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.

Twas two nights before Reno.... by Karen Mross

Twas two nights before Reno
The car is not packed.
The plane is ready.
So at least there's that.

Not that we do much
We race as is
Thankfully our pilot's
One of the best in the biz.

This annual trek
To our high desert home
A whole 'nuther family
And memories roam.

The sound of the engines.
The crisp morning air.
When even a run up
Can make your day fair.

Old friends and new ones
Await a great week.
To Race at Reno
It's not for the meek.

A Carmelite Covent
Keeps us all in their prayers.
I am so thankful just
To be headed up there.

Here's to a week of glorious racing
And fun for the pilots and crews.
The 51st Air Race is about to begin.
The best of the best at what they do!

Gracefully submitted by Karen Morss
Wife of Dave Morss
Both are mentors to so many of us! 

Reno Air Races – 2014 - Here we go!

The 51^st National Championship Air Races are just around the corner. While the teams are putting the final touches on the racers, packing the tools and trailers and trying to remember what they forgot, let’s take a look at what to expect.

Unlimited

At this point, we have 14 aircraft on the roster. Again, the numbers are down, but the FAST ones are all scheduled to be there.

Last year’s winner, Voodoo, will be back to challenge all comers. The team has been working diligently all year to make some secret speed mods. They expect to be faster than ever and have 3 engines to utilize. One for Qualifying, one for Racing and one to make sure they get home.

Nelson Ezell and his crew believe they have found the missing horsepower in the Rare Bear’s 3350. Stewart Dawson will be in the pilot seat once again and ready for the challenge. Will all of their hard work pay off? I certainly hope so!

After a catastrophic inlet failure last year, Rare Bear’s little sister, 232 is also ready for the Gold. Sanders Aeronautics and AeroChia have done their magic on the inlet.  Hoot Gibson is back in the pilot seat and Sea Fury fans are looking for everyone’s favorite astronaut to finish in the top three.

Sea Fury 232 could be a spoiler this year

Strega has been a giant question mark again this off-season. First Tiger was retiring her, and then coming back. Then, he attended PRS, but didn’t fly. Then rumors of her being sold, and then unsold. No rumored sightings of Strega test flights and no good gossip. What will we see on the ramp? I hope we see Tiger and Strega in all their glory!

Will Strega be there? 

After coming back from a wild few years of changes by the Shafter Skunk Works, Czech Mate was in impressive form last year, only to suffer a landing incident after the races.  Another year of hard work and they are back again. We look forward to the mighty Yak and her grand pilot, Sherman Smoot, to make some waves out there.

Will the Giant Killer bring home the win this year

Dreadnaught had a difficult off-season but will be ready to go – as they always are. Brian Sanders is the primary pilot this year and we look forward to him doing what he does best.

The Precious Metal team has been working all year on the Griffon Powered Mustang. Haven’t heard any good gossip about speeds or mods, but we know they are looking to win. Good luck to Thom and the team.

The final likely Gold Competitor, Sawbones, had a gear collapse a few months ago and the team has been burning the midnight oil getting ready for the races. She will be there again this year, with a hard working crew and Curt Brown in the pilot seat.

Miss America has decided to stand down this year. I know I will miss having her on the ramp and will miss the team from Oklahoma led by pilot-owner, Doc Hisey. All the best to you guys, I hope we see you again on the ramp.

You Tigercat fans will be happy to know that La Patrona, Rod Lewis’ beautiful Tigercat will be there. And Corsair fans should be happy to know that Jim Tobul is bringing his gorgeous Corsair to race for the first time.

Doug Matthew will have his stunning Mustang, The Rebel and the Seghetti’s Sparky will also be there. Sanders will be bringing their other 2 Sea Furys -- Bristol-powered, 924 and 2800-powered, Argonaut. 

Sparky! The Jelly Belly Mustang! 

This group should lead to some amazing racing. I cannot wait to see who walks away with the big trophy on Sunday! Is in the year of the round engine? Or will Merlin Power take another one? How about that Griffon?

Sports

The Sport Class has the largest number of entries ever this year! Again, they will be running four races, instead of just the usual three. Will Jeff Lavelle be our winner again this year? Or maybe John Parker in the Thunder Mustang will be the one. Will Kevin Eldredge with his Titan Engines Sponsorship make some waves? Or, will it be Lynn Farnsworth in his Super Legacy or someone else?

The Sport Class will be exciting, with so many fast aircrafts and interesting aircraft.

Biplanes

Aberle’s Phantom is the favorite again this year.  Jeff Rose is bringing his new Mong – Reno Rabbit and Jake Stewart will have Bad MoJo there. Both these aircraft could be spoilers.

I will be back in Ruby this year. So, stop by the Biplane Hangar and say HELLO!

Dasher and Ruby are BACK in 2014

IF1

Last year, Vito Wypraechtiger was able to capitalize on a small mistake by favorite, Steve Senegal to capture the win. This year, we expect Steve to be the favorite again in Endeavor.

With only 13 entries this year, I know IF1 will be working on adding new members to their class. So, if you’re interested in racing next year in any class, especially Biplanes and IF1, let me know!

The teams in IF1 have a great time balancing hard work and fun!

T6

Last minutes withdraw from John Zayac leaves the race to returning veterans Dennis Buehn and Nick Macy. But keep an eye on Mike Kennedy, from Airplane Repo fame to have the crowds around this year.

Jets

Seventeen jets are scheduled to race this year – including a Marchetti S211, a Dehavilland Vampire and the Iskra. All the others are the usual L29s and L39s.

This is now the second largest Class at Reno. Interestingly enough, the two largest classes are also the newest. Coincidence? 

Wrap up…

I know that the Reno Air Race Association (RARA) has an exciting show planned with Concerts, Drone Races and a great list of Performers.

Live Airshow TV will be airing the races on their website this year also, so you should be able to watch from your cubicle if you weren’t able to get the entire week off to join us. 

Again, I wanted to give a special thanks to all my fellow Air Racers, Pilots, Owners, and Crew Members for putting in the time and making this event so special every year. And to the people of RARA, thank you for continuing to innovate to build momentum; to the volunteers for giving your time and making it happen; and to the fans who come out each year in heat, cold, rain, and snow, to watch us do what we love.

See you there!
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

All Photos used this month are from Rob Miller and Anthony Taylor – Thank you, Phred and Hopper!

Voodoo Pre-Reno Update