The First day of racing at a venue other than Reno, Nevada's National Championship Air Races is in the record books today at scenic Tunica, Mississippi.

Mary Dilda finished first in the T-6 division and as expected, Brian Sanders brought the "Dreadnought" in securely in first in the Unlimited.

Tom Campau had been chasing an engine problem and wasn't a factor today in the T-6 event but watch for him to heat things up for Mary as the weekend rolls on.

Poor weather in various areas of the country has kept the Unlimited field from filling out as well as was hoped for but.... Though it looks like a sure thing for Dreadnought, Bob Button flying "Voodoo" is looking better with every lap. Button truly is the "Unknown" factor this week... He's new, how strong is his engine? How much can he do... how fast is the airplane?

The action has only just begun here in Tunica, the line of traffic coming in on Highway 61 to here from the Memphis area on Friday evening was, indeed, impressive. The crowd numbers looked good today and if the weather holds, tomorrow and Sunday will give us a good idea if this week's racing will be a success for the promoter and sponsors.

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Recorded "ground" speeds are slower than at Reno, in part, due to the much "heavier" air here, very near sea level. Whether race fuel is being used is unknown to this reporter, at this point. Though speeds may be slower, the sounds and racing action are the same and we personally saw many smiling faces in the fascinated crowd here today... Stay tuned!

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