CATERPILLAR CLUB

[Skyracer]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

IF1's are the ONLY true raceplanes at Reno. Nearly all airplanes in the other classes are "factory builts" with a hodge podge of shapes, sizes, and powerplants. IF1 has a tight set of equally applied rules covering weight, wing area, visibility, engine, etc. IMHO, IF1 has some of the best racing of the week. Take the time to take them in.

I've been doing Reno for over twenty-five years as crew, crew chief, and the last couple of years in the grandstand. From my perspective as a spectator, I would rank the classes, based on competitiveness and pure racing excitement, as follows: IF1, T6, Unlimited, Sport, Biplane, Super Sport, Jet (and somewhere way below that, the SAAB demo team).

Everyone has the right to agree or disagree, and to respectfully express their opinion. That includes me.

[Ken from PG]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

[QUOTE=AAFO_WSagar;75970]I missed the Saab demo team due to being out on sticks shooting whatever was flying at that time.. that said, I have seen video of the demo and would very much like to see it...

Being out on the sticks discussing bones and rocks is more thrilling than watching the Saab demo. The only time they got a cheer from the crowd was when (I don't remember which year) two drivers got their wires crossed and there was some sheet metal/plastic rearranged.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

[QUOTE=Ken from PG;75978]

I missed the Saab demo team due to being out on sticks shooting whatever was flying at that time.. that said, I have seen video of the demo and would very much like to see it...

Being out on the sticks discussing bones and rocks is more thrilling than watching the Saab demo. The only time they got a cheer from the crowd was when (I don't remember which year) two drivers got their wires crossed and there was some sheet metal/plastic rearranged.

Does that shirt make my ass look big?

My point being in all this, is.. that the races are to be enjoyed... savored.. from wherever you enjoy them. Every place you get to watch from has its advantages and disadvantages.. On the pylons, you better have your eye on the shuuter of a decent cam and be producing some marketable shots or your going to be history.. you don't get to be out there for the fun of it. Your slot is expected to be filled by someone who has the drive and skill to get the best *they* can get and nothing short of the best is going to be acceptable.. pressure on the shooters???

Noooooo

I've heard few complain!

There are a few moments of respite (as noted in the pic in the above post) but the overall feel, at least, for myself, out on the sticks is, I'd better be prepared to sacrifice all to get the best shots over the time I'm there, period.. no excuses, period...

Anyway... that's what's in my craw when *I'M* personally out there and I suspect, so is it with others..

Do we get a few momos of fun in-between the action.. sure. you bet, rest of the day for most, if not all, is focus, focus, focus.. get that shot, get it get it get it...

Just sayin....

[Skyracer]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

The only time they got a cheer from the crowd was when (I don't remember which year) two drivers got their wires crossed and there was some sheet metal/plastic rearranged.

The airbags worked.

[Danno]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

The only time they got a cheer from the crowd was when (I don't remember which year) two drivers got their wires crossed and there was some sheet metal/plastic rearranged.

Here is a YouTube of that Saab run... I just happened to tape the right run.

Danno

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4mmbs4XqnA

[wyhdah]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

HA...sombody said "Finally".

[split-s]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

Great one-liners on this thread! (Who said "finally"?)

Don't you love a good rhubarb? I can't wait until we start slanging on the Snowbirds!

$

[Lockheed Bob]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

Snowbirds. Are those the people from Canada,BC,Washington & Oregon that head south after the first snow?

[3dWrightBrother]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

Yup, and the ones that stay in Canada over the winter are the BLUE Angels

[steve D]

Re: CATERPILLAR CLUB

Geeze, I thought this thread wuz about bailing outta airplanes in an emergency. Starting to get W A Y
Like all threads on most "other" boards the topic tends to go south the majority of the time. Frustrates me because I think there is new info out there "on topic" when I view the main page but..... well you get the idea.