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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pylon Racing Seminar AKA Rookie School
Reno, NV June 2003
The first time I went to the Reno Air Races, it was 1999 and I was a student pilot at Diamond Aviation at KSQL. We were two students and a CFI in a rented C172 - actually, my only time in a C172 - and I landed at KRNO. I remember landing next to a DC-9 on the parallel runway and thinking - we don't have this at KSQL! We landed and caught a shuttle to 4SD, Reno-Stead Airport to watch the races.
Karen Morss owned Diamond at the time and her husband, David Morss was racing in three classes; Unlimited, Sport and Formula. Karen made sure we were set up with tickets and Pit Passes. We really got to see the races up close because of Karen and David and their hospitality.
From that first day, I was hooked and have always wanted to be a Race Pilot.
Forward fast to 3 ½ years later. I recently purchased my beloved Pitts, Ruby and I have secured the paperwork, FAA approvals, and insurance necessary to attend. I'm headed to ROOKIE SCHOOL!
Rookie School, or as Reno Air Race Association (RARA) likes to call it "Pylon Racing Seminar" (PRS) is a new phenomenon. This was the sixth year RARA has held the PRS. Prior to the Seminar, Rookies would arrive a few days early and be tested on the course right before the start of race week. Because there is so much to cover, they decided to handle this in June instead of moments before the races begin.
I arrived on Wednesday. The winds were SCREAMING out of the South; which is always a delight at Stead considering the runways are 08/26. There is also the 14/32, which has potholes the size of antelope, and the closed 18-36, which has giant X markings just to prove it really is closed. So, the makeshift tower says, 23 at 15; but the windsock says 180 at 15G20.
Confucius say: Sometimes Tower fibs, windsock always tell truth.
I worked and worked and worked and finally, my first Pitts landing at Stead was not nearly as horrifying as it could have been. I actually had two pilots click in to tell me that was a fine landing and I really had to work for it. This came from two of the Instructors for other classes, so I believed them.
The next day, Thursday, was our day for Ground School. This started with The History of RARA, the Introductions of the Board, yadda yadda yadda. Then, the fun stuff. Topics included: This is how it works; this is what you will be doing. This is the true story, the behind the scenes information, the real deal. Are you ready for this?
After the Ground School, RARA held a cocktail party. And for the first time, I realized that I wasn't the only one that was nervous. All of these guys were nervous. We were all Rookies (except the one guy who was "held back" last year and was repeating the course). We were all there for the first time, flying Pylons and hoping to make the cut.
That night, I slept two hours. I flew the Pylons in my sleep. I tossed and turned and completed freaked out. Anxiety is a wonderful thing.
Friday morning briefing is at the crack of dawn, of course. Is anything started in aviation after 9am? We have 8 rookies, 7 with airplanes. The first order of the day is to get the "Airwork" out of the way. We break up into two groups. Each Biplane Racer needs to show proficiency in their airplane. Take off with less than a ten foot derivation of track, rolls left and right with little to no discernible loss in altitude, 4G pull, dive to 110% of cruise speed, etc. Two instructors in the air and two additional instructors on the ground evaluated us throughout these maneuvers. This was done at a reasonable altitude that would make the FAA happy.
Then, down we went. Down to the Pylons and the racecourse below.
The Pylons are actually telephone poles about 50 feet tall, with specially made striped drums at the top. The Biplanes' Pylons are bright orange/red panels to increase their visibility to pilots. The course is a modified oval and equals 3.11-mile course. Because of the plethora of Pylons, RARA was kind enough to put lights on two of our Pylons. Of course, on Friday, they lit the wrong ones. Oh well, that's the way it goes.
The first time around the Pylons we were still working on our "Airwork". We were instructed by our leader to locate the Pylons and then locate the nearest landing option in case of a Mayday. We were continuously briefed on where to land in case of problems and how to declare a Mayday if you are NORDO or if you have radio access. They repeated that Maydays are free at Reno. If you have a hint of a problem, say the word and the world is your oyster. Safety was paramount throughout the weekend.
Saturday we were given more latitude to fly the Pylons and get a feel for what we were signing up to do. I had one of the timers put me on the clock and I increased my speed nearly 30mph from my first time around the Pylons (when I was still saying, Oh Sh*t) to the final lap when the made me come in and land. Each lap you try something new. Each lap you learn something new. I believe that's why they have Rookie School.
My last landing on Saturday, I'm down and happy and I turn my head and notice there are probably a thousand people there. People came out of the woodwork to watch Rookie School. Apparently, this is the locals opportunity to watch cool airplanes fly the course for free!
On Sunday, we had a simulated race. This started with the simulated Horse Race Start which the Biplanes employ. This puts three biplanes in the first row, two in the second and three in the last row. Each row has their own starter and the starter's job is to successfully launch the next row once the previous group is tails up.
We practiced passing. They estimate that you need 8mph over your prey to pass successfully. So, we practiced passing or should I say we tried to pass. We got lower, got faster and clearly had more fun then anyone thought we would.
At the end of the Seminar, we were told if we passed or not. I passed - or I wouldn't be writing this and you never would have heard that I even attended! When I found out I passed, I had the feeling of going to Fantasy Baseball Camp with all of the idols of your youth. Mine were Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, etc. And at the end of the week long camp they turned to me and said, "Hey, Dash! Why don't you come up and play at Yankee Stadium with us! You made the Team!"
To be part of the rich tradition that is the National Championship Air Races is an honor I will not soon forget. I hope to see all of you in September! I would love to have Chapter 38 there in force. By the way, I need a Pit Crew - so volunteers are being solicited!
Thank you,
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
The Centennial
100 YEARS OF FLIGHT
By Marilyn Dash
December 2003
By Marilyn Dash
December 2003
On December 17, 2003 we will celebrate the Centennial of Powered Flight. Let's think about this for a moment. In 100 years we have gone from the seaside dunes of Kitty Hawk, NC and the 12 seconds that changed the world -- to the International Space Station hovering somewhere in space. We've landed on the moon, we've made the world a smaller place by providing the opportunity for travel, and more importantly, I learned how to fly. You can see a picture of me in my plane in on this website.
Forward fast 95 years
As a self-employed management consultant, there are times when business is slow. During one of these times, I made the awesome first step of my flying career. While volunteering at the newly opened Hiller Aviation Museum at my local airport (at http://www.hiller.org), Mr. Stanley Hiller (of Hiller Helicopter fame) looked me in the eye and asked me, "Why aren't you a pilot?" and I responded with a phrase that many of you have probably used 100s of times, "I'll do it Some Day!" He then said, "Today is Some Day!" I left that night and the next day, signed up for my first lesson.
Learning
Learning something new is never easy. This is especially true when you aren't a spring chicken anymore and you need to work full time to pay for the learning. Additional things hampered learning -- such as weather, mechanics, scheduling, personality conflicts and the continuous need for additional money.
It didn't take long for me to realize my passion. I was hooked from the beginning. I couldn't get enough of the physical, emotional and psychological challenges that flying presented to me. However, there were times when I became discouraged. In the 10 months it took me to earn my private pilot license, I went through four instructors and three different types of airplane. With each change, came disillusionment, delay and a whole new set of issues. Not unlike life in general -- don't you think?
So, I endured and I earned that precious license and said to myself, "Now what?" Twenty-four hours after receiving a passing grade on my exams (written, oral and practical), I purchased my first airplane. Not only was the ink not dry on my certificate, the FAA probably hadn't heard the good news yet. I was psyched! I had purchased a used Piper Cherokee that was nearly as old as I was.
Daisy
Her name is Daisy and the two of us went everywhere together. She continued to teach me about this new world of flying. We flew from the San Francisco Bay Area to as far north as Seattle, WA and as far east as Midland, TX and the Commemorative Air Museum (at http://www.airpowermuseum.org). I had planned a cross-country trip to return to my childhood home in NJ; however 120 mph over 6,000 miles of terrain sounded less and less like a good use of my non-working hours. I would love to do this trip...maybe in a faster airplane.
Next Steps
As any overachiever knows, once a goal is set and achieved, a new goal must be created. So, what would be my next goal? How about Aerobatics, you know -- Daredevil Stunt Flying? That should continue to inspire me, don't you think!?
The first loop for me was in a 1929 TRAVELAIR 4000. For those of you unfamiliar, that's an open cockpit biplane built before all of us were born. As soon as I got over the fear of falling out of the plane -- I really started to enjoy myself -- maybe too much.
Again, we forward fast about one year to my first Aerobatic Contest. I came in Second in the "Basic" category for newbies, people like me. I was addicted to the energy, the mixture of control and gravity, the fear and the exhilaration. And I really enjoyed winning a trophy.
By now, if you know me, you probably know that my next step was to purchase my Aerobatic plane. I bought a tiny Pitts Special single seat biplane. Her name is Ruby and she and I are learning how to fly all over again; this time, upside down.
Learning how to fly is nothing compared to learning how to fly Aerobatic Maneuvers and then Sequences of Maneuvers together. While learning this, I also started learning formation flying and ACM (dog fighting) techniques. I was constantly searching out difficult experiences to expand my knowledge and to test my mettle.
The process continues
The most recent test for me was to attend Pylon Racing School in preparation for the National Air Racing Championships in Reno every September (at http://www.airrace.org). If you haven't heard, we race airplanes 50 feet off the desert floor at top speeds. There are six different classes of airplanes, including biplanes and jets, and the only words that come to mind are "hard core." This is mettle testing time.
So, why am I telling you this story? See, flying changed my life. I was a pretty good consultant and a decent human being BF (before flying) -- however, I have changed enormously. I learned how to focus. I learned determination and diligence. I learned the meaning of Courage, with a capital C. I learned how to overcome fear, to rely on my wits and my skills to work through a dreadful situation (I've had a few). I learned respect -- for machines, people, and talent. I learned the meaning of the word "Honor" and I've met people worthy of that word. I've learned the importance of punctuality. And I know that showing up isn't really half the battle. It's all about what you do after you show up, you know the results.
Most importantly, I learned that to live in the moment is the only way to live. Yesterday is filled with regrets and Tomorrow is filled with plans, but today is what I have to work with and that's what I'll do.
No one is an island.
While the Wright Brothers were an amazing duo, they were assisted by many through the ages. From the drawings of da Vinci in the 15th Century, to Otto Lilienthal and his gliding flights in the 1890s, to the multitudes who followed them, the Wrights brought it all together and made it work. I have many people to thank for inspiring me, and I never postpone thanking them.
Moments
I am including a few amusing anecdotes about being "the girl." I remember how hard I thought life was for me when I started in High Tech years ago. How many times did I hear "It's a man's world!" Well, you ain't seen nothing yet!
I remember flying Daisy to Las Vegas for "Girls' Weekend!" On our way there, someone in another plane actually said on the radio, after hearing my voice, "Oh no, another empty kitchen!" I loved it! Yep, somewhere in the world is yet another suburban kitchen devoid of the smell of chocolate chip cookies -- the horror.
We were still giggling when we landed and the fuel truck pulled up alongside ready to help us add fuel. My friend and I were gathering our suitcases out of the back and the fuel truck driver turned to us and said, "Where's the pilot?!" Actually, we were both pilots, just not boy pilots. I still chuckle when I think of his face when he saw these women exiting an airplane and he kept searching for the boy -- you know, the pilot.
Another good story, this one is about me and Ruby. Ruby is a single seat airplane. Many times when I fly, I wear a typical military style Nomex flight suit. I was standing next to Ruby wearing a flight suit and someone asked me, "Is this yours?" Yes. "Do you fly?" Yes. "By yourself?" Huh? Do I fly by myself? Is that what you said? I told the guy, "No, actually there is a nine year old boy on the ground with a Radio Control device that is actually doing the flying, I just sit in the plane and look cute, expletive, expletive!"
From that day on, I realized that the most frequently asked question I hear is, "Do you fly by yourself?" Yes, by myself. I did it -- by myself with the help of Wilbur and Orville and everyone that went before me and inspired me.
For more details about the amazing steps we've taken see http://www.flight100.org. Happy Anniversary to all of us!
Formula One Air Racing – New Players
When most people hear about the Reno Air Races, they think of the Big Iron – the Unlimited Division, Strega, Rare Bear, and Dago Red. Not many of the fans wake up at the crack of dawn to watch the Formula 1 Racers, or my beloved Biplane Class. These two groups put up some of the most exciting racing you’ll find, and they do it on a budget.
This month, we are going to look at some of the new blood in Formula 1. In the last few years, we have seen an amazing amount of talent come into the sport in the morning classes. And I, for one, believe they deserve more of our attention and support. Especially since I’m one of them, and I believe in the entertainment value of these groups. Seriously, where are you going to see an eight airplane formation take-off? Heck, that almost scares me, and I’m fearless.
Meet Elliot
One of the new players is a young man with an amazing pedigree. Elliot Seguin was one of those airport kids. You know the ones, they have a ton of energy and all they want to do is learn and help and fly and learn and help. And he’s SMART – not like “doesn’t fall down or hit himself in the head” smart… I mean REALLY SMART. But, you’ll see that in a few minutes, keep reading.
He grew up in the Midwest, Michigan to be exact. People from California don’t realize how different aviation is in other areas of our country, and around the world. In California, antiques like the Stearman, Waco or Ryan and military fighters like the P-51s or trainers like the T-6 are plentiful. Highly modified speedsters, like the Legacy or Glasair are everywhere. At my airport, we have several antiques, fighters, racers, speedsters and aerobatic aircraft. When visitors come from other parts of the country or the world, they pull up a lawn chair and watch the activities all day – and we practically laugh at them. It’s all in what you get used to and we, in California, are spoiled. Big time.
The other day, I left the office early and headed to the airport. Seriously, where else would I go? I watched the B-17 Liberty Belle come in to land and then, watched the run-up for a newly restored Yakolev-3 with an Allison motor, a few minutes later an Extra 300L landed behind a Sukhoi 26 and a Glasair II took off for a flight. This would be a good month in Michigan. Where I live, it’s called “Tuesday”.
So, back to Elliott… his dad was a pilot. In fact, his dad was “that guy” at the airport who kept improving his airplane .. because he could. He owned a Globe Swift. But when Elliott was in middle school, he put a Continental 210 on her. She was the Hot Rod of the Airport and probably started Elliot’s love for noise and speed and experimentation. He would watch his dad fly this amazing example of a Swift – at mid-field he’d be at pattern altitude. That was impressive. Elliot loved it. And he never forgot it either.
Dad went to Reno several times, but because of the school schedule – Elliot wasn’t able to join him. He heard the stories. It became his dream, his Mecca, if you will. Dad brought home Reno Paraphernalia, a coffee table book, a box of pictures and a vinyl record album of Reno Sounds.
These things drew Elliot’s attention like a moth to a flame. He would listen to that album until it was nearly groveless. He would look at the pictures and dream of being there. But, the final straw is when he met Lyle Shelton with his Rare Bear at Oshkosh one year. He was sold. He still has the t-shirt which Lyle signed for him.
Meeting Lyle, standing toe to toe with this legend, shaped this young man’s life. From that moment, he focused on earning his Pilot Certification and going to Reno to race a Bearcat. He couldn’t imagine anything better than that.
However, that road was long. He worked full time as a laborer through high school to earn enough money to buy a Cessna 150. He wanted to spend every minute at the Airport working on his plane, flying or earning enough money for avgas.
He then met a man named Davey, who restored old Fords, but his passion was the Stearman and T-6 projects he was working on in the evenings. He had a machine shop and all the tools a young Elliot would need to get into trouble. Davey hired our aspiring racer making him a deal. If you work on the car stuff and do a good job, I’ll teach you about the airplane stuff.
His first project was to get the cranks out of three old 1340’s which Davey had purchased off a cropduster somewhere in Indiana. Elliot was covered in old oil, pesticides and bugs working on those motors, but he was dirty and happy.
Later he worked on several W-670s for customers’ Stearman. At a small fly-in somewhere in the Midwest, Davey pointed at a Stearman taxiing by and says, “That’s your motor right there”? An overcoming feeling of pride took over him, as he watched his handiwork take to the sky.
All of this working and flying framed his life. He wanted to go fast, and whatever he flew would have a round motor and a tailwheel – like the Rare Bear. He told me that he couldn’t figure out why anyone would fly anything else. And he was never into those composites, but he should have been paying more attention.
He earned a Mechanical Engineering degree and is now a Design Engineer for Scaled Composites down in Mojave. From thinking the only cool airplane to race was a Bearcat, to working in composites for Burt Rutan was a long way to come. But he is around some of the most brilliant minds in Aviation.
Enter Jon and Patricia Sharp. Since he is already in Mojave, and already working in composites and engineering, doesn’t it make sense to walk a few hangar rows over and introduce yourself to the Sharps? He was hired. Joining the Nemesis Crew was his first real exposure to the Races.
In 2007, he was able to share his dream with his dad in a big way. Tiger had some composite problems with Strega and Elliot was able to get his dad inside the Strega Pit to help work on the beautiful Unlimited Racer. Dad got to meet Tiger, LD and Stevo and was able to see the sport “from the other side of the ropes”.
It was obvious to Elliot that the most economical and intelligent way for him to enter the races is through the Formula 1 Class. He liked the heritage of the class, thinking back to the names of Wittman and Cassutt. It was clear to Elliot after spending so much time with Jon Sharp, that this was the place to make his debut as Jon did many years ago.
He found his Cassutt Project in 2007 and started to turn her around. With the help of many people at the Mojave Airport, he was able to finish the aircraft in February of 2008 and by the time June rolled around; he had over 50 hours of flight time in her.
In June 2008, Elliot attended PRS, or Rookie School. This is the Seminar held each year to train and evaluate the new racers. He was a fresh young face and a “racer’s favorite.
The first time I met Elliot, he had just arrived at the Races in 2008. I was sitting in the Biplane/F1 hangar with some of the other racers and when they saw him pull into the pit area, most of them got up to say hello.
He is a genuinely likeable young man with a lot of passion for the sport and a good head on his shoulders. I expect to see him improve each year and probably move into another race class in the future. Will he fly a Bearcat in the Unlimited Division, or will he stay in composites? Only time will tell.
Reno is Marketing
A completely different story comes to us from Texas. John Hall was always interested in flying. He enlisted in the USAF when he was 17 years old and became an aircraft mechanic. He started his flying lessons shortly thereafter via the USAF Flying Club. He earned his CFI/II and MEI and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry Riddle.
His first experience going to Reno was in the Mid 90’s while running the CJ/Bravo Division for Cessna Citation. He brought the CitationJet for display. This was before many exhibitors were at Reno and now, the Pits are filled with the latest and greatest.
John joined an organization called Premier Jet Aviation. He thought a great way to get publicity for the organization was to go to Reno, NOT as an exhibitor again, but as a racer.
Race 99 was originally raced by Dave Morss as Cool Runnings and before that Sahara. She has a long heritage making her first race appearance back in 1980. John also purchased Race 98 as a practice airplane – but ended up entering both in 2007 and 2008.
The plan, currently, for 2009 is to just race one. Fielding two aircraft each year was taxing and doesn’t really benefit them from the Marketing standpoint.
John is one of those people who are always ready to lend a hand. I remember several times where he was able to fly his other plane, his RV-8 to give a competitor a hand. Steve Senegal from the Endeavor team forgot his tow-bar last year during PRS. John packed him into the RV and flew him back to Hayward, CA to pick it up.
He is also a big fan of the Formula 1 class. He agrees with Elliot about its Historic Value and considers it one of the most competitive classes. It is the only class built specifically for racing. The aircraft are all required to meet strict technical requirements and the pilot and crew can make only certain modifications.
The Rules – from the IF1 website
The rules are simple; all racers must be powered by a 200 cubic inch Continental engine (the same 100 hp engine used in a Cessna 150 trainer). The weights and size of every major part must be within stock limits. The cam profile and carburetion are strictly controlled. The racers must have at least 66 square feet of wing, weigh at least 500 pounds empty, have fixed landing gear and a fixed pitch propeller.
These rules were designed to provide a fast and economical racing class. They have succeeded well on both counts. International Formula 1 Air Racing is one of the fastest sports in the world. These racers routinely post lap speeds around a 3 mile oval in excess of 240 mph, and have been clocked on the straight-aways at well over 260 mph, all while flying approximately 50’' off the ground.
The races start from the ground, with the entire field of 8 airplanes taking off right in front of the crowd, and racing for the lead at the first turn. The races are generally 8 laps of a 3 mile oval course. Top planes post lap times of about 45 seconds. The class is highly competitive, with the difference between first and third often less than 1 mph.
Conclusion
Now, doesn’t that make you want to wake up early a few times during race week and see what all the fuss is about?
I’ll see you there.
Fly Low, Fly Fast, Turn Left,
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pictures
John Hall with his racer, Cool Runnings, Race99
Photocredit = Curtis Fowles
John Hall with his Practice Plane
Photocredit = Curtis Fowles
F1_lineup
Photocredt = Tim Adams
Tight Racing
Photocredit – Curtis Fowles
Even tighter
Photocredit – Tim Adams
Elliot and Wasabi ready to roll
Photocredit - John Hall
Contemplation
Photocredit – John Hall
When most people hear about the Reno Air Races, they think of the Big Iron – the Unlimited Division, Strega, Rare Bear, and Dago Red. Not many of the fans wake up at the crack of dawn to watch the Formula 1 Racers, or my beloved Biplane Class. These two groups put up some of the most exciting racing you’ll find, and they do it on a budget.
This month, we are going to look at some of the new blood in Formula 1. In the last few years, we have seen an amazing amount of talent come into the sport in the morning classes. And I, for one, believe they deserve more of our attention and support. Especially since I’m one of them, and I believe in the entertainment value of these groups. Seriously, where are you going to see an eight airplane formation take-off? Heck, that almost scares me, and I’m fearless.
Meet Elliot
One of the new players is a young man with an amazing pedigree. Elliot Seguin was one of those airport kids. You know the ones, they have a ton of energy and all they want to do is learn and help and fly and learn and help. And he’s SMART – not like “doesn’t fall down or hit himself in the head” smart… I mean REALLY SMART. But, you’ll see that in a few minutes, keep reading.
He grew up in the Midwest, Michigan to be exact. People from California don’t realize how different aviation is in other areas of our country, and around the world. In California, antiques like the Stearman, Waco or Ryan and military fighters like the P-51s or trainers like the T-6 are plentiful. Highly modified speedsters, like the Legacy or Glasair are everywhere. At my airport, we have several antiques, fighters, racers, speedsters and aerobatic aircraft. When visitors come from other parts of the country or the world, they pull up a lawn chair and watch the activities all day – and we practically laugh at them. It’s all in what you get used to and we, in California, are spoiled. Big time.
The other day, I left the office early and headed to the airport. Seriously, where else would I go? I watched the B-17 Liberty Belle come in to land and then, watched the run-up for a newly restored Yakolev-3 with an Allison motor, a few minutes later an Extra 300L landed behind a Sukhoi 26 and a Glasair II took off for a flight. This would be a good month in Michigan. Where I live, it’s called “Tuesday”.
So, back to Elliott… his dad was a pilot. In fact, his dad was “that guy” at the airport who kept improving his airplane .. because he could. He owned a Globe Swift. But when Elliott was in middle school, he put a Continental 210 on her. She was the Hot Rod of the Airport and probably started Elliot’s love for noise and speed and experimentation. He would watch his dad fly this amazing example of a Swift – at mid-field he’d be at pattern altitude. That was impressive. Elliot loved it. And he never forgot it either.
Dad went to Reno several times, but because of the school schedule – Elliot wasn’t able to join him. He heard the stories. It became his dream, his Mecca, if you will. Dad brought home Reno Paraphernalia, a coffee table book, a box of pictures and a vinyl record album of Reno Sounds.
These things drew Elliot’s attention like a moth to a flame. He would listen to that album until it was nearly groveless. He would look at the pictures and dream of being there. But, the final straw is when he met Lyle Shelton with his Rare Bear at Oshkosh one year. He was sold. He still has the t-shirt which Lyle signed for him.
Meeting Lyle, standing toe to toe with this legend, shaped this young man’s life. From that moment, he focused on earning his Pilot Certification and going to Reno to race a Bearcat. He couldn’t imagine anything better than that.
However, that road was long. He worked full time as a laborer through high school to earn enough money to buy a Cessna 150. He wanted to spend every minute at the Airport working on his plane, flying or earning enough money for avgas.
He then met a man named Davey, who restored old Fords, but his passion was the Stearman and T-6 projects he was working on in the evenings. He had a machine shop and all the tools a young Elliot would need to get into trouble. Davey hired our aspiring racer making him a deal. If you work on the car stuff and do a good job, I’ll teach you about the airplane stuff.
His first project was to get the cranks out of three old 1340’s which Davey had purchased off a cropduster somewhere in Indiana. Elliot was covered in old oil, pesticides and bugs working on those motors, but he was dirty and happy.
Later he worked on several W-670s for customers’ Stearman. At a small fly-in somewhere in the Midwest, Davey pointed at a Stearman taxiing by and says, “That’s your motor right there”? An overcoming feeling of pride took over him, as he watched his handiwork take to the sky.
All of this working and flying framed his life. He wanted to go fast, and whatever he flew would have a round motor and a tailwheel – like the Rare Bear. He told me that he couldn’t figure out why anyone would fly anything else. And he was never into those composites, but he should have been paying more attention.
He earned a Mechanical Engineering degree and is now a Design Engineer for Scaled Composites down in Mojave. From thinking the only cool airplane to race was a Bearcat, to working in composites for Burt Rutan was a long way to come. But he is around some of the most brilliant minds in Aviation.
Enter Jon and Patricia Sharp. Since he is already in Mojave, and already working in composites and engineering, doesn’t it make sense to walk a few hangar rows over and introduce yourself to the Sharps? He was hired. Joining the Nemesis Crew was his first real exposure to the Races.
In 2007, he was able to share his dream with his dad in a big way. Tiger had some composite problems with Strega and Elliot was able to get his dad inside the Strega Pit to help work on the beautiful Unlimited Racer. Dad got to meet Tiger, LD and Stevo and was able to see the sport “from the other side of the ropes”.
It was obvious to Elliot that the most economical and intelligent way for him to enter the races is through the Formula 1 Class. He liked the heritage of the class, thinking back to the names of Wittman and Cassutt. It was clear to Elliot after spending so much time with Jon Sharp, that this was the place to make his debut as Jon did many years ago.
He found his Cassutt Project in 2007 and started to turn her around. With the help of many people at the Mojave Airport, he was able to finish the aircraft in February of 2008 and by the time June rolled around; he had over 50 hours of flight time in her.
In June 2008, Elliot attended PRS, or Rookie School. This is the Seminar held each year to train and evaluate the new racers. He was a fresh young face and a “racer’s favorite.
The first time I met Elliot, he had just arrived at the Races in 2008. I was sitting in the Biplane/F1 hangar with some of the other racers and when they saw him pull into the pit area, most of them got up to say hello.
He is a genuinely likeable young man with a lot of passion for the sport and a good head on his shoulders. I expect to see him improve each year and probably move into another race class in the future. Will he fly a Bearcat in the Unlimited Division, or will he stay in composites? Only time will tell.
Reno is Marketing
A completely different story comes to us from Texas. John Hall was always interested in flying. He enlisted in the USAF when he was 17 years old and became an aircraft mechanic. He started his flying lessons shortly thereafter via the USAF Flying Club. He earned his CFI/II and MEI and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry Riddle.
His first experience going to Reno was in the Mid 90’s while running the CJ/Bravo Division for Cessna Citation. He brought the CitationJet for display. This was before many exhibitors were at Reno and now, the Pits are filled with the latest and greatest.
John joined an organization called Premier Jet Aviation. He thought a great way to get publicity for the organization was to go to Reno, NOT as an exhibitor again, but as a racer.
Race 99 was originally raced by Dave Morss as Cool Runnings and before that Sahara. She has a long heritage making her first race appearance back in 1980. John also purchased Race 98 as a practice airplane – but ended up entering both in 2007 and 2008.
The plan, currently, for 2009 is to just race one. Fielding two aircraft each year was taxing and doesn’t really benefit them from the Marketing standpoint.
John is one of those people who are always ready to lend a hand. I remember several times where he was able to fly his other plane, his RV-8 to give a competitor a hand. Steve Senegal from the Endeavor team forgot his tow-bar last year during PRS. John packed him into the RV and flew him back to Hayward, CA to pick it up.
He is also a big fan of the Formula 1 class. He agrees with Elliot about its Historic Value and considers it one of the most competitive classes. It is the only class built specifically for racing. The aircraft are all required to meet strict technical requirements and the pilot and crew can make only certain modifications.
The Rules – from the IF1 website
The rules are simple; all racers must be powered by a 200 cubic inch Continental engine (the same 100 hp engine used in a Cessna 150 trainer). The weights and size of every major part must be within stock limits. The cam profile and carburetion are strictly controlled. The racers must have at least 66 square feet of wing, weigh at least 500 pounds empty, have fixed landing gear and a fixed pitch propeller.
These rules were designed to provide a fast and economical racing class. They have succeeded well on both counts. International Formula 1 Air Racing is one of the fastest sports in the world. These racers routinely post lap speeds around a 3 mile oval in excess of 240 mph, and have been clocked on the straight-aways at well over 260 mph, all while flying approximately 50’' off the ground.
The races start from the ground, with the entire field of 8 airplanes taking off right in front of the crowd, and racing for the lead at the first turn. The races are generally 8 laps of a 3 mile oval course. Top planes post lap times of about 45 seconds. The class is highly competitive, with the difference between first and third often less than 1 mph.
Conclusion
Now, doesn’t that make you want to wake up early a few times during race week and see what all the fuss is about?
I’ll see you there.
Fly Low, Fly Fast, Turn Left,
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pictures
John Hall with his racer, Cool Runnings, Race99
Photocredit = Curtis Fowles
John Hall with his Practice Plane
Photocredit = Curtis Fowles
F1_lineup
Photocredt = Tim Adams
Tight Racing
Photocredit – Curtis Fowles
Even tighter
Photocredit – Tim Adams
Elliot and Wasabi ready to roll
Photocredit - John Hall
Contemplation
Photocredit – John Hall
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mid Year Updates
Mid Year Updates – what is happening in the world of Air Racing?
Mid year is always a difficult time to write my column. So many things are happening, but nothing is “on the record” quite yet. Airplanes are being sold, Crews are moving around, Pilots are changing, and modifications are happening faster than we can monitor.
So, let’s discuss what is solid.
Reno Airshow Performers
The US Navy Blue Angels flying their F-18 Hornets will be at Reno this year. I couldn’t be happier. After several years of both the Thunderbirds and the Snowbirds, it will be a nice change of pace for those of us who are there every day and watch the show multiple times. I would like to thank RARA for making that happen.
Caption= US Navy Blue Angels are returning to Reno this year
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
David Martin, who is sponsored by Breitling, will also be returning to Reno this year. He has a high powered Airshow routine in his Extra 300S. David has a nice background and training from Competition Aerobatics to TX Air Guard, to super Airshow skills. I know you will enjoy his show.
Patty Wagstaff, probably one of the most decorated women in Airshow History, will be joining us this year. She will also be flying the Extra 300S and putting on a dynamic show. This will probably be the first time many of the West Coasters will see Ms Wagstaff. I’m sure they will not be disappointed.
Joining these two superb individual acts will be The Red Eagles, a two-ship formation biplane team. They fly a low and tight show which will likely keep your attention during their show. I’ve seen them before and am very happy to hear they will be joining us this year.
What else can we expect at Reno this year?
Several of the fan favorites have changed hands this year. Dago Red, we discussed last month. But Furias is now in new and very capable hands. Hopefully we will learn more about her changes next month.
Also, Mike Brown’s September Pops Air Race Team has been sold to Rod Lewis. Yes, the same Rod Lewis who purchased the fan favorite, Rare Bear. I guess the best way to make sure you’re in the Gold Race is to buy a few of the Gold Racers.
Caption = Mike Brown’s Gold Racer, September Fury, now owned by Rod Lewis
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
Mr. Lewis also purchased a project known as American Spirit. His goal is said to be establishing several records, like Lyle Shelton and Steve Hinton, Sr. did several years ago. American Spirit will be used for those speed records first, and maybe have a career at Reno afterwards. In my opinion, anything that brings positive press and fan attention to aviation is good for all of us. So, thank you, Mr. Lewis. I hope I get a chance to interview him this year in the off-season before things heat up. Rumor has it we may even see him at PRS this year.
Speaking of PRS, the dates are set and the entry package is already available on the RARA website. If you are considering bringing your aircraft to Reno this year for the first time, you need to attend Pylon Racing School June 17-20, 2009.
Red Bull
The biggest news to Reno Fans that touches on the Red Bull Races is the fate of the much loved P-38 known previously as Lefty Gardners’ White Lightning. She is currently on a boat to Europe to be added to the Red Bull stable in Austria.
For those of us lucky enough to see her before she was shipped, she is a beauty. The Ezell’s did a great job getting her back into immaculate condition. We are sorry to see her go.
Caption = The Red Bull P38 Performed for us at the Nellis Airshow this year.
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
Red Bull Air Races
Red Bull, in an attempt to attract a younger crowd perhaps, has added some new blood in the way of younger pilots. Pete McLeod, Matthias Dolderer, Yoshi Muroya, and Matt Hall are all yes blood adding to the already exciting competition between Paul Bonhomme, Michael Mangold, Kirby Chambliss, last years champion, Hannes Arch, Peter Besenyei among others.
Pete McLeod is a Canadian and will be the youngest pilot to fly in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships. He earned his pilot certification before he was able to drive a car. And now, he is flying in the World Championships at a mere 25 year of age,… sigh, I feel old.
Dolderer is from Germany and followed the success of last year’s champion, Hannes Arch closely. He is looking to make a name for himself this year. Yoshi is from Japan and the first competitor from Asia I can think of to join the group. Matt Hall will be joining the us from Australia.
Red Bull has put together a terrific group of pilots and competitors. I know this will be an exciting year for all of us to watch. They will be returning to San Diego in May and Windsor, Canada in June.
Aero-GP
The new kid on the block which we covered a few months ago already had their first race of the season. To no one’s surprise, Zoltan Veres took the win in Al Ain, UAE back in January. Smokey Young, a F1 Driver and Aero GP competitor took a satisfactory 4th in his new aircraft.
This was the first time Smokey was able to perform the Bombing Contest. What a great idea, and sounds like an amazing amount of fun for the pilots and fans alike.
We can only hope that Aero-GP will be able to make a showing here in the states sometime in 2009 or 2010.
Caption=Zoltan Veres wins another trophy
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Another kind of Pylon
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Well known Reno Racer, CJ Stephens helps out at Aero GP
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Mid year is always a difficult time to write my column. So many things are happening, but nothing is “on the record” quite yet. Airplanes are being sold, Crews are moving around, Pilots are changing, and modifications are happening faster than we can monitor.
So, let’s discuss what is solid.
Reno Airshow Performers
The US Navy Blue Angels flying their F-18 Hornets will be at Reno this year. I couldn’t be happier. After several years of both the Thunderbirds and the Snowbirds, it will be a nice change of pace for those of us who are there every day and watch the show multiple times. I would like to thank RARA for making that happen.
Caption= US Navy Blue Angels are returning to Reno this year
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
David Martin, who is sponsored by Breitling, will also be returning to Reno this year. He has a high powered Airshow routine in his Extra 300S. David has a nice background and training from Competition Aerobatics to TX Air Guard, to super Airshow skills. I know you will enjoy his show.
Patty Wagstaff, probably one of the most decorated women in Airshow History, will be joining us this year. She will also be flying the Extra 300S and putting on a dynamic show. This will probably be the first time many of the West Coasters will see Ms Wagstaff. I’m sure they will not be disappointed.
Joining these two superb individual acts will be The Red Eagles, a two-ship formation biplane team. They fly a low and tight show which will likely keep your attention during their show. I’ve seen them before and am very happy to hear they will be joining us this year.
What else can we expect at Reno this year?
Several of the fan favorites have changed hands this year. Dago Red, we discussed last month. But Furias is now in new and very capable hands. Hopefully we will learn more about her changes next month.
Also, Mike Brown’s September Pops Air Race Team has been sold to Rod Lewis. Yes, the same Rod Lewis who purchased the fan favorite, Rare Bear. I guess the best way to make sure you’re in the Gold Race is to buy a few of the Gold Racers.
Caption = Mike Brown’s Gold Racer, September Fury, now owned by Rod Lewis
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
Mr. Lewis also purchased a project known as American Spirit. His goal is said to be establishing several records, like Lyle Shelton and Steve Hinton, Sr. did several years ago. American Spirit will be used for those speed records first, and maybe have a career at Reno afterwards. In my opinion, anything that brings positive press and fan attention to aviation is good for all of us. So, thank you, Mr. Lewis. I hope I get a chance to interview him this year in the off-season before things heat up. Rumor has it we may even see him at PRS this year.
Speaking of PRS, the dates are set and the entry package is already available on the RARA website. If you are considering bringing your aircraft to Reno this year for the first time, you need to attend Pylon Racing School June 17-20, 2009.
Red Bull
The biggest news to Reno Fans that touches on the Red Bull Races is the fate of the much loved P-38 known previously as Lefty Gardners’ White Lightning. She is currently on a boat to Europe to be added to the Red Bull stable in Austria.
For those of us lucky enough to see her before she was shipped, she is a beauty. The Ezell’s did a great job getting her back into immaculate condition. We are sorry to see her go.
Caption = The Red Bull P38 Performed for us at the Nellis Airshow this year.
Photo Courtesy of Curtis Fowles, Mustangs Mustangs
Red Bull Air Races
Red Bull, in an attempt to attract a younger crowd perhaps, has added some new blood in the way of younger pilots. Pete McLeod, Matthias Dolderer, Yoshi Muroya, and Matt Hall are all yes blood adding to the already exciting competition between Paul Bonhomme, Michael Mangold, Kirby Chambliss, last years champion, Hannes Arch, Peter Besenyei among others.
Pete McLeod is a Canadian and will be the youngest pilot to fly in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships. He earned his pilot certification before he was able to drive a car. And now, he is flying in the World Championships at a mere 25 year of age,… sigh, I feel old.
Dolderer is from Germany and followed the success of last year’s champion, Hannes Arch closely. He is looking to make a name for himself this year. Yoshi is from Japan and the first competitor from Asia I can think of to join the group. Matt Hall will be joining the us from Australia.
Red Bull has put together a terrific group of pilots and competitors. I know this will be an exciting year for all of us to watch. They will be returning to San Diego in May and Windsor, Canada in June.
Aero-GP
The new kid on the block which we covered a few months ago already had their first race of the season. To no one’s surprise, Zoltan Veres took the win in Al Ain, UAE back in January. Smokey Young, a F1 Driver and Aero GP competitor took a satisfactory 4th in his new aircraft.
This was the first time Smokey was able to perform the Bombing Contest. What a great idea, and sounds like an amazing amount of fun for the pilots and fans alike.
We can only hope that Aero-GP will be able to make a showing here in the states sometime in 2009 or 2010.
Caption=Zoltan Veres wins another trophy
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Another kind of Pylon
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Well known Reno Racer, CJ Stephens helps out at Aero GP
Photo courtesy of Aero-GP and Sly Dog Air Racing
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Reno Wrap-up -- Merlins and Maydays
The Highlight - Tiger wins!
It is true. Sometimes age and guile win. After an 11 year dry spell, Bill “Tiger” Destefani won his seventh Unlimited National Championship in amazing fashion with his beloved Strega. The Prince, trapped in the body of a Farmer is your Unlimited Champion once again.
This year’s Unlimited Gold was the best in nearly 20 years. I predicted an historic outcome due to the large number of returning champions in the hunt this year, but the races surpassed even my expectations.
To end a final race with two Merlin-powered Mustangs not just still running, but finishing 1st and 2nd was what the fans wanted to see. And having Mike Brown hot in their heels, that is what racing is all about.
It was a long road for Tiger. After his last win in 1997, he had not finished a Gold Race until this year. Different gremlins were causing him strife, but Tigers will always beat gremlins.
He says he is retiring. However, we have heard that before. He says the reins to his Mustang are now in the hands of the new kid, Steven Hinton, Jr. However, he will be there, lurking in the background – making sure Stevo has the right combination of experience that will one day make him an Unlimited National Champion, too.
The long term fans remarked that 1991 was the last time the racing was this exciting. That was the year that the top three finishers in the Gold Unlimited Race on Sunday ALL broke the previous record. Lyle Shelton in his Rare Bear, Tiger in his Strega and Skip Holm in Tsunami were all over 478 mph during that race. For many fans that race still brings chills.
Rob Miller
Dago Red
The new owners of Dago Red must be happy with their 2nd place finish. Dan Martin muscled her around and just couldn’t overtake our leader. He did a magnificent job and I hope to see him again next year piloting Dago Red.
Rare Bear
Other Unlimiteds that weren’t as lucky include Rare Bear’s John Penney. He has great talent and courage – he must have because after visiting with the Rescue Teams after several horrendous Maydays during the week, he still got back in the cockpit for another run.
In talking with Rod Lewis, Rare Bear’s owner, he expressed his disappointment in the performance this year. “She was not running to her full potential this year. We plan a complete debrief session within the next 30 days. I have not had time to debrief yet with my crew chief and race pilots along with other important members of the crew, but it appears that our aircraft is now completely rebuilt and in excellent flying condition; it just needs a good engine to go fast.”
The Rare Bear fans, of which there are many, should be happy to hear that, and to know that despite a difficult year, work is already being planned for 2009.
Voodoo
Voodoo was filled with hope and expectations, only to have the engine let loose on their new pilot, Will Whiteside. The Mayday call goes out and Safety Pilot, CJ Stevens is on Voodoo – “Bob, yes, there is smoke.” And Will’s voice coming back, “Um.. CJ, it’s not Bob, it’s Will. But, I wish it was Bob.” In his first major Mayday at Reno, Will managed perfectly – despondently bringing a sick engine home to the new boss.
Bob Button, owner of Voodoo was hoping for two healthy race engines this year. He got one – and his “go home” engine. So, this gorgeous race plane was relegated to the Bronze Race with his stocker engine. Sad results for Mr. Button – but they learned many things this year and will be back next year.
Team Sanders
Other disappointments for this year include the Sanders’ Argonaut and Dreadnought. Argonaut had a catastrophic failure that resulted in a Mayday – complete with flames – for Superhero, CJ Stevens. I believe I received several grey hairs on that one. I bet CJ did, too.
Dreadnought, after losing 2nd place last year to a deadline infraction, pulled up short again this year, with a less catastrophic failure that resulted in metal being found in the screens. Both of these darlings were tugged away and hidden in a hangar until they could be retrieved another day. This was a sad ending to 2008 for a wonderful racing/flying family.
Unlimited Rookies
Sawbones, the old Southern Cross Sea Fury, was there with her new owner, Robin Crandall, and Sophomore Pilot, Ray Dieckman. The team had their ups and downs during the week – but it was all good when Ray passed three airplanes to win the Silver and bumping to the Gold on Sunday. Robin is still recovering from the experience.
They learned about the quality of people on the ramp – when they needed help, folks like Nelson Ezell, Stu Dawson and Dennis Sanders were there with the expertise. His team is also having a post race debrief in the next few days to decide where they go from here. I certainly hope “where” is “back to Reno in 2009”. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Doug Matthews brought his pristine P-51, The Rebel this year. He knew he was a Bronze runner – but to finish 2nd behind Voodoo, was a great experience and he’ll be back. When I asked him what changes he was planning to his airplane, he said she is already at the shop getting modifications done. I believe we have a new victim of the Racing Bug.
And, our favorite Rookie is none other than Stevo Hinton. In his first year as a Race Pilot, he raced Sparky in the Bronze to finish third. He also qualified in both Lady Jo and Sparky, as well as trying his hand at the Wildcat, Air Biscuit. When he wasn’t wearing a flightsuit, he could be found in the Strega pit making things happen for his friend and mentor, Tiger.
Sport Highlights
John Sharp and his NEMESIS NXT were the hit of the show in Super Sport this year. While Kevin Eldredge in Relentless, George Giboney in his Thunder Mustang, and Mike Dacey in his Questaire Venture (Egg, to the regulars) were all in the hunt earlier in the week, NEMESIS was just that – their nemesis.
Sharp’s qualifying time was an astounding 409 mph, which was 34 mph faster than the next competitor, Dacey. On the final lap of the final race on Sunday, he lapped half the field. It was a truly decisive victory. Congrats to Team NEMESIS and to the Sharps.
Jet Highlights
Astronaut, Curt Brown battled USAF Academy classmate Mike Mangold in the fastest race I’ve ever seen. Curt’s final speed was over 500 mph with Mike at 499 and change. This year, we saw two L-29 Vipers along with a host of L-39s and a beautifully painted Fouga flown by Lee Behel.
T-6 Highlights
Our winner this year was Ken Dwelle in Tinkertoy at 244 plus mph, a new T-6 Record. When asked how he got that much speed this year, Ken was quick to point out that Reno moved two pylons, to create a more optimal line on the east side of the course. That fact, plus they ran a different prop set up this year. Otherwise, we’ll leave the rest of the increase to magic pixie dust and good weather.
Whatever it was, the T-6 racing was some of the most exciting in years. Al Goss in Warlock took second and John Zayac in McDonald Racer rounded out the top three.
Nick Macy, last year’s winner pulled up with a Mayday during the final Gold Race on Sunday with a lost counter-weight on his prop. From the time he said MAYDAY to the time his wheels were on the ground, no more than 10 seconds had elapsed. I bet that plane was shaking like an earthquake. Glad that Nick brought her down safely.
And before I forget, the Warlock Party was the best ever. Thank you, Al and Anita!
Biplane Highlights
Tom Aberle has been racing Biplanes every year since 1964. And, he won again – with a new race record. His Phantom is just a sight to behold running around the pylons with that “it slices, it dices” propeller. Tom is a true professional and a true showman and an asset to the Biplane Class. Congrats to Team Phantom.
Biplanes lined up in hangar>
For the first year since I’ve been racing, the Biplanes didn’t have enough entries to fill the field. So, using our team work and sense of play, we gather three full fields with volunteers and alternate pilots. So, I finished in my spot in Silver (8th) and I filled in at the back of the Bronze race also. So, I have two trophies, one for the house and one for the hangar.
Daddy Dasher was there this year, for the first time. He was able to see two of my races and meet about 2000 people who all told stories about me. Thanks, Guys! I believe he will be back next year, I hope so.
IF1
Last year’s winner, Endeavor was sold over the winter. Yet that didn’t stop her from reviving her winning ways with her new owner, Steve Senegal. Gary Davis, Doug Bodine and Smokey Young made the fight for first place in the Gold a very interesting endeavor (pun intended).
With lots of new pilots and new planes on the horizon, IF1 looks to be a happening class again. Rookie Pilots Thom Richard, finished 7th in the Gold and Dan Peters in Route 66 (previously known as Pooder) came in 2nd in the Bronze. Sadly, another Rookie, John Kokshoorn, new owner of Outrageous and our lone Aussie, wasn’t able to finish the Gold race on Sunday due to an engine hiccup. But, they will all be back next year, I’m certain.
Final comments
For true racers, only a few days go by between the end of one race week and the start of planning for the next year. Already several teams are planning their changes in preparation for more excitement next year.
Furias has been sold to someone who has great plans for her future. We know that Doug Matthews is already making changes to his race plane. The new owners of Dago Red, The Costo Family, are busy making strategic moves for their mighty Mustang.
It only gets better from here. Congrats to all the winners and all the racers!
And a moment of silence for my friend, Erica Simpson, who we lost in a testing incident early in the week. Blue skies and tailwinds forever.
Marilyn Dash
It is true. Sometimes age and guile win. After an 11 year dry spell, Bill “Tiger” Destefani won his seventh Unlimited National Championship in amazing fashion with his beloved Strega. The Prince, trapped in the body of a Farmer is your Unlimited Champion once again.
This year’s Unlimited Gold was the best in nearly 20 years. I predicted an historic outcome due to the large number of returning champions in the hunt this year, but the races surpassed even my expectations.
To end a final race with two Merlin-powered Mustangs not just still running, but finishing 1st and 2nd was what the fans wanted to see. And having Mike Brown hot in their heels, that is what racing is all about.
It was a long road for Tiger. After his last win in 1997, he had not finished a Gold Race until this year. Different gremlins were causing him strife, but Tigers will always beat gremlins.
He says he is retiring. However, we have heard that before. He says the reins to his Mustang are now in the hands of the new kid, Steven Hinton, Jr. However, he will be there, lurking in the background – making sure Stevo has the right combination of experience that will one day make him an Unlimited National Champion, too.
The long term fans remarked that 1991 was the last time the racing was this exciting. That was the year that the top three finishers in the Gold Unlimited Race on Sunday ALL broke the previous record. Lyle Shelton in his Rare Bear, Tiger in his Strega and Skip Holm in Tsunami were all over 478 mph during that race. For many fans that race still brings chills.
Dago Red
The new owners of Dago Red must be happy with their 2nd place finish. Dan Martin muscled her around and just couldn’t overtake our leader. He did a magnificent job and I hope to see him again next year piloting Dago Red.
Rare Bear
Other Unlimiteds that weren’t as lucky include Rare Bear’s John Penney. He has great talent and courage – he must have because after visiting with the Rescue Teams after several horrendous Maydays during the week, he still got back in the cockpit for another run.
In talking with Rod Lewis, Rare Bear’s owner, he expressed his disappointment in the performance this year. “She was not running to her full potential this year. We plan a complete debrief session within the next 30 days. I have not had time to debrief yet with my crew chief and race pilots along with other important members of the crew, but it appears that our aircraft is now completely rebuilt and in excellent flying condition; it just needs a good engine to go fast.”
The Rare Bear fans, of which there are many, should be happy to hear that, and to know that despite a difficult year, work is already being planned for 2009.
Voodoo
Voodoo was filled with hope and expectations, only to have the engine let loose on their new pilot, Will Whiteside. The Mayday call goes out and Safety Pilot, CJ Stevens is on Voodoo – “Bob, yes, there is smoke.” And Will’s voice coming back, “Um.. CJ, it’s not Bob, it’s Will. But, I wish it was Bob.” In his first major Mayday at Reno, Will managed perfectly – despondently bringing a sick engine home to the new boss.
Bob Button, owner of Voodoo was hoping for two healthy race engines this year. He got one – and his “go home” engine. So, this gorgeous race plane was relegated to the Bronze Race with his stocker engine. Sad results for Mr. Button – but they learned many things this year and will be back next year.
Team Sanders
Other disappointments for this year include the Sanders’ Argonaut and Dreadnought. Argonaut had a catastrophic failure that resulted in a Mayday – complete with flames – for Superhero, CJ Stevens. I believe I received several grey hairs on that one. I bet CJ did, too.
Dreadnought, after losing 2nd place last year to a deadline infraction, pulled up short again this year, with a less catastrophic failure that resulted in metal being found in the screens. Both of these darlings were tugged away and hidden in a hangar until they could be retrieved another day. This was a sad ending to 2008 for a wonderful racing/flying family.
Unlimited Rookies
Sawbones, the old Southern Cross Sea Fury, was there with her new owner, Robin Crandall, and Sophomore Pilot, Ray Dieckman. The team had their ups and downs during the week – but it was all good when Ray passed three airplanes to win the Silver and bumping to the Gold on Sunday. Robin is still recovering from the experience.
They learned about the quality of people on the ramp – when they needed help, folks like Nelson Ezell, Stu Dawson and Dennis Sanders were there with the expertise. His team is also having a post race debrief in the next few days to decide where they go from here. I certainly hope “where” is “back to Reno in 2009”. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Doug Matthews brought his pristine P-51, The Rebel this year. He knew he was a Bronze runner – but to finish 2nd behind Voodoo, was a great experience and he’ll be back. When I asked him what changes he was planning to his airplane, he said she is already at the shop getting modifications done. I believe we have a new victim of the Racing Bug.
And, our favorite Rookie is none other than Stevo Hinton. In his first year as a Race Pilot, he raced Sparky in the Bronze to finish third. He also qualified in both Lady Jo and Sparky, as well as trying his hand at the Wildcat, Air Biscuit. When he wasn’t wearing a flightsuit, he could be found in the Strega pit making things happen for his friend and mentor, Tiger.
Sport Highlights
John Sharp and his NEMESIS NXT were the hit of the show in Super Sport this year. While Kevin Eldredge in Relentless, George Giboney in his Thunder Mustang, and Mike Dacey in his Questaire Venture (Egg, to the regulars) were all in the hunt earlier in the week, NEMESIS was just that – their nemesis.
Sharp’s qualifying time was an astounding 409 mph, which was 34 mph faster than the next competitor, Dacey. On the final lap of the final race on Sunday, he lapped half the field. It was a truly decisive victory. Congrats to Team NEMESIS and to the Sharps.
Jet Highlights
Astronaut, Curt Brown battled USAF Academy classmate Mike Mangold in the fastest race I’ve ever seen. Curt’s final speed was over 500 mph with Mike at 499 and change. This year, we saw two L-29 Vipers along with a host of L-39s and a beautifully painted Fouga flown by Lee Behel.
T-6 Highlights
Our winner this year was Ken Dwelle in Tinkertoy at 244 plus mph, a new T-6 Record. When asked how he got that much speed this year, Ken was quick to point out that Reno moved two pylons, to create a more optimal line on the east side of the course. That fact, plus they ran a different prop set up this year. Otherwise, we’ll leave the rest of the increase to magic pixie dust and good weather.
Whatever it was, the T-6 racing was some of the most exciting in years. Al Goss in Warlock took second and John Zayac in McDonald Racer rounded out the top three.
Nick Macy, last year’s winner pulled up with a Mayday during the final Gold Race on Sunday with a lost counter-weight on his prop. From the time he said MAYDAY to the time his wheels were on the ground, no more than 10 seconds had elapsed. I bet that plane was shaking like an earthquake. Glad that Nick brought her down safely.
And before I forget, the Warlock Party was the best ever. Thank you, Al and Anita!
Biplane Highlights
Tom Aberle has been racing Biplanes every year since 1964. And, he won again – with a new race record. His Phantom is just a sight to behold running around the pylons with that “it slices, it dices” propeller. Tom is a true professional and a true showman and an asset to the Biplane Class. Congrats to Team Phantom.
For the first year since I’ve been racing, the Biplanes didn’t have enough entries to fill the field. So, using our team work and sense of play, we gather three full fields with volunteers and alternate pilots. So, I finished in my spot in Silver (8th) and I filled in at the back of the Bronze race also. So, I have two trophies, one for the house and one for the hangar.
Daddy Dasher was there this year, for the first time. He was able to see two of my races and meet about 2000 people who all told stories about me. Thanks, Guys! I believe he will be back next year, I hope so.
IF1
Last year’s winner, Endeavor was sold over the winter. Yet that didn’t stop her from reviving her winning ways with her new owner, Steve Senegal. Gary Davis, Doug Bodine and Smokey Young made the fight for first place in the Gold a very interesting endeavor (pun intended).
With lots of new pilots and new planes on the horizon, IF1 looks to be a happening class again. Rookie Pilots Thom Richard, finished 7th in the Gold and Dan Peters in Route 66 (previously known as Pooder) came in 2nd in the Bronze. Sadly, another Rookie, John Kokshoorn, new owner of Outrageous and our lone Aussie, wasn’t able to finish the Gold race on Sunday due to an engine hiccup. But, they will all be back next year, I’m certain.
Final comments
For true racers, only a few days go by between the end of one race week and the start of planning for the next year. Already several teams are planning their changes in preparation for more excitement next year.
Furias has been sold to someone who has great plans for her future. We know that Doug Matthews is already making changes to his race plane. The new owners of Dago Red, The Costo Family, are busy making strategic moves for their mighty Mustang.
It only gets better from here. Congrats to all the winners and all the racers!
And a moment of silence for my friend, Erica Simpson, who we lost in a testing incident early in the week. Blue skies and tailwinds forever.
Marilyn Dash
AERO GP… the new kid on the block…
Regular readers of my column know about the National Championship Air Races held in Reno each year and about Red Bull Air Racing. Well, there is a new kid on the block and it’s called Aero GP and they are taking Europe and Asia by storm.
Aero GP is the newest aviation sports series. National Championship Air Racing at Reno is closed course pylon racing, based on qualifying time and speeds. Checkered flag = winner. And there are approximately 8 airplanes flying the course at the same time. Most of you are fans of Reno and have seen this many times – or at least read about it. Currently, there are 6 different divisions including International Formula 1, Biplanes (me), Sport, T-6, Jets and Unlimited (Piston).
Red Bull Air Racing is single plane timed racing. Their series also includes some aerobatic maneuvers to fly the course. This series involves high performance aerobatic aircraft, usually Edge 540, Extra 300 series or the new MXS.
Aero GP combines several types of piloting skills from racing, to aerobatics to dog-fighting and other barnstorming type events. They call it the “Ultimate Battle for Air Supremacy”. Most of their exhibitions are three or four days long and are part of an overall Airshow with several other acts going during the weekend. The three primary disciplines in each competition will decide the annual "World Champion Flying Ace”.
Air Racing: Imagine pylon racing, similar to the Reno Air Races – but with aerobatic airplanes, six on the course at a time. Imagine all of this on a course about half the size of the Reno F1/Biplane Course. They make the course shorter to keep the action in front of the crowd at all times. This clearly gives an advantage to the aviators who have done some Air Racing in their past.
Aerobatics: In other Worldwide Unlimited Aerobatic competition, there is a four-minute freestyle event. This allows these highly trained aerobatic competitors to really show their abilities in an Airshow style routine. The second discipline of the Aero GP contest mirrors this four-minute freestyle giving a nod to the aerobatic competitors and Airshow performers in the ranks.
Air Combat: Yes, Dog-fighting or BFM (Basic Fighter Maneuvers) just like in the movies. This competition pairs two pilots in a competitive dog-fight. The pilots take to the skies in an attempt to out-maneuver, hunt down and shoot each other out of the sky! There are two segments of two minutes each, and the winners move on to the next heat. This segment of the contest clearly gives an advantage to the military pilots in the group.
At the next few events, they are also looking to add a bombing competition again – where they will attach plastic bombs to the bottom of the aircraft and provide some sort of cable to release the bombs over their targets. You have to admit, this sounds very interesting.
Winners are based on points. Points are scored in each competition. The pilot who earns the most points wins the event. No checkered flag and there is no clear winner until the end.
Compare and Contrast.
The biggest difference between Reno, Red Bull and Aero GP is the multi discipline aspect. Also, while Reno tends to center around the machine, Aero GP really focuses on the overall piloting skill.
The primary difference between Red Bull and Aero GP is Aero GP has six airplanes racing against each other rather than a single aircraft against a clock. Aero GP throws in the Red Bull aerobatic element by having the free style competition. The air-to-combat is very unique and also seems to be the crowd favorite.
The pylon race is conducted in a manner similar to the races at Reno. The field is limited to six airplanes which enter the course via an airborne start. The fastest qualifiers get choice of position as at Reno. The race lasts 10 laps and is flown around 4 inflatable pylons.
In Constanta, Romania last summer, the course and pylons were over the water (Black Sea). The pylons were large inflatable buoys. The front and back stretch of the course are about 1/4 of a kilometer with a 300 meter radius turn on either end. This makes for a real tight course, much tighter than Reno and really favors aerobatic airplanes. The tight course keeps the airplanes well in sight of the crowd so the race is very exciting to watch. Just like Reno the racers fly as low as possible and tend to stay tight on the pylons.
The free style aerobatic competition is an unscripted 4 minute display. Each competitor enters the box and performs for the crowd. Judging is done based on crowd appeal. At Romania last year several people from the crowd were actually chosen to assist in scoring. Emphasis is on showmanship and this provides the crowds with a great display.
The third event, air-to-air combat is flown one versus one. The competitors draw names from a hat to create the pairings. Elimination draws down to a single airplane. Combat begins with the competitors entering the box in formation. They then separate and begin the fight at high aspect. Whoever gains the advantage and scores three hits (ground scored – by judges) wins the engagement. You must close to within 100 meters of your opponent to score a valid hit. Like the other events the dogfight is done right in front of the crowd. The hard deck or minimum altitude is 100 feet so the action gets low to the wave tops and very exciting.
Jeff Zaltmann is the Director of Flying Aces UK, Aero GP’s parent company. He met Smokey Young at the 2007 Reno Air Races. Smokey is currently the President of the International Formula 1 class at Reno. In 2007, Jeff invited Smokey to join the 2008 Constanta Challenge in Romania and to give some input on Air Racing for the series. I met Smokey in 2003 at PRS (rookie school) and have spent lots of time with him over the years at Reno and chatting off-season.
With over 25 years of flying and 7,700 flight hours under his belt, Smokey began his career in the U.S. Air Force flying the F-111 tactical strike bomber on operational tours and as a flight instructor and examiner. After the military, Smokey became a pilot for a major U.S. airline, commanding Boeing 727s and 757s, then turned his attention to air racing in 2003.
Smokey is the President of the International Formula 1 Air Racing association, which has been around for over 60 years. In this role, Smokey and his staff are responsible for coordination of racing policies, procedures, rules, technical standards, pilot training and qualifications, as well as liaising directly with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on regulatory and safety matters. Smokey also manages and pilots a top team, Sly Dog, at the Reno Air Races National Championships in the F1 class, where he raced in the Gold Race the last two years.
In addition to air racing, Smokey spent several years as an air combat instructor at America’s leading civilian air combat training and experience centre, flying Extra 300s and Marchetti SF-260s in a broad range of tactical dog fighting maneuvers and aerobatics. His additional instruction experience continues – not only as a flight instructor – but in the classroom, at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA, where he teaches university level courses covering aerodynamics, regulations, air transport and aircraft systems. He is also a graduate of Norwich University.
This experience makes him a good choice for Aero GP. And he is working with Jeff and the Flying Aces on Air Racing and Safety issues.
I interviewed Smokey for this story and he shared with me details about his first experience with Aero GP in Romania. His current team, Sly Air Racing, only owned the formula 1 racer at the time he was invited to participate, Jeff arranged for him to race a Harmon Rocket II owned by Kevin Armstrong. Team Dog (Smokey, plus Rob and Nancy Sobczak) flew to Romania in mid June of 2008 to attend the event.
Smokey said, “Racing in the 2008 Constanta Challenge will forever be one of the highlights of my racing and flying career. Constanta is a beautiful resort city on the Black Sea. Accommodations were first class and Aero GP took incredible care of its racers.”
He had never flown a Harmon Rocket before so UK aerobatic champion, Mark Jefferies, gave him a quick checkout. From the beginning it was apparent the Rocket would not be as competitive in the series. The airplane was beautiful but ill equipped for the type of flying the event required. Even so Smokey was happy to be there and thankful for the ride. “I think I would have race a Cessna 152 just to be part of the event”, he later said.
The other racers have equally stellar aviation careers. Zoltan Veres of Hungary, holder of the Guinness Record for most consecutive aileron rolls, Peter Podlunsek of Croatia an establish Airshow pilot, UK aerobatic champion Gerry Cooper and the previously mentioned Mark Jefferies as well as Airshow pilot Andy Bickmore, also from the UK. The other competitors flew Extras, Sukhois, Yaks and a CAP 232.
Aero GP Currently has 4 events scheduled throughout Europe and Asia for next year. They are eagerly looking to add a North American city to their schedule. So, look for more information in this column, in the coming months.
More on Sly Dog Air Racing and Aero GP…
Sly Air Racing has been racing at Reno since 2007. Their Formula 1 racer, Sly Dog is a Gold competitor. They had considered expanding into another racing class at Reno and had even been in negotiations to purchase a highly competitive Sport Class racer. However, after Constanta they decided to reconsider their future. Aero GP racing was fun, exciting and very different. So, they purchased an Extra 300L and begin racing with Aero GP rather than expand into another class at Reno. The 300L was chosen because it allows Smokey to take others for rides, when the airplane isn't racing.
When we spoke this week, he was preparing to ship his Extra to the Al Ain Airshow in the United Arab Emirates. This race, to be held in January, will be Aero GPs first of the season. Smokey will fly to Europe and compete in a total of four scheduled events for this year for the Aero GP series.
For more on Aero GP go to http://aero-gp.com
Finally, for a great show on the 2008 Constanta Challenge, go to http://www.airsports.tv and click on "Romania 2."
Until next time,
Fly low, fly fast, turn left.
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
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