J.P. we would love to hear what's going on...

[planecrazy2]

Mr. P.,

Could you check in on us and share a bit about this year's experience?

Cheers,

Glen

["Bear" Driver]

Re: J.P. we would love to hear what's going on...

Glen, thanks for your interest and inquiry.

As has been the case for the last four years, the “Rare Bear” Air Racing Team faced enormous challenges this year to get the airplane airborne and move it toward racing trim for the third week in September.

This year, the “Bear” received perhaps the finest 3350 race engine that it has ever seen. Unfortunately, because of confounding supporting system anomalies, the engine was never able to be powered up to even the horsepower that last year’s stock engine developed, much less anywhere near its maximum race horsepower potential. A tribute to the much improved overall drag numbers that the “Bear” now enjoys was the finishing speed flown in a heat where the right main gear was hanging out more than it ever has. That was a situation that came very close to repeating the slight inconvenience of Friday, 2008.

As always, Rod Lewis provided the resources intended to get “Rare Bear” to the level of potential performance that could let it race at the top of its class. As everyone knows, that potential could not be exploited or realized when RARA cancelled Sunday’s championship race. And, the crew was not lacking in its dedication and effort to move the “Bear” towards the team’s goal of arriving in the winner’s circle.

So, Rod Lewis’ “Rare Bear” stands poised with the guts of a race motor and an airframe in an aerodynamic configuration that with an appropriate program of continuing research, development, and fine tuning can have the “Bear” turning record laps.

As always, the support of all the dedicated fans of “Rare Bear” was very much appreciated. So, keep the interest and look forward to and hope for great things from the “Rare Bear” Air Racing Team.

[wolfee]

Re: J.P. we would love to hear what's going on...

Mr. Penney,

there have been a lot of rumors about the crew this year. Can you tell us anything about you returning to the team next year?

With the gold being canceled this year, will Mr. Lewis go for the new speed record in the off season, or will she hibernate til next Sept.

[planecrazy2]

Re: J.P. we would love to hear what's going on...

Thank you Mr. Penney for your insight into the Bear world. And thanks on behalf of all race fans as we wish you and yours the best the future has to bring. It is clear you are a Man of courage, skill and honor.

Cheers to all who fully participate in life,

Glen Merritt

[wingman]

Re: J.P. we would love to hear what's going on...