RENO '98
Final Pre-Race Update

The National Championship Air Races are less than one week away. This is the time when all of the competitors are busy preparing to get to Stead and the spectators are finalizing plans and getting everything ready for the yearly pilgrimage. For most, this time is filled with anticipation of things to come. For some (like myself) it's the toughest period of the year to get through. Virtually every shred of information has already been "leaked" and the people that you want to talk to about last minute new developments and getting to the races are too busy trying to get to the races <g>. It's enough to drain even the most patient among us.

But news is still coming our way.....There have been a few developments of late that are noteworthy. Some of this is really good news, some is not quite so good. One bit of information, in particular, may be hard to swallow for the race fan as well as the participants and it deals with the race course itself.

For years air racing at Stead Airport has utilized the same historical 9.128 mile course layout. It has been very popular with the fans as well as the participants. However, there now exist plans to alter the course due to what the FAA considers infringement of its mandated "safe zone". (the area between the spectators and the "dead line" or no-flying area) In a nutshell, what this means is that the planes are flying too close to the people- about 50 feet too close to be exact. Plans call for the dead line to be moved from its present location, the south side edge of the east-west runway, to the north side of the runway.

One may think that this is all well and good. Safety should be the prime consideration here. However, will this course layout change impact the speeds posted? During the Pilot's Seminar in July, Bruce Lockwood flew his aircraft around want he thought will be the new course, (there remains some speculation if relocating pylon #8 will occur) unfortunately it appears that the average lap speeds will be slower (for the Unlimiteds). I'll not comment as to the wisdom of the sudden interest shown by the FAA to bring about this change (there has not been an accident involving the crowd in nearly 34 years of racing at Stead).... other than say "go figure" <g>. But the end result may well l be slower average lap speeds - something that no one really wants.

It remains unknown at this time if RARA will be forced to comply with the proposed mandate by the FAA. It is hoped that a waiver may be obtained to allow the race course to remain unchanged and preserve the hope of the competitors to someday round the pylons at an average lap speed of 500 mph..... A goal that the top Unlimiteds have been attempting to attain for years.

Now, on with the good news. Voodoo Chile’s ambitious redesign effort was completed about 4 weeks ago at Destefani's Warbird Shop in Shafter and flight trials were underway shortly thereafter. Bob Hanna and Team Voodoo are currently preparing the highly modified P-51 Mustang racer to take to the pylons and reports indicate promising results for their efforts. We may not be seeing the classic confrontation between Strega and Rare Bear this year.... but we may be seeing the dawn of the Voodoo vs Dago battle for supremacy.

Speaking of Dago Red, she received her Dwight Thorn prepared race motor a few weeks ago. This aircraft will be the hands down favorite to take the Gold, and I have a feeling that you'll see why I say this when you get to the event. Not only is she a proven race winner capable of 490 MPH plus lap speeds - there will be something in the pits that will aid in her quest. I have been sworn to secrecy on this one - but it will become very apparent to those that make it to the races and look for a familiar face....... We'll let those that cannot attend the event know ASAP in our first report from Reno 98.

As for the remainder of the pack of unlimited entries - well, not to much to report that's new. Don Crowe's Hawker Sea Fury, Race #181, was spotted down in the Museum of Flying hanger a couple of weeks ago, minus the firewall forward. Other than no new R3350 lying about (or any other engine for that matter), no further information was made available. Finally, there was some more information that came our way on Dan Martin's P-51 Ridge Runner but that will have to remain tucked away until after Sunday's race. Sorry, no hint this time ;-)

We realize that keeping these secrets just has to be killing ya <g>. But that's all part of the aura and mystique surrounding air racing. Some things are best when left to simmer. Just like good cooking - a taste of the delight that awaits, fills you with anticipation of the meal. Nevertheless, while your getting ready for this year's event, pondering what is about to occur and how great a time it will be, think about this.......

From almost the beginning, a  previous Unlimited Class winning pilot has always been entered in the event. Lyle Shelton, Bill Destefani, John Penny, Skip Holm, Ron Hevle, Neil Anderson and Steve Hinton are all not slated for Unlimited Class piloting duties this year. Add to this list other past winning pilots and former Reno legends Rick Brickert, Roy McClain and John Crocker then you soon realize what I did. For the first time in 12 years...... a new champion will be crowned on Sunday to take his place among those that pilot the fastest, loudest and most powerful piston-engine craft in the world!

And you thought this was going to be just "another" air race........

story and photography: Mark Kallio

Join us, beginning Monday, September-14 for AAFO.COM's
on-site coverage of the WORLDS FASTEST MOTORSPORT!
(we may even sneak in something on Sunday....stay tuned!)

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