Some old Reno pics

[wingman]

It was that. This is in the Truckee River Canyon over Interstate 80 --- on the way to Lake Tahoe.

[wingman]

Over the resort area of North Lake Tahoe.

For the photographers here, this was done with a 50mm lens. We were pretty low.

[Jan]

Great shots Neal. Not surprised you used the 50 mm lens. Low and tight is how these teams fly so a close-in, relatively wide-angle lens works.

In the spirit of this cool series of images, I can share a few similar yet different photos taken from a video that was shot of me - I'd rather it was the whole formation than my mug - for International Watch magazine. I've done lots of writing on the Swiss watch world and have pretty good ties with Swiss watch brand Breitling. One of their watches is on my wrist right now actually.

When the Breitling Jet Team was here a few years ago I did several flights with them for video and features in the magazine. It was a terrific experience. And as Neal can attest being in very close formation with that many jets in a small piece of sky and maneuvering creates indelible memories.

Here's a first image taxiing out in the number 5 L-39 at Sun N' Fun with the team. Again, I wish the video cam had been turned the other way but you can see the other jets on the periphery in these shots.

[Jan]

Joining up after takeoff...

[Jan]

Formation roll from the slot position....

[Jan]

In the vertical for a formation loop... Note the other jets reflected in my helmet visor.

[Jan]

And over the top....

[wingman]

Mojave felt relaxed. It was still racing, with engine problems and such, but it just felt different. This was 1979 --- a couple of days were really clear.

[Jan]

I liked this airplane and Clay. A home pylon with "Mojave" emblazoned on it. (John Tegler photo)

[Jan]

I could figure it out I suppose but where was this picture taken? I don't know off hand. (Chuck Aro photo)

[Pylon1_Mark]

I've seen a few photos from the Aro's of the Iron Mistress... most of those were either from Livermore, CA or from the race in Alameda back in the day. Looks to me like it's from the Livermore shoot.

[Big_Jim]

I could figure it out I suppose but where was this picture taken? I don't know off hand. (Chuck Aro photo)

I think this was the 1976 Lincoln, CA event.

[Jan]

Interesting. Thanks for the tip Brad. There were events that Eric and I never got to attend. The same held true for Dad to a lesser extent. Unlimited class air racing has always had its center of gravity out west in the modern, post-Cleveland era. Yes there were the races in Florida and New Jersey that our father had a hand in but mainly, it has been a west coast deal.

For most of you that have enjoyed it, air racing's been a somewhat local sport. But for those of us on the east coast, being on the scene required a lot more effort and time (not to mention money). But that's the way it goes when you live over 2300 miles away....

[Pylon1_Mark]

I think this was the 1976 Lincoln, CA event.

I didn't think of that race, saw the trees, the plowed field, and the CA grass, and since Livermore was Clay's playpen & hes givingsomeone a ride I didn'tconnect that photo to a race..... but i was guessing. Good call Brad, you always seem to hit that nail on the head

[wingman]

Lincoln was my wild assed guess too. It's hard to say with any certainty, though, since Clay and Pam made pretty much every northern California air show over the years.

Clay was a Racer. He was in several Gold races, and was top qualifier one year. Here he is putting a move on John Putman in Ciuchetton.