 May)
3. Sochi, Russia* (30 /31 May)
4. Budapest, Hungary (4/5 July)
5. Ascot, Great Britain (15/16 August)
6. Spielberg, Austria (5/6 September)
7. Fort Worth, Texas, United States (26/27 September)
8. Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (17/18 October)

*To be confirmed

Photos used by Permission from Red Bull Air Races

2014 NCAR Review – Part 2

Last month we reviewed the International Formula 1, Biplanes and T-6 classes from the 2014 National Championship Air Races held in Reno, NV.  This month, we will complete our review, highlighting the Sport Class, Jets and Unlimited Division.

Sport Class

This year, Jeff LaVelle broke two records.  In his Glasair III, Jeff broke his own record for Fastest Qualifying time and in Heat 1A he broke the fastest time in the race also.

Not sure what magic Jeff has in that aircraft, but it sounds awesome and looks great. And he is most likely not done tinkering yet. Always looking to increase his speed by a knot or two, he is one of the reasons to watch the Sport Class.

Jeff LaVelle does it again! 

Veteran Thunder Mustang Pilot, John Parker was nipping at his heels, but was denied in the end with a mechanical and a DNS for the Final.

Gary Mead qualified fifth, but through luck and attrition, ended up taking 2^nd place. While Swiss Pilot, Peter Balmer qualified 8^th in the only other Thunder Mustang racing this year – he finished 3^rd. It was one of those years.

Sophomore, Andrew Findlay – sporting his new Sponsor Logo – Stihl, Inc – the chainsaw and power tool manufacturer, put up some great numbers and had a DNF during the Gold – but it is nice to see a major sponsor in the Sport Class! Go Andrew! Thanks, Stihl!

And, of course – the loss of Lee Behel is devastating to so many of us. He was a strong leader for the Sport Class and will be missed by so many of us. Bob Mills has moved into the President role of the Sport Class. Bob – you have VERY big shoes to fill. Good luck – we’re all counting on you. ;-)

Jet Class

The Jet Class has created a nice little village on the East Side of the field. They now have their own VIP section and have created a fun fan experience. I remember when they moved down to the other side, how the naysayers thought this was the demise of the class – but turning lemons into lemonade, they made the best of it.

Now they are the 2^nd fastest growing class behind the Sport Class. And building more fans every year, who knew!?

This year, in his grand finale, Phil Fogg qualified first and finished first in the Breitling Gold on Sunday. Phil is a true racer, having started in the International Formula 1 class many – I mean a few - years ago. Great send off, Phil – CONGRATS!  It won’t be the same without you!

Phil Fogg battling Rick Vandam - thanks to Roger Cain! 

Rick Vandam qualified and finished 2^nd while Pete Zaccagnino, Jeff Turney, Mark Pracy and Sean Cushing were trading places all week.  The final had Pracy beating out the others for third while Zac finished 4^th and Rookie Sean Cushing finished fifth.

One thing I wanted to bring up this year – we had 4 different types of jets this year – including the usual L-39 Albatros, the L-29 Delfin, Lachie’s Iskra and Doug Matthews joined us in his Marchetti this year. While she wasn’t fast, she made for interesting viewing. Thanks, Doug!

Unlimited Division

Drumroll please… We now finish out the review with the fan favorite – Unlimited Division. While we had a smaller field than usual this year – the major players were all in attendance. Strega, Voodoo, Rare Bear, 232, Czech Mate, Dreadnaught and Precious Metal were all in attendance and ALL had the chance to win it all – depending on attrition, of course.

Voodoo did it again. Bob Button has put together a winning team with Stevo Hinton, Bill Kerchenfaut, JC Calkins, Mike Wilton, his son Dave Wilton, Steve Lamb, Michael Luvara, Bernie Vasquez, Rod Jackson, Jason Schillereff, Joel Policar, Ray Studniarz, Cecil Padilla, Tim McGahey, John Bond and Frank Young. And don’t forget – Tommy Gardner! (Did I remember everyone?) They made it look easy. They made it look fun!  

What is next for Voodoo? There are rumors about going for some records, including the 3KM and the Time to Climb. If we hear anything more concrete, we will share the news as permitted.

Winner and Still Champion! 

Strega qualified on her Ferry Engine – while Tiger paced the ramp waiting for the race engine delivery. He flew better than most people expected him to – (that’ll show ‘em, Tiger) – but was DQ’d on Saturday by the Contest Committee for “not maintaining course altitude”.

If you remember from some of my earlier writings – since the tragedy of 2011, the course altitude is now 250’ – and Tiger – while moving from last to first, raised it up well over the designated 250’ceiling. Once the race was over, he ended up with a Mayday and was no longer able to race – but if you talk with anyone in attendance that day .. that was THE BEST RACE EVER!

Another unfortunate finish was perennial bridesmaid, Hoot Gibson in 232. Who doesn’t love 232? But the last two years have not been kind to her, or Hoot or their fans. This year, she didn’t even make it to Qualifying. The rumor is 232 is for sale. There is so much potential in that aircraft – if you want to be in the Gold – this might be the race plane for you.

Rare Bear started out looking great. Stewart Dawson qualified second and finished his first 2 races in a strong 2^nd place. But then – again – on Sunday – we witnessed the dreaded DNF/Mayday. Rare Bear is taking longer to work out the kinks than anyone expected. We can only hope that her owner, Rod Lewis, doesn’t lose interest. Fingers crossed!

Rare Bear was holding steady in 2^nd place – until the Mayday

Czech Mate, the Giant Killer – was back in her top form this year. John Moore, LD Hughes and team plus Race Pilot, Sherman Smoot worked hard over the off –season and brought back a contender. Czech qualified in 3rd, finished the next 2 races in third (even after a pylon cut and a 12 second penalty). However, when it all counted – Sherman finished 2^nd. Congrats to the entire team!

Dreadnaught, the jewel of the Sanders Racing Family, qualified 4^th and ended up in 3rd on the final day due to lots of DQs and DNFs, etc.

Their Bristol Centaurus powered Sea Fury was flown by Korey Wells and Brian Sanders. 924 Qualified 7^th and continued to be competitive in the Silver. She was then bumped to the Gold on Sunday to finish in 7^th again.

And of course, Argonaut was flown by Mark Watt. Mark qualified in 8^th place and after flying in the Silver, again bumped to the Gold on Sunday. He ended up with a DNF/Mayday in Sunday’s Gold. A very interesting Mayday – to say the least - as Stewart Dawson was making his way to Runway 14, Mark pulled off and headed to the not so great Runway 18. Breathe.

Czech Mate - 2nd Place

Sawbones was flown again this year by Commander Curt Brown and he had some great flights. Qualifying 5^th, he ended up in 4^th on Sunday – right behind Dreadnaught.

If you’re doing the math, that is FIVE Sea Furys: Dreadnaught, 924, Argonaut, 232, and Sawbones – with four different power plants 4360, Centaurus, 2800 and 3350. Now how is that for trivia?

Rod Lewis’ team brought La Patrona again – his spectacular Silver Tigercat. We were all hoping to see Rod back in the seat, but we were not disappointed to see Stewart Dawson pulling double duty and racing the Tigercat and the Bearcat. Nice work, Stewart!

Sparky and The Rebel were our only Stock P-51 Mustangs this year. Brant Seghetti and Doug Matthews (with a few flights by John Currenti) were there for the stocker fans. I remember not too many years ago we had several beautiful P-51s. I hope we see those days again soon.

Jim Tobul was our Rookie in Unlimited this year. He brought his unbelievably beautiful Corsair, Korean War Hero. He is based on the East Coast and does a number of Airshows each with Scott Yoak in Quicksilver – Scott’s P-51. (Side note: We’d love to get you to Reno too, Scooter!)

Jim and his crew were treated to a great learning experience this year and we certainly hope to see them again next year!

And finally, we have Precious Metal. The buzz for this aircraft is she has a ton of potential – but the team just needs to iron out a few things. This year, pilot – Thom Richard – wasn’t able to qualify due to an early Mayday. He then had to start at the back and work his way up. He easily handled the two stockers and the Corsair in the Bronze Heat – moving him to the Silver. They finished 1st in the Silver on Saturday and bumped to the Gold for Sunday.

Night Runs are ALWAYS EXCITING! 

Unfortunately, the course rules came down and ruined their race – having finished third on the course, Thom was DQ’d for breaking the Showline on the East Side. I remember in 2007 when Matt Jackson in Dreadnaught was surprised to learn that he had broken the Showline and was disqualified also.

While truly a miserable way to end the Race – Thom wasn't the first and certainly won’t be the last to be bitten by the Rules.

Tiger was DQ’d for flying too high, 2 Biplanes and an IF1 racer were DQ’d for flying too low. As long as there are rules, there will be infractions and those infractions lead to upsetting results for some.

Many of us were disappointed in the Social Media attack from the some fans. During a time when our beloved Reno Air Races are on steep and uncertain footing – threatening boycotts isn't really helping anyone. I hope we can all put the disappointments aside and work together to make a wonderful show in 2015.

Final thoughts…

There are so many racers for sale right now. If you are interested in getting involved … as a Racer, Crew Member or an Owner – get in touch with someone who races or contact me through my blog or through Facebook.

Let’s remember to fly fast, turn left – and fly not too high, and not too low.

Thanks, EVERYONE, for a great year! 

Marilyn Dash

Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place

Unicom.Buzz 

Special THANKS to Anthony "Hopper" Taylor for providing the photos for this month!
Warbird Fotos

2014 NCAR Review – Part 1

The 2014 National Championship Air Races (NCAR) will be remembered for record breaking moments, many infractions and one terrible loss. Let’s get started in Part 1 of our two part review

International Formula 1

IF1 already had a great year. They were able to add a race in Spain earlier this summer with a handful of our racers heading over there to race and monitor the event. It seems there will be even more races for them in 2015. That is great news for a truly competitive class with a reasonable financial entry point. (Hint– to all those wanna be racers out there!)

This year at NCAR, the racing was amazing as always. So many of these race planes are evenly matched which creates close, competitive racing.

Steve Senegal in Endeavor set a course record with 267.289 mph, beating Jon Sharp’s old record of 263.188 set in 1999. Senegal also took the Gold on Sunday for his 5^th win. Congrats to Steve and Team Endeavor!

Steve Senegal in his Record Setting Racer, Endeavor

Credit: Anthony Taylor – http://warbirdfotos.com/

Last year’s winner, Vito Wypraechtiger qualified third behind Steve Temple in Madness. Madness was later DQd for low flight in a Gold Heat and was moved back to Silver only to move back to Gold later in the week.

Elliot Seguin and Justin Phillipson qualified 4^th and 5^th respectively – finishing with Justin in Third and Elliot in Fourth. Again, great, competitive racing – fun to watch – if you wake up early enough!

Congrats to the whole crew. IF1 seems to have their future dialed in and I know it will be fun to watch!

Biplanes

Tom Aberle also broke a record this year – his own - going from 260.811 mph to 274.091. This was partially due to a change in the course length for the biplane class, and partially due to magic. That’s the only thing that makes sense – having a normally aspirated 360 cubic inch engine on a biplane go that fast – it must be magic.

The reason the course length was changed was to continue the consistent 3.0 Gs at the fastest potential lap. From the RARA Rules:

IN 2003, RARA chose to employ an OPTIMUM RACE PATH based upon a speed and G-force provided by each Race Class to determine the minimum radius turn and a more representative circuit around the pylons. No pylons were moved at that time, yet the course lengths increased due to the difference in distance between pylon to pylon (straight line distances) and a curved track which is more representative of the path that can be flown.

Therefore, the Biplane Course is now 3.3417 miles based on a speed of 275 MPH and 3.0 Gs.

Jake Stewart and Karl Grove kept the heat on Tom during the week. Unfortunately, Tom was unable to compete on Sunday – so in the end, Jake Stewart was crowned the victor in Bad Mojo.

Biplane Winner, Jake Stewart in Bad MojoCredit: Anthony Taylor – http://warbirdfotos.com/

Team Ruby (me!) moved into the Gold. Probably the best laps I’ve ever flown just happened to be my 2 qualifying laps on a perfect Tuesday morning. This put me on the back row of the Gold Races and gave me the privilege of being passed by Tom – several times.

We ended up 5^th in the Gold because of two low flying calls for racers finishing right in front of me. So, a Fifth in the Gold – and my best previous result was Third in the Silver. We were happy to say the least!

Another word about Biplane Racing.. if you are interested in racing with us, let me know and I’ll help you get the right information. We are a great group of people who love competing and flying.

Team Ruby before the Sunday GoldCredit: Anthony Taylor – http://warbirdfotos.com/

T-6

This class abides by a very strict set of guidelines. Race planes must be one of the three different types and variants of WWII trainers – the AT-6, Harvard, or SNJ. They use 650 HP, nine cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine. Teams are not allowed to increase the cubic-inch displacement of their P&W power plant. However, they may optimize the engines by balancing the pistons, polishing the heads, cylinders and blower and even polishing the carburetor. Teams are also allowed to remove the rear seat to reduce weight. The T-6 Class course is 4.9352 miles based upon a speed of 250 MPH.

This year, Dennis Buehn was unbeatable qualifying first and finishing each race in first place. John Lohmar in Radial Velocity was a strong and consistent second place. Chris Rushing in Baron’s Revenge was a solid third place.

Dennis Buehn in Midnight Miss III
Thanks to Roger Cain

The T-6 Silver had Joey “Gordo” Sanders taking the win. If you were anywhere near their pits this year, you probably met some or all of the stars of Airplane Repo from the Discovery Channel. Mike Kennedy was an alternate pilot for Gordo. Kevin Lacey is a regular at NCAR and any other fun aviation event. He was accompanied this year by Heather Sterzick, the newest member of the Repo crew.

Part 2

That’s all for now – but stay tuned for the next edition – where we’ll review the results from the Sport Class, Jets and Unlimited.

Until then, you know the drill… Fly low, fast and turn left.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

RIP - Lee Behel

Photo courtesy of Two Zero West

The Reno Air Racing family mourns the loss of a wonderful friend and competitor.

Earlier this year, Lee broke several records in his beautiful GP5.