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The real story here is that this race actually happened despite the doubts that were expressed by many folks who have seen a few air races come and go over the years. Within six frantic months Jeff Landers, CEO of JL Images Entertainment from Brentwood, Tennessee, teamed up with the Tunica Airport, the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Tunica Chamber of Commerce to collaborate on putting together an air race that started as an idea in the fall of 2004. Landers learned about air racing in 2003 when he combined his love for aviation with his professional skills as a videographer and contracted with the Reno Air Race Association to make a video about air racing. Landers loved the races and thought "We have a race in the West, why not in the East?" He saw an opportunity and pursued it "Jeff Landers style".

Twenty-two racers came to Tunica representing three classes. The audience numbered more than 20.000. That can certainly be considered a solid attendance especially for a first time event. Of course there were a number of screw-ups yet most participants were optimistic and positive. First event hitches and mishaps are distressing when they impact on the smoothness of an event. But as time passes, most stories tend to become a part of the delightful lore of airplane racing. Overall this event looked and felt like an air show and air race. There was no question that it can be considered a success.

The IF1 class arrived with only eight planes as two had to be left behind in Oklahoma City, where an IF1 race was held the weekend prior to the Tunica races. George and Bobby Budde came to Tunica as did Gary Davis, Charlie Greer, John Housley, Jay Jones, Jason Somes and Carl Swenson. This event provided them with some interesting challenges, among which were cramped quarters and wind gusts containing clouds of dust. In fact the pilots experienced strong winds for most of the week. Then the nature of the landscape presented another unexpected challenge. There appeared to be no practical way to erect pylons on the IF1 course. The IF1 Operations people found that rice paddies presented a significant obstacle to such an endeavor. Nevertheless an innovative solution was found. The IF1 racers created a little piece of air racing history, as they agreed to switch to the T-6 course. As far as we know, never before in the history of the class have IF1 races been flown on a T-6 course. One pilot commented with a grin that he did some "sightseeing" as he strayed onto the Unlimited course. A tongue in cheek request for IF1 pilots to file flight plans was also overheard. Aside from the interesting novelty of becoming acquainted with flying a different course, the T-6 course unfortunately presented a distinct disadvantage as it put the planes farther away from the stands. In the hazy air, the pilots may have been having fun, but their airplanes were almost invisible on the back straight. Yet pilots, crews and IF1 officials indisputably showed "the right stuff" as they boldly and with humor coped with each issue as it arose. Jason Somes in "Alley Cat" displayed his considerable racing skills as he took first place and received the Tunica Cup.

Nine T-6 pilots made their way to Tunica; Steve Dilda who was Air Boss for this event, brought "Felix" which served as the pace plane. Mary Dilda, Gene McNeely, Tom Martin, Joey (Gordo) Sanders, Tom Campau, John Zayac, Richard Siegfried, Mike Gillian and Robin Crandall filled out the field. Tom Campau’s "Mystical Power" experienced problems throughout the racing days. He called a total of three May Days, and he and his crew spend most of their time in the pit chasing a speed-eating gremlin. A very discouraged Tom Campau received a helping hand from competitor Mary Dilda who loaned him a carburetor. That generous gesture solved Tom’s problem. The Saturday Gold heat was his first good race and he placed second behind Mary Dilda. In the T-6 Gold Race on Sunday Tom ran so well that he headed right for the Tunica cup. "I want my carburetor back," said Mary with a gracious smile.

On Wednesday afternoon June 1, 2005, the arrival of the Unlimiteds was met with mounting excitement by spectators as they made an impressive pass over the airfield. Mike Brown brought his remarkable Grumman F7F Tiger Cat. To watch this beautifully restored aircraft fly is a special experience. Dan Vance raced the Tiger Cat, which is named "Big Bossman". Brian Sanders flew the dependable "Dreadnought", a Hawker Sea Fury, and Matt Jackson piloted "Argonaut", also a Hawker Sea Fury.

Bob Button, owner of the photogenic P-51 Mustang "Voodoo", has usually had another pilot race the airplane. But this time he flew the plane himself and he looked like he was having a great time. John Bagley brought the legendary P-51 "Ole Yeller". Two aircraft that were scheduled to arrive; Jimmy Leeward’s "Cloud Dancer" and Ron Buccarelli’s "Precious Metal" were unfortunately stuck in Florida due to unstable weather conditions.

Art Vance flew the pace plane for the Unlimiteds.

The Unlimiteds seemed to be in good shape for most of the week with the notable exception of Mike Brown’s Hawker Sea Fury "September Pops", which experienced magneto problems for most of the week. Brown had to call a May Day at the end of the Sunday Gold race when he blew a piston. He was able to land successfully but trailed an impressive cloud of smoke.

"Dreadnought" dominated the Unlimited races all week and it was no surprise to anyone that Jeff Landers handed the Tunica Cup to a very pleased Brian Sanders on Sunday afternoon after the Gold Race.

The static display also had a nice array of aircraft including the B-24 "Diamond Lil", a B-25, and a P-47 Thunderbolt. Air show acts such as Bob Odegaard in his "Super Corsair", Randy Henderson in his "Texas T-Cart" and Randy Harris in a Skybolt 300, delighted the audience many of whom had never seen a show like this before. Perhaps most spectacular was the aerobatic show put on by Eliot Cross, flying the P-51 Mustang called "Sweetie Face". An air show flown by a Mustang is rare sight to see these days. Cris Ferguson was also listed to fly, but his Pitts was damaged early in the week. The necessary repairs could unfortunately not be made on time.

The stories about Southern Hospitality were found to be absolutely true at these Tunica Air Races. Jeff Landers and staff had organized successful parties and banquets for participants at nearby casinos just about every evening. No one complained of being bored as celebrations, dance and music went into the wee hours for some. Speaking of music, only a small group of participants ventured to Morgan Freeman’s blues club called "Ground Zero" in Clarksdale, 31 miles south of Tunica. Those who did respond to the invitation spoke of an absolutely wonderful time and fabulous music.

Most impressive was the number of volunteers and especially their enthusiasm and excitement to be a part of this venture. They worked tirelessly and helped out where they could with a smile! There was a lot of very positive local support and interest in this event. Jeff Landers promises that "yes, there will be a next year for the Tunica Air Races".

For more information about the Tunica Air Races and Air Show, visit
HTTP://WWW.TUNICAIRRACES.COM