P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

[supercub]

Around noon today a P51 and what appeared to be a Bearcat in formation flew over Tracy CA turning towards Livermore Ca......anyone have any additional info??
Brian

[Unregistered]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

Both airplanes are owned by Tony Banta & are based at Livermore (along with a P-40). The Bearcat and Mustang are flown regularly on the weekends.

[rpzo]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

I Didn't see it but it could possibly be Tony Banta's P-51 "Kimberly Kaye" and his Bearcat. Could you see what color the P-51 was?

[Unregistered]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

The mustang looked silver or metal, couldn't tell for sure, the bearcat was dark blue.
Brian

[rpzo]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

Some of Tony Banta's aircraft, which are all based out of Livermore. I've heard he either has a Corsair or Spitfire that is being restored as well.

Rick

[Unregistered]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

he has a FG-1D, Spitfire XVIe, and a TF-51 under restoration. Also has a flyable T6G.

[rpzo]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

Unregistered,

Thanks for the info. Can you share where the work is being done?

Rick

[Unregistered]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

What does Mr. Banta do for a living.........must be good to have that many warbirds.......glad there's people like that so we can still enjoy them in flight.......was certainly sorry to hear about the EAA's B-17.......what ashame that is.
Brian

[Unregistered]

Re: P51 & Bearcat over Tracy CA today?

Tony Banta's Spitfire project is being restored in New Zealand by Avspecs Ltd - who, along with Pioneer Aero, restored his P-40E. I understand that it will be finished in about a year and should be back in California next summer. This aircraft has a full documented history and flew combat missions over Normandy on D-Day. The TF-51 project is in Salinas, CA and is currently for sale according to an ad in Air Classics. The Corsair is in Livermore (I think). It's a partnership with another guy there.

I 've heard a rumor that he also has some other fighters stored for future restoration.