The Pylon Place: Air Race

By Marilyn Dash

Air Race 1 – Tunisia

Thom Richard, Jay Jones and Michael Mundell in the Gold. (Used with permission from Air Race 1)I’ve heard the question a hundred times, why is International Formula One Air Racing called International? Well, Jeff Zaltman and his team have put the International back into IF1.

Last year, in their inaugural season, Air Race 1 put together a great race in Spain. This year, they have a three Race Series, starting in Tunisia and finishing in Reno, Nev. They are revisiting their roots in Spain in the middle of the season. In fact, the teams are heading to Spain as we go to press.

First thing you’ll notice is a bunch of familiar names from the IF1 Class at Reno. Only two competitors are not Reno Air Races veterans, and the planes are very familiar as well!

Thom Richard in Hot Stuff (Used with permission from Air Race 1)This is the first Air Race to be hosted on the African continent. The crowds were treated to a series of great races and a few tricks here and there. Apparently, the rules in Tunisia are a little bit more lax than here in the USA.

Thom Richard, you know–Precious Metal Thom–ended up winning the Gold on Sunday with his new IF1 plane, Hot Stuff. You may remember this aircraft being built and flown by Brian Reberry several years ago. Now, it will be making the rounds in the IF1 Circuit. Congrats to Thom and the rest of the teams! I loved hearing the stories and receiving picture from everyone. I wish I could have been there!

Results - Class: Air Race 1 World Cup Monastir 2015

Round: Gold Final

Time: 16:00 Date: Sun, Jun 07 2015           

No	Pilot	Plane	Plane Name	Avg MPH
1	Thom Richard	3M1C1R	Hot Stuff	231.87
45	Jay (Jaybird) Jones	Cassutt	Quadnickel Racer	215.36
33	Michael Mundell	Cassutt IIIM	Second Wind	211.54
99	Kent Cassels	Cassutt IIIM	Margaret June	204.2
20	Philip Goforth	Cassutt	Pooder	175.24
53	Justin Phillipson	Cassutt	Kermit	175.24
87	Steve Temple *	Boyd GR-7 Panther	Madness	207.29

Results - Class: Air Race 1 World Cup Monastir 2015

Round: Silver Final

Time: 14:00 Date: Sun, Jun 07 2015

No	Pilot	Plane	Plane Name	Avg MPH
20	Philip Goforth	Cassutt	Pooder	184.01
53	Justin Phillipson	Cassutt	Kermit	177.15
11	Des Hart	Cassutt IIIM	Hart Attack	171.61
2	Trevor Jarvis	Shoestring	Silver Bullet	DNF
15	Dave (Homey) Holmgren	Cassutt IIIM	Last Lap Player	DNS

Pylon Racing Seminar – 2015

For the third year in a row, PRS had record breaking attendance. The increase in Air Racing Students is a serious sign of faith for the upcoming event in September.

The breakdown was three Biplanes, eight IF1, 10 Jets, 12 Sport Class, two T6, and just two Unlimited Students. In fact, the two included Dan Martin who has been racing at Reno off and on for years. He will be sharing the flying duties with Sal Rubino on Grim Reaper.

Mike Brown, a former National Champion Unlimited Racer in 232, was unable to attend with his aircraft. He recently purchased Risky Business and some changes are still being made and the racer wasn’t available. We are hoping to still see Mike and Risky in September.

Other interesting notes include two new types of Jets–one is the L139, which is a one off aircraft, bridging the gap between the L39 and the L59. Vicky Benzing will be flying this beautiful Jet in September. The other is a Soko G-2, which is a Yugoslavian Trainer–looks a bit like the T-33–but definitely Eastern European. Rookie, Peter Ireland will likely be flying her.

See you in September?

Entries were due June 26^th–which means we should hear what the preliminary numbers are soon. Full packages are due towards the end of July–so we have a few more minutes to get our paperwork together.

We certainly hope you have scheduled your vacation, purchased your tickets, reserved your hotel rooms, and made your flight arrangements. We are racing in September–and we hope to see you there!

If you are looking to sponsor a Biplane Racing Team, check out our RubyRedRacing.com website. There is a Donate button on the left side. Also, we’d love to talk with you about other opportunities.