The Pylon Place: January 2015

2014 Year in Review

By Marilyn Dash

Team Ruby – Getting Ready for the Big Race (Anthony Taylor /Warbirdfotos.com)Another year is in the books with some great highs and some devastating lows. I wanted to take the time to look back and celebrate the good and memorialize the losses.

Red Bull Air Racing was Back!

If you read this column regularly, you know that I love Air Racing of any kind–especially the Closed Pylon racing like we do at the National Championship Air Races in Reno. But I also have a great affection for the Red Bull Air Racing Series.

After a three-year hiatus, the series came back stronger than ever, finishing the season at their Home-Drome with the Championship being decided on the last flight. Amazing year–congrats to all, especially Nigel Lamb, the 2014 Series Champion!

Ruby and the Reno Air Races

At the Reno Air Races this year, Team Ruby did better than ever. In fact, we increased our top qualifying speed by more than 13 mph–from 178.7 to 191.9–so close to 192… And our goal was just 180!

We also gained a new Junior Crew Dude in Jill Corrigan. Team Ruby has consisted of Jason Fisher as Lead Babysitter and Crew Chief, the masterful Don Dull as our Technical Guru, Christine Dull as the Team Mom and Matt Williams as the original Junior Crew Dude. Matt took a one-year hiatus, and we needed Jill. She was there to help! Welcome to the Family–and put your feet up–you’re staying for a while!

Inspiration

One of the best, Eddie Andrieni ( Anthony Taylor /Warbirdfotos.com)We lost two of my favorite aviators this year; Eddie Andrieni in May and Lee Behel in September. Both of them were an inspiration to me and countless others. A true loss to Airshows and Air Racing respectively. You will never be far from my thoughts, gentlemen. Thank you for your leadership and your encouragement over the years.

And there are several other lesser-known names that I keep in my heart–but are not forgotten.

Next Year

What is in store of us next year? Well, we plan on attending more Air Shows in 2015. We will be at Chino of course! Wouldn’t miss it! In fact, Mooney International Corporation will be the lead Lee Behel and his beloved GP-5 ( Bruce Croft)sponsor again this year for the Planes of Fame Air Show 2015, (May 2 and 3). This year’s theme will be “A Salute to Veterans.” They always put on a wonderful show, so we’re looking forward to this one!

The Reno Air Races will be held Sept. 16-20 this year. And Pylon Racing School will be held June 17 – 20. Get your race package if you’re looking to race, or get your vacation time lined up and your hotel accommodations made now, so you don’t forget!

Sun ‘n Fun is on our list again this year. We weren’t able to make it last year, but it is such a great event that we definitely are putting it on our list.

And of course, Oshkosh. I was able to attend in 2014 and had a wonderful time––although I did end up tearing ligaments in my ankle and clumped away in a walking boot. But I have high hopes for a successful Oshkosh EAA AirVenture in 2015.

And of course, at least one of the Red Bull events on the calendar this year––Dallas or Vegas––where shall we go!?

Hope everyone had an epic 2014 and is ready to start 2015 on the right track!

Thanks again to Anthony “Hopper” Taylor, Rob “Phred” Miller, “Jolly” Roger Cain, Bruce “20W” Croft and Tim Adams for all their wonderful photography I’ve used this year.

Until then… Fly Low, Fast and Turn Left!