RIFF RAFF SCHEME

[BuckyD]

Maybe it's partly-'cuz I'm an old Chicago boy, but as far as Racin' Sea Furies go- I'm proud to count myself among the large fan roster of- Race #99 'RIFF RAFF ROOTERS'.

Owner/pilot- Mike Keenum's Chitown-area based TEAM RIFF RAFF has been consistently competing in the Unlimited Class at Reno since 1998 (being first-entered the prev. year), and is comprised of many talented folks, w/one of the best all-around pilots in the world: former NASA Space Shuttle astronaut- Robert L. 'Hoot' Gibson, as #99's primary race driver.

These guys are TOTALLY-SERIOUS about competitive air racing, and often find themselves in Sunday's Unlimited Gold Final event. At the same time, this team is pretty cool & fun to be around, and quite fan-friendly. Gibson even straps on an electric guitar & has been seen jammin' w/the likes of The Byrds' leader- Roger McGuinn (another former Chicagoan).

Needless to say- loyal RIFF RAFF fans have been both joyful & relieved in noting the owner's attempts at selling his beautiful & fast Hawker fighter have been unsuccessful to date, & the racer is still racing at Reno. This year Keenum surprised fans by arriving at Stead Field on Fri. 9/11/09 flying-in w/#99 recently repainted in a totally-stunning new racing paint scheme for RIFF RAFF & his team garnered a 6th-place finish in Sunday's UNLTD GOLD @ 435.372-av/mph (behind Matt Jackson in the Sanders' R-4360 #8Dreadnought) w/Hoot Gibson flying.

Here's a Reno '09 NCAR mini-photo gallery tribute to Mike Keenum's TEAM RIFF RAFF, in appreciation for all their wonderful air racing efforts & mucho goodwill towards us fans (-who just love watching this classy bunch doin' it- 'Chicago-style' at Reno).

MANY THANKS & Best of Luck in the future, guys! So, let's hear it for- The 'OTHER' great new Unlimited air racer paint color scheme this year at Reno!!!

DBD

[dineega]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

You made my day!! Yummy

[RAD2LTR]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

Great shots. I noticed something however. Isn't Riff Raff running a 3350? How come it doesn't have the scoop sitting on top of the cowling like all the rest? It makes for a cleaner look, the way the Sea Fury was meant to look with the Centarus. Are they running a different induction system?

The new paint looks great. I never was a fan of the old paint job, but this one is great. The old red and white scheme was kinda, well, not all that inspiring (for lack of a better way to put it.)

Its always cool to see Sea Furys rounding the pylons.

Will

[BEARCLAW777]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

what kind of prop is riff raff using??

[steve D]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

Great shots. I noticed something however. Isn't Riff Raff running a 3350? How come it doesn't have the scoop sitting on top of the cowling like all the rest? It makes for a cleaner look, the way the Sea Fury was meant to look with the Centarus. Are they running a different induction system?

The new paint looks great. I never was a fan of the old paint job, but this one is great. The old red and white scheme was kinda, well, not all that inspiring (for lack of a better way to put it.)

Its always cool to see Sea Furys rounding the pylons.

Will

It is a 3350 with a Corsair prop. They have tried in the past with a Skyraider scoop up top but it wasn't successful in fact I think they almost lost it one year? The only ones that have a scoop on top currently flying are Spirit of Texas and Dreadnought.

[t-dub]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

In appreciation of Bucky's fine work and contributions to the sport we all love, here's a shot of him this year upon Riff Raff's arrival, getting "another great shot" for the archives. Thanks for all you do Bucky, it is greatly appreciated by us all! Troy

[Skyracer]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

The only ones that have a scoop on top currently flying are Spirit of Texas and Dreadnought.

Dreadnought has a 4360 (of course, we all know that).

[hattend]

Re: RIFF RAFF SCHEME

The new paint is great! Looks 20 knots faster.

Don

Go Bear!