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Here we are at the new Tunica, Mississippi, Air Races! Our report today will be VERY short due to time constraints and a burning desire to leave our casino hotel room and see the last qualifying sessions of the day. (then we can go gamble later!)

The story of today will be a bit of what we saw yesterday. I will start off by saying, the early attendance figures look great, particularly for Thursday! Once again, I'll say that the folks putting on this show are doing an amazing job with it, especially if you consider the time they have had. I should say, the SHORT amount of time they have had!

So far, we have had some weather related issues regarding getting airplanes here. Al Goss, Jimmy Leeward and Ron Buccarelli are were all unable to beat the weather in their parts of the country. This said, we do have a fairly nice showing of Unlimiteds, T-6's and IF1's here. The airshow performer list is impressive as well, with Bob Odegaard in the "Super Corsair" heading up the list... Biplane racer Chris Ferguson will also give an acro exhibition in his Pitts. There are others and for a full listing, please visit the Tunica Air Races website, listed below.

One thing that is really special about being here at a totally new event, among a crowd that, largely, have never seen an air race is getting to share our excitement and what knowledge we have about the sport with them. Sandy Sanders is doing a masterful job of educating the audience with his announcements. We spoke with one couple yesterday who were only going to be at the event for the day. After listening to Sandy and well... my ramblings for a time, they have now decided to play hooky from work and come out for the entire four days!

Again, wherever you are, if you can get here... GET HERE!

Story and photography by: Wayne Sagar

For further information on the Tunica Air Races and Air Show, as well as links to lodging and accommodations, visit their website at http://tunicaairraces.com