Reno Air Races start this week!
From my AvWeb weekly emailer.
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RACING ROARS BACK AT RENO...
The addicts of speed, airplane noise and high-octane avgas will get their fix this week as the National Championship Air Races return to Stead Field north of Reno, and AVweb is there to provide coverage, results and images from the pits and the pylons. The races were canceled last year in the wake of September 11, so fans have been without air racing for two years. The Reno Air Racing Association stood to lose big money on lost ticket and merchandise sales, not to mention the question of sponsor money. But the organization has dealt with its financial challenges, and the 2002 races, starting today and continuing through the weekend, promise to be among the best yet.
....BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER...
The big attractions planned for 2001 are back for 2002, but with a lot more added. The Apollo/Skylab astronaut reunion will take place this year, and those who pay the price can even have dinner with an astronaut. Jet racing will debut this year, with some of Reno's best race pilots from across the classes flying Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros jets. Jim Wright, who built a replica of a Hughes Air Racer H-1, may attempt to break the 3-km world speed record of 352 mph set by Howard Hughes in 1935. AVweb will be there if he does.
....FAMILIAR NAMES, NEW PLANES
This year promises to provide race fans with some of the biggest names in racing, both pilots and race planes. In the Unlimiteds, Dago Red, the Gold Final winner the past three campaigns, will be back, along with Tiger Destefani in Strega. Rare Bear, with John Penny flying, is also scheduled to race if the Bear Team can get the Bearcat race-ready. Other racers that could break into the top group include Critical Mass, September Fury, Risky Business, Merlin's Magic, and Voodoo. The Sports Class gets more exciting each year and there will be top-level competition in the T-6s, biplanes and Formula One classes.
