Announcement

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:53 PM

Wednesday 9/13/23 (cont.)

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) works on the end-cap of the heat-exchanger while engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) works on the heat-exchanger housing. At this point the crack has already been detected and it's a known point of failure, but the crew continues the breakdown & cleanup to facilitate a complete inspection of the unit - 12:18 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

Close-up photo of the failed heat-exchanger housing in Miss America - 12:18 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) cleaning-up the end-cap of the heat-exchanger after removing the gasket material (pile of debris to the right of the end cap) - 12:19 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) works on the end-cap of the heat-exchanger while engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) works on another element of the heat-exchanger (looking at the photo closely it appears to be a thermostat that Rick just labeled "150" with the sharpie - not 100% on that though). Below the heat-exchanger on the shelf you'll note the other end cap for the unit sitting there, already cleaned. - 12:19 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

With the motor-end of Miss America now ready for testing, work continues on prepping the racer for the new heat-exchanger. Pictured are engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (on wing), crew chief Greg Butler (in cockpit), and crew members Shad Morris (left) & Eric Haft (right) - 12:41 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

The crew was expecting the replacement heat-exchanger to arrive earlier today, but was delayed and now won't be arriving until tomorrow. Now that all prep is pretty much done (as a much as it can be) activity around the Miss America pits has started to slow down. Pictured in the foreground (left to right) are crew members Jay "the Colonel" Duechting, Eric Haft, and Scotty Butler - 1:05 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

(left) Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey is greeted by former competitor & Sea Fury "Critical Mass" pilot/owner Tom Dwelle - 3:08 PM, Wednesday 9/13/23.

I talked with the crew about what we could expect for tomorrow... simply install the new unit, ramp test the racer then take her for a trip around the pylons to insure she's race ready for Friday. The crew has already done as much as they can to get her ready for the install tomorrow, and they have near total confidence that the oil/temp gauge readings were indeed erroneous, and the repair & testing should go smoothly. However just it was proven yesterday - anything can happen.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:53 PM

Miss America in pictures - Thursday 9/14/23

The morning routine remained the same, but just stared a little earlier today (lots of work to do), so we met at SGR Starbucks, 6:00 AM that morning. Then it was off to Walmart for the ice, drinks, & misc. supplies... then after breakfast at the Hometown Cafe, we arrived at Stead a little after 8:00AM. With most of the work completed the crew focused on other activities to start the morning.

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The Miss America crew sits down to breakfast at the Hometown Cafe. As the week went on, more and more crew members arrived. Today (shown on the left row, 3 person from the end) Phillip Wight joined the crew and will remain for the duration of the event - 7:03 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Although the outside of the Hometown Cafe doesn't really catch the eye, inside you'll find some of the best service & food in the area (the cook really knows how to cook an egg... and the waitress always brought the Colonel his monster cup of coffee - often before he even sat down) - 7:25 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Everyone gathers around as crew member Shad Morris (in foreground) is about to present an air race fan with a true Miss America trophy, an actual panel off the aircraft, signed by Brent and the crew. Starting in the back - shown left to right, are crew members Phillip Wight, Ed "D' Hammer", Jay "the Colonel" Duechting, & Eric Haft. In front of the back row is our lucky recipient & crew member Scotty Butler, then finally at the far right is Rick Revell - 8:48 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Instilling a desire in the next generation of future aviators & air race fans to pursue their dreams and aspirations comes easy to someone like crew member Shad Morris, who orchestrated this entire award & presentation (what a super guy!!!). Shad is associated with a lot of the T-6 crews, and this is the son of one of the T6 crew members at Reno (sorry, didn't catch the name) - 8:49 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (left) talks with veteran race pilot and former owner of "the super stocker" Ridge Runner III, Dan Martin. This was the first time I saw Dan in the Miss America pits and he became a regular feature there for the rest of the week of racing. - 9:05 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (left) talks with veteran race pilot Dan Martin. Dan was there to lend moral support for Brent, whom he talked with many times during the event - 9:05 AM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Even though there's not a lot going on with Miss America at the moment, there still is a lot of activity in the pits. Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (center - white tee) greets Team Strega's veteran race pilot/owner Bill 'Tiger' Destefani as he enters the Miss America pits... and to their immediate right are Jack Roush (straw hat) and engine builder Rick Shanholtzer. Standing behind 'Tiger' Bill is Mike Kennedy, star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo - 12:14 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (right) finds an out-of-the-way place to talk with Team Strega's veteran race pilot/owner Bill 'Tiger' Destefani - 12:15 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Kevin Lacey, star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo, talks with Miss America crew chief Greg Butler, "Ah no... we're not here to repo 'your' plane... or are we?" - 12:22 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:54 PM

Thursday 9/14/23 (cont.)

Lots of action in the pits... on the left we see crew members Eric Haft (light blue tee) and to his right is crew member Phillip Wight talking with Jim (from OKC). In the center of the photo you see RRIII pilot Dan Martin (black tee) talking with engine builder Rick Shanholtzer with one of Dan's old crew members. To the right and just under the motor pictured are Kevin Lacey, star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo, as he talks with Miss America crew chief Greg Butler - 12:24 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Mike Kennedy, star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo, talks with one of the RARA safety officials about his film crew and them being in the area. Just checking to make sure they are not disrupting operations and to let them know how much longer they plan on being at that location - 12:27 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Videographer Joseph Simpkins setting-up for an interview with P-51 legend Jack Roush for his production "The Last Air Race". Unfortunately Jack wasn't able to make it this day, but would return later in the week. In the background you'll see (on left, black tee) Randy Revell & (center) Rick Revell... who help with answering fan questions, team transportation, and most importantly - team moral (really great guys!) - 12:31 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Team Strega's veteran race pilot/owner Bill 'Tiger' Destefani (middle, black tee) takes center stage as engine build Rick Shanholtzer (left) and famous automaker & P-51 legend Jack Roush (in cart) listen. I don't think they were discussing round motors, do you? - 12:36 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Miss America engine build Rick Shanholtzer (left) talks with Team Strega's veteran race pilot/owner Bill 'Tiger' Destefani (center) and famous automaker & P-51 legend Jack Roush (in cart) - 12:37 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey autographs a model P-51 Miss America for an air race fan. Looking closely at the model you can see... "To A. Kevin Grath" (am?)... yeppers, the one and only! I still have his Raceplane Tech Series books on the shelf :-) - 12:44 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

It's all about the kids! Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey & crew never refused a request from parents for the kids to take pictures with the big Miss A as long as the crew wasn't actively working on the racer. You can certainly see it made this boys day! (photo taken with permission) - 1:16 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

The new heat-exchanger arrived just after 1:20PM, and the crew got right to work with the installation process. On the ground, crew member Jay "the Colonel" Duechting has the new unit in hand - while engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (on wing) and fellow crew member Shad Morris (right) wait to assist - 1:31 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

On the ground, crew member Jay "the Colonel" Duechting hands-off the new heat-exchanger to engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (on wing) as crew member Shad Morris (at right) prepares to assist - 1:31 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:55 PM

Thursday 9/14/23 (cont.)

On the ground, crew member Jay "the Colonel" Duechting watches as engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (on wing) places the new heat-exchanger into the racer. Crew member Shad Morris (at right) watches & prepares to assist when needed - 1:31 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew members Eric Haft (left ) and Shad Morris (right) check the initial placement of the new heat-exchanger in Miss America - 1:37 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer watches as crew members Eric Haft (in cockpit ) adjusts the initial placement of the new heat-exchanger in Miss America - 1:38 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (upper left) watches engine builder Rick Shanholtzer checking the hose attachment on the new heat-exchanger. - 1:40 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (upper left) talks with engine builder Rick Shanholtzer as he comments on the new heat-exchanger install process. Crew member Phillip Wight (lower left) stands-by to assist. Even though both units were stock, it's always best to check to insure the fittings match first, before you get too deep into it. Finding out there is a hose attachment issue after it's installed could delay the process hours... hours that the crew doesn't have to spare at this point - 1:40 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) just after engine builder Rick Shanholtzer hands-off the heat-exchanger to him as crew member Phillip Wight stands-by to assist. The installation process involved a lot of measuring, marking, & fabrication to get the unit installed - which required the heat-exchanger going into and coming out of the aircraft numerous times that afternoon - 1:41 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) now hands-off the heat-exchanger to crew member Phillip Wight (who came from the far side of the racer to help) as engine builder Rick Shanholtzer over-sees from the cockpit of Miss America - 1:41 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left), having had a chance to access the initial fitment of the new unit, discusses the work needed to be completed with crew chief Greg Butler (right) - 1:42 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) brings back the new heat-exchanger from the trailer after engine builder Rick Shanholtzer completed some minor work and verify some measurements taken earlier - 1:48 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:55 PM

Thursday 9/14/23 (cont.)

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) takes the new heat-exchanger from crew chief Greg Butler (right) - repeating the same process as was done moments earlier. Note the Sharpie handwritten notes on the unit's housing, better safe than sorry... measure twice, cut once! - 1:49 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) hands the new heat-exchanger to crew chief Greg Butler who's now in the cockpit of Miss America - 1:49 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) watches as crew chief Greg Butler (right) starts his work on the new heat-exchanger. Greg will now be taking the lead on the installation process with Rick overseeing the operation - 1:49 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) continues his work on the new heat-exchanger as engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (center) and crew member Phillip Wight (right) standing-by ready to assist - 1:51 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew members Phillip Wight (left), Erich Haft (center, near-side) , and Shad Morris (on far wing) assist crew chief Greg Butler during the final phase of installation on the new heat-exchanger. At this point the new unit has been removed again and the crew going over the procedures needed to complete the install - 2:39 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew members Erich Haft (left) and Shad Morris (on far wing) assist crew chief Greg Butler during the final installation phase of the new heat-exchanger - 2:40 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) oversees the operation as crew chief Greg Butler (in cockpit) works on the new heat-exchanger install for Miss America. Crew members Erich Haft (center, near-side), Shad Morris (on far wing), and Phillip Wight (right) assist - 2:40 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) talks-through a minor issue with crew chief Greg Butler (in cockpit) as he pauses work on Miss America's new heat-exchanger. Crew members Erich Haft (center, near-side), Shad Morris (on far wing), and Phillip Wight (right) assist - 2:43 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) talks with crew member Erich Haft (right) about the install/operation of the heat-exchanger. Everything has to be double-checked to insure the aircraft is ready for testing asap, and visualization helps to verify things are as they should be - 2:56 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:55 PM

Thursday 9/14/23 (cont.)

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) tops-off the oil tank while engine builder Rick Shanholtzer holds the funnel to assist... crew member Eric Haft (right) watches - 3:24 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

As the work nears completion and the test-run time draws near, engine builder Rick Shanholtzer is deep in thought going over what must be dozens of things that have to have been done 100% (as well as other systems that were untouched but still must continue to work 100%) for the racer to perform. The stress of the moment is obvious, but Rick is a professional... and focused - 3:26 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) is assisted by crew chief Greg Butler (center left) fitting the end-caps on the new heat-exchanger housing as crew members (far left) Eric Haft & Scotty Butler (behind Eric) observe - 3:28 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) is assisted by crew chief Greg Butler (left) fitting the end-caps on the new heat-exchanger housing - 3:30 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

With all work completed, Miss America is pushed out to the flightline for an engine test-run to verify all systems/gauges are operating correctly and the new heat-exchanger is functioning properly, without leaks - 4:43 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew member Shad Morris in the BalzOut Aviation tug pushes Miss America out to the flightline for the first test run following repairs to the racer and installation of a new heat-exchanger - 4:43 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

As crew member Shad Morris comes to a stop in the BalzOut Aviation tug, he's joined by engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (to his right), with crew member Eric Haft approaching to assist - 4:44 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer preparing to enter the cockpit takes one last look at the race Merlin in Brent Hisey's modified P-51 racer, Miss America - 4:46 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer fires-up Miss America for her test run while crew chief Greg Butler (partially hidden behind wing) and crew member Phillip Wight (far right) stand-by to assist - 4:55 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 10-14-2023, 03:56 PM

Thursday 9/14/23 (cont.)

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer runs-up the race motor in Miss America during the test run while crew chief Greg Butler (partially hidden behind wing) and crew member Phillip Wight (far right) stand-by to assist - 4:56 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer runs-up the race motor in Miss America during the test run while crew chief Greg Butler (hidden behind wing/fuse) and crew member Phillip Wight (far right) stand-by to assist - 4:56 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Crew members Eric Haft (left) and Phillip Wight (right) top-off the oil tank once more after the 1st test run - 4:58 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer runs-up the race motor in Miss America during the second test run of the race Merlin as crew member Phillip Wight (right) and crew chief Greg Butler (right - slightly off frame) stand-by - 5:00 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer runs-up the race motor in Miss America during the third & final test run of the race Merlin - 5:15 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Close-up of engine builder Rick Shanholtzer as he runs-up the race motor in Miss America during the third & final test run of the race Merlin... slower shutter speed (1/30th/sec.), more prop blur - YES! - 5:15 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer runs-up the race motor in Miss America as crew member (left to right) Shad Morris, crew chief Greg Butler, & crew member Phillip Wight watch from the left side of the aircraft - 5:15 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

Testing completed, engine builder Rick Shanholtzer shuts-down the race motor. Crew member Phillip Wight (on wing) checks the oil as crew members (left to right) Shad Morris, crew chief Greg Butler, and crew member Eric Haft discuss the run on the far side of the racer - 5:17 PM, Thursday 9/14/23.

After the last run engine builder Rick Shanholtzer checked the aircraft over & the screens for metal... everything was good to go, Miss America was ready to race!!!! On tomorrow's schedule is an early wake-up call & a Dawn patrol flight... followed by Brent & Miss America competing in the Unlimited Class Bronze Event.

I'm planning on releasing the final installation of the pictorial coverage next week -Friday 9/15 through Sunday 9/17. More coming soon!

**ZacYates** · 10-14-2023, 11:31 PM

This is utterly brilliant Mark, and I recognise a few moments where I was nearby. Very cool!

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:05 AM

Miss America in pictures - Friday 9/15/23

Today was going to be a busy one for the crew as the morning routine stared much earlier today (lots of work to do). We met at the SGR Starbucks at 5:30 AM then it was straight to Stead for the morning Dawn Patrol test run.

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Miss America on the flightline as the team prepares for the racer's dawn patrol flight. Team members (left to right) Shad Morris (barely visible to the left of the main landing gear), Phillip Wight (prop), and Eric Haft (cockpit) prepare the racer as crew chief Greg Butler (center fuse) oversees, standing-by to assist - 6:17 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Miss America on the flightline as the team prepares for the racer's dawn patrol flight. Pictured are team members (left to right) Eric Haft, crew chief Greg Butler (by the ladder in the background), crew member Shad Morris and pilot/owner Brent Hisey (left wingtip) - 6:34 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (left) talks with pilot/owner Brent Hisey just prior to this morning's flight as crew member Shad Morris prepares Doc's office - 6:35 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Crew member Shad Morris (left - on far wing) & crew chief Greg Butler (near wing) talk with pilot/owner Brent Hisey in the cockpit of Miss America just prior to today's dawn patrol flight as crew member Eric Haft (rear fuse) performs visual checks with engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) standing-by - 6:35 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/owner Brent Hisey starts the Merlin V12 in Miss America for today's Dawn Patrol test flight... the first one following the installation of the new heat-exchanger. At the wingtip (far left) is crew member Shad Morris and (far right) crew chief Greg Butler & engine builder Rick Shanholtzer - 6:36 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/owner Brent Hisey starts the Merlin V12 in Miss America for today's Dawn Patrol test flight... the first one following the installation of the new heat-exchanger. At the wingtip (far left) is crew member Shad Morris and (far right) crew chief Greg Butler & engine builder Rick Shanholtzer. (no-flash, 1/30 sec. exposure photo - it was pretty dark!) - 6:37 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/owner Brent Hisey prepares to taxi-out in Miss America for today's Dawn Patrol test flight. Pictured (left to right) is crew members Eric Haft & Shad Morris (barely visible on the far-side wingtip), crew chief Greg Butler & engine builder Rick Shanholtzer - 6:37 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/owner Brent Hisey prepares to taxi-out in Miss America for today's Dawn Patrol test flight - 6:38 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/owner Brent Hisey taxis-out in Miss America for today's Dawn Patrol test flight as crew chief Greg Butler (left) watches with intent - 6:39 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

The Miss America crew waiting at the flightline - (left to right) crew member Eric Haft, engine builder Rick Shanholtzer, crew chief Greg Butler, & crew members Shad Morris & Patrick Cox. Both Greg & Patrick are watching the flightaware app to they can keep track of Brent & Miss America more closely - 6:40 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:06 AM

Friday 9/15/23 (cont.)

Shad Morris titled this photo, "I didn't feel a thing"... and correctly so. It would take almost two Phillip Wights to equal the size of fellow crewman Shad Morris, not really a good idea to follow through with this jest... but fun to think about the possibilities. (left to right) Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer, Miss America crewmen Eric Haft, Phillip Wight, Shad Morris, Greg Butler, and Patrick Cox - 6:41 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Owner/pilot Brent Hisey taxis-in the P-51 racer Miss America following their successful morning test run (off-frame to right crew member Shad Morris gives Brent the thumbs-up) - 6:54 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Owner/pilot Brent Hisey taxis-in Miss America following their successful morning test run as crew member Shad Morris gives Brent the thumbs-up - 6:54 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Owner/pilot Brent Hisey taxis-in Miss America following their successful morning test run at Reno 2023... her first test flight following the installation of the new heat-exchanger - 6:54 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Owner/pilot Brent Hisey taxis-in Miss America following their successful morning test run as as crew member Shad Morris stands-by - 6:55 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Owner/pilot Brent Hisey taxis-in the P-51 racer Miss America following their successful morning test run. Hard not to notice the oil coming out of the overflow (lower fuse, just before the race numbers below wing fairing). Obviously more oil then would be normal, and something the crew looked into and resolved prior to the Bronze Heat Race later that day (tank showed max-full, but actually was slightly over-filled) - 6:55 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Crew member Eric Haft hand-cranks the prop as crew member Shad Morris checks the oil. Meanwhile crewman Phillip Wight talks with owner/pilot Brent Hisey in the cockpit of Miss America with engine builder Rick Shanholtzer looking-on - 6:56 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Crew member Phillip Wight assists owner/pilot Brent Hisey in the cockpit of Miss America as he unstraps the seat belt/shoulder restraint - 6:56 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

The Miss America crew discuss the morning test flight (left to right) Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey, engine builder Rick Shanholtzer, crew chief Greg Butler and crewman Eric Haft - 6:58 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

The crew prepares to tow Miss America back to her pits following this morning's test flight. (left to right) On the far side of the aircraft you see crewman Phillip Wight walking towards the back of the airplane with crew member Patrick Cox & crew chief Greg Butler overseeing the operation - 7:00 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:07 AM

Friday 9/15/23 (cont.)

The crew pushes Miss America back to her pits following Brent's successful test run. Shown are crew member Patrick Cox (@ wing) & crew chief Greg Butler (right) - 7:00 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

With Miss America back in her pits a crowd gathers to watch, the iconic racer has always been an attraction for the race fans & photographers where ever she goes - 7:16 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Team Miss America begins the tear-down process following this morning's test flight. Pictured (left to right) are crew members Patrick Cox, Shad Morris, crew chief Greg Butler, (by the tail, just visible) crew member Phillip Wight, and crew member Eric Haft (behind main landing gear) - 7:33 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

The ADI truck arrives at the Miss America pits as the crew prepares the racer for the Bronze Unlimited event later in the day. On the wing (left) we see crew member Eric Haft and next to the Merlin V12, Shad Morris standing on the work platform - 8:22 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Crew member Eric Haft fills-up the ADI tank on Miss America at the RARA fuel-man assists - 8:23 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

(left to right) Crewman Phillip Wight and crew chief Greg Butler finish attaching the panels on Miss America as crewmen Shad Morris and Eric Haft prepare to toe Miss A to the flightline for today's Bronze Unlimited event - 9:19 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Team member Shad Morris (off frame) tows Miss America out to the flightline for today's Bronze Unlimited event. As usual, crewman Phillip Wight is on the wing checking one last time to insure everything in Doc's office is as it should be - 9:22 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey taxis-out Miss America for today's Bronze Unlimited event - 11:03 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey taxis-out Miss America for today's Bronze Unlimited event - 11:04 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey in Miss America wait at the end of the runway with the remainder of the Unlimited Bronze racers just prior to take-off - 11:13 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:08 AM

Friday 9/15/23 (cont.)

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey in Miss America thunder down the runway on their take-off roll for the Bronze Unlimited event - 11:17 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey & Miss America take a commanding lead, taking 1st place with an average race speed of 369.245 mph... well below the aircraft's potential, but more than enough to win the race - 11:29 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

Following Heat 2C, team member Shad Morris (in tow truck) pushes Miss America back to her pit area... along with with crewmen Eric Haft (left wingtip), Patrick Cox (right wingtip), & engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (to the right of the tow truck) - 11:50 AM, Friday 9/15/23.

With Miss America back in her pits, and the racer performing well, the crew has time to focus on bringing the Reno experience to the younger generation... crew member Phillip Wight assists a young boy stepping out of the cockpit - 12:27 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

Another youngster gets his chance to have his picture taken while sitting on the wing of the Miss America - 12:32 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

The Miss America pits got another visit by air racing pilot Alan Preston (left) as he has a discussion with a most regular visitor to the Miss America camp, one of the many Miss America honorary crew members, Larry Lambrecht (right) & his son (center) - 12:33 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

Following the Bronze race, the mood in the Miss America camp would best be described as relaxed with crewman Davey Phillips in the cockpit of the racer, crew members Patrick Cox (center left) & Scotty Butler (center right) in discussion and (far left - rear) engine builder Rick Shanholtzer and crew chief Greg Butler chatting with former race pilot Dan Martin (off frame) - 12:34 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

With the Bronze win under their belt & everything going well for the team, the pace of activity has slowed slightly, but remains consistent. Here we see crew member Davey Phillips cleaning the cowl panels as he talks with Ed "D'Hammer", and in the background we see (left to right) crewmen Phillip Wight, Eric Haft, and Shad Morris working at the nose of the racer - 12:34 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

Engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) and crew chief Greg Butler (center) chatting with former race pilot Dan Martin. Dan has been instrumental in assisting Brent & Team Miss America get to this point, and remains a valuable asset & friend to the team - 3:40 PM, Friday 9/15/23.

More coming soon!

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:09 AM

Miss America in pictures - Saturday 9/16/23

The Miss America crew prepping the racer for today's event started early, and with a few new faces in the pits - 8:46 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

As the normal prep-work continues, Miss America engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (left) shares a funny moment with veteran racer Dan Martin in the Miss A trailer. Rick is not known to smile much, but that's really the full picture... he actually has a pretty awesome sense of humor - 9:00 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

The pit area was already starting to fill-up with spectators even at 9:00 am in the morning. This was going to be a Saturday like none other in recent past - 9:01 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Despite the crowd and distractions, the Miss America crew had a few things to do before the aircraft would be race ready for the Silver event later today. Crewman Scotty Butler on the wing with crew member Phillip Wight in the cockpit of Miss America inspecting the heat-exchanger and surrounding area - 9:11 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Despite the crowd and distractions, the Miss America crew had a few things to do before the aircraft would be race ready for the Silver event later today. Crewman Scotty Butler on the wing with crew member Phillip Wight in the cockpit of Miss America inspecting the heat-exchanger and surrounding area. Also pictured are Patrick Cox (left wingtip), Jay "the Colonel" Duechting (left flap), Davey Phillips (right-side fuse), Randi Revell (right flap), and at the nose of the racer we see crew chief Greg Butler - 9:11 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crewman Scotty Butler on the wing assists crew member Phillip Wight in the cockpit of Miss America inspecting the heat-exchanger and surrounding area - 9:12 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

It's all hands on deck as crew member Davey Phillips wipes-down the fuselage of Miss America while our youngest official/unofficial crew member Reimi Revell cleans the underside of the wing - 9:12 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

The pace of activity slows a bit as crew members (left to right) Eric Haft, Phillip Wight (in cockpit), and Jay "the Colonel" Duechting take a little breather while discussing some of the finer points of air racing… yes, a little BS session ;-) - 9:14 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crew chief Greg Butler (right) assists crew member Eric Haft as he works on the business-end of Miss America prior to Saturdays Silver Unlimited race Heat 3B - 9:37 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:10 AM

Saturday 9/16/23 (cont.)

Videographer Joseph Simpkins has his wish come true when Jack Roush came by the Miss America pits for an interview. Joseph had been waiting all week for this opportunity and was almost beside himself when, with Jack well rested and available, popped in and surprised us with an appearance - 9:40 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Videographer Joseph Simpkins talks briefly with Jack Roush summarizing the interview process and covering the types of questions he'll be asking and letting Jack know he can go "off script" about anything, anytime he wishes - 9:42 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

This man really needs no introduction - NASCAR & P51 legend Jack Roush talks about his involvement with P51s, racing, and how it all happened - he really appeared to be enjoying himself the entire time - it was a great interview - 9:45 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

NASCAR & P51 legend Jack Roush as videographer Joseph Simpkins directs the conversation more towards what caused Jack to become involved in P-51 Mustangs & air racing in particular - 9:49 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crew members Patrick Cox (left) and Davey Phillips polish the canopy plexiglass on Miss America prior to today's Unlimited Class Heat 3B - 9:52 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

The Miss America pits are full of activity and hard to keep-up with all that going on. Here we see NASCAR & P51 legend Jack Roush (left) talking with engine builder Rick Shanholtzer (right) as Eric Martin (in cart - left) and Dan Martin (in cart - right) join-in on the conversation - 9:53 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Underneath the tent and in the shade, pilot/owner Brent Hisey (right) talks with long-time friend and honorary crew member Larry Lambrecht (left) - 9:54 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

(center right) Mike Kennedy (star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo) talks with pilot/owner Brent Hisey (left) as Joseph Simpkins (rear - center) prepares his video gear to head out to the pylons to capture the action - 9:54 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Dan Martin (in cart - left) shares his race pilot incite with (left to right) crew chief Greg Butler, engine builder Rick Shanholtzer, & NASCAR & P51 legend Jack Roush as Eric Martin (in cart - right) listens to the conversation - 9:57 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crew member Eric Haft finishes-up installing the valve covers on Miss America's racing V-12 Merlin prior to Saturday's Silver Class Unlimited Heat 3B as crew chief Greg Butler (right) assists - 10:24 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

**Pylon1_Mark** · 11-11-2023, 07:11 AM

Saturday 9/16/23 (cont.)

Crew member Eric Haft (left) finishes-up installing the valve covers on Miss America's racing V-12 Merlin prior to Saturday's Silver Class Unlimited Heat 3B as crew chief Greg Butler (right) tightens the valve cover bolts on the opposite side of the motor - 10:30 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Mike Kennedy (star of the Discovery Channel's Airplane Repo) watches as crew chief Greg Butler (right) tightens the valve cover bolts on the opposite side of the motor - 10:33 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (center) greets his close friend & ally Dennis Scheonfelder (who worked on the original P-51 QED) along with Dennis's close friend Lance (who did electrical work on air racers back in the day) - 10:57 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

As engine builder Rick Shanholtzer talks with Dennis Scheonfelder & Lance (rear) honorary crew member Jim Fentris helps a fan into the cockpit of little Miss A. As I said earlier, the Miss America team is very keen on insuring both young & old air racing fans get a full experience when visiting - 11:13 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

The crew return with Miss America following an engine test run-up on the ramp - 11:49 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

With Shad Morris at the wheel of the tow truck, the crew return with Miss America following an engine test with crew chief Greg Butler (center) leading the procession - 11:49 AM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crew members Eric Haft (left) along with Phillip Wight (right) attend to the racer immediately following the engine test... attaching the panels and wiping her down in preparation for today's heat race - 12:00 PM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Crew member Davey Phillips may be one of the quite ones around he pits, but when he gets to telling a story about some of the things he's experienced as a FedEx pilot or any of the other many topics he's versed in, he's someone worth listening to - especially when he gets going, like today - 12:05 PM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Randi Revell (rear) is without doubt, the biggest Miss America fan alive and for the entire week of racing lives, eats, sleeps, and breaths Miss America (his hotel room was something that had to be experienced - unbelievable to put it mildly!). His son, Remington "Reimi" Revell is certainly a chip off the ole block... even working harder than his dad at times. One great kid! - 12:06 PM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Pilot/Owner Brent Hisey (right) greets engine builder Mike Barrow as he arrives in the Miss America pits - 12:24 PM, Saturday 9/16/23.

Announcement

Miss America Reno 2023... in pictures

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