Jetrader - November/December 2012 - 16

A competitor races around a pylon during the aptly named pylon races.

Two Sea Furies battle, perhaps too close for comfort.

Unlimited Class; N-registered Russian Yak3U taking off.

For those who have never attended the Reno races, it is not to be confused with the “solo” Red Bull Air Races. Contrary to the Red Bull races, in Reno six to eight planes compete against each other over a race course marked by pylons, much like the Indy 500 for cars. Competitors line up behind a pace plane, which releases the ﬁeld once they are in the right position. The plane that completes the race of six to eight laps ﬁrst — without “cutting pylons” (carefully watched by pylon judges) — wins. There are a few categories of aircraft, including biplanes, Formula One, T6 “Texans” (identical trainer aircraft ensuring very close racing), jets and as the most spectacular category, the Unlimiteds. Unlimiteds are heavily modiﬁed warbirds, including P51 Mustangs, Hawker Sea Furies, Corsairs, Russian Yaks and even a F7 Tigercat. Some planes compete in original Air Force livery (often including “pin-up” nose art), others in polished bare metal and some in bizarre multi-colored fantasy paint schemes. The heroes participating in the races range from airline pilots to attorneys and from an electrical contractor to a neurosurgeon. A few of the most famous racers include 2012 Unlimited winner Steven Hinton ﬂying P51D Strega, Breitling Thom Richards ﬂying P51XR Precious Metal, and in The Rebel, businessman and former aircraft lessor Doug Matthews ﬂying P51D and Corsair. With hugely increased insurance cost, the future of the Reno races remains uncertain, but 2012 was a fantastic and safe event. It would be a pity if this unique American event (but with a global appeal) would come to an end. The sight of a Tigercat chasing a Mustang around the course and the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine at full throttle are unforgettable. For more information, consult the RARA website (www.airrace.org) or contact the author at bert.van.leeuwen@dvbbankcom. If the races continue in the coming years, “I’ll be back.”

Madness competes in the tightly regulated Formula One class.

Rare Bear, one of the most popular contenders.

16 The ofﬁcial publication of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading

http://www.airrace.org http://www.naylornetwork.com/ist-nxt/

Jetrader - November/December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jetrader - November/December 2012