Gentlemen You Have A Race …   any pilot that has flown at THE Reno Air Races, in a T-6; Sport Class; Jet; and Unlimited, knows when he hears these words he knows the trill that is about to engulf him.  Adrenalin begins to flow, a cool air begins to flow over him and he is in for the most exciting time of his life.  The question is, “How did he get to this most of prestige’s point”.

  Rookie Week is really a deceiving term.  These are NOT fledgling pilots.  We are talking some of the most accomplished and experienced racing pilots in the WORLD. Even if you have been flying a T-6 for the past 8 years, and now want to start racing in the “Unlimited Class” you will and must attend and be certified to fly the Reno Air Races.

  There were 2 days of intensive presentations on :

How you will fly the course

Procedures on how to  call a “May Day”

Lectures by seasoned Pylon Flyers on the technicalities of Air Racing

  The next 2 days will be in the air demonstrating you ability to fly in your class with your airplane with an instructor on board.  If your plane is only a single seater, you will demonstrate your abilities in a two seater supplied for just this purpose.

  In the Bi-Plane category certified were three new comers; Casey Erickson, Barrett Brummet, and Rich Beardsley. 

  In the Formula One Class, sad to say that last years champion; Dave Hoover; will not be racing in 2008.  Steve Senegal however, will be racing and in Dave Hoovers plane “Endeavor”.  Now how about that!  This will leave this class wide open for a Brand New, Anyone Can Get It, Champion.

  Also not returning this year will be Rich Sugden in the Jet Class.  Now talk about a whirl wind champion .. from rookie to champion all in one year.  Hope to see Rich again and soon.

  In the Sport Class there was only on Thunder Mustang in 2007.  It belonged to John Parker.  Sad to say John will not be returning this year.  But that does not mean that there will be no Thunder Mustang racing.  This year George Giboney in his “Rapid Travel” will be showing everyone what a Thunder Mustang can do.  Look for Jon Sharp in his plane “Nemesis” defending his title from 2007.  While you are staring up as they go by, keep a sharp look out for Keven Eldredge in “Relentless”.  This should be a very exciting and great class race to watch.

  There are three new pilots to the course this year in the T-6 Class; Scott Dockter, Vic McMann and Larry Teuber.  Of all the classes that race at the Reno Air Races, I think that the T-6 is the most demanding.   In this class all the airplanes flying are as about as identical as you can get.  There is little room for modification on the engine or air frame.  Look for a very tight race this year in the T-6 Class.

  The Bad Boys of Air Racing; the Unlimited Class.  When I was at PRS in June, I just dropped by the hanger where Rare Bear was installed.  The plane was again, dismantled and being overhauled.  The Bear was in primer paint only so I asked what the color was going to be.  Was it going to be the same as she wore last year?  Reply “It’s A Surprise”. “Come Out And See Us At The Races”.

  Bob Button was in attendance but no VooDoo was to be seen anywhere.  The plane was still in its hanger at the home base.  The engine was not installed as yet.  But was guaranteed to be up and ready for this years race.

 Mike Brown was up and practicing in “September Pops” but “September Fury” was still out for twicks and polish.

 While watching the Unlimited Planes qualifying, who should come out of no where but “Dego Red”, piloted by the one and only Danny Martin.  For the past 3 years there has not be seen in the skies the likes of “Dego Red”.  Welcome back ! !

  Rookies to the Unlimited Class this year are;

Ronnie Gardner

Dough Matthews

Sal Rubino

Bill Rheinschild

  Keep you eye peeled for Sal Rubino’s “Grim Reaper” it is eye candy for sure.  It should win the race for looks alone.

  Saturday morning I came across Tiger Destefani in front of his trailer.  He invited me in and we got into the conversation about “Strega”.  A sly smile crept across his face and behind his hand he said ”We are training a new pilot”.  Naturally I said “Who”?  You will recognize the name but maybe not the face.  The new pilot will be Steve Hinton “Junior”.  The Hinton name is know by most because “Senior”,  the owner of “Planes of Fame” and  president of the “Planes of Fame” museum.

  Keep an eye out for this up and coming Hinton Junior; he promises to be a great racing pilot.

  Don’t forget to circle on your calendar it’s, September  10-14, 2008.

  Hotel/motel rooms are going quickly.

FLY LOW,  TURN LEFT,  GO FASSSSST