Warbird Information Exchange

That seems a concerning statement for the overall state of Reno air racing to me. If the Unlimited champion (multiple years now) cannot secure enough sponsorship to compete, what does that say for the state of many of the other contenders that rely on sponsorship as well. It also would lead to another concern regarding interest and attendance. I certainly wouldn't feel too much excitement for the Reno races if the champion (being Strega) couldn't attend due to a lack of sponsorship. Of course this is all speculation on my part for I'm certainly not in the know as far as what it really takes to race at Reno. But it certainly doesn't take too much thought to figure it takes mucho $$$$$ to race in any class, .... as well as a keen sponsorship marketing strategy.

Whatever the final outcome for Strega will be, the ownership has quite a legacy to be proud of. Strega and crew have been a shining star for many years of what a class program in Air racing can accomplish. That airplane will be dearly missed.

_________________
America ... explain how you are NOT Racist, you'll except tyranny from a white man, but you won't take health care from a black man.
... Foolish, foolish foolish!!!.

Most of the entrants at Reno attend due their owners reaching into their own pockets, and are not significantly funded by sponsorship.

Folded width is 23 ft, but with the wings removed, I would guess 19-20ft, yes Chapmans were doing the hauling

_________________
Matt Gunsch, A&P, IA, Warbird maint and restorations
Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!!
We tried voting with the Ballot box, When do we start voting from the Ammo box, and am I allowed only one vote ?
Check out the Ercoupe Discussion Group on facebook

Naw...Precious Metal is going to take it this year..... lots of mods going on as we speak
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Precious-Metal-Air-Racing-Fan-Page/271055266243368

Thanks MX304 for the D.Red update. We Just had some REALLY nasty Storms move across Tx. Any news on the Bear's move , find a den for safty?

I haven't heard anything. I doubt they hit any of the bad weather since the storms didn't hit any part of I-20 between Midland and El Paso. My guess is that if they are on schedule it should arrive in Breckenridge Sat.

Thanks again (again!) MX304 I was told that Mr. Lewis may have enough parts to build up another Bearcat, any idea which B.Cat that may have come from?? Would be Great for Ezell to bring back 3 B.Cats (they're working on 2 already). Thanks, Anthony

Ezell Aviation just posted pics of Rare Bear being unloaded at Breckenridge with no damage obvious, so I'm guessing they made it in okay.

About 25' wide and yes, that's Chapmans' rig.

_________________
What is that mountain goat doing way up here in the clouds?

Guess you didn't see the answer about 4 posts above yours................. it has to be less the 25 ft because wing folded is 23 ft, and the outer wing panels were removed, so it had to have been 19-20 ft wide.

_________________
Matt Gunsch, A&P, IA, Warbird maint and restorations
Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!!
We tried voting with the Ballot box, When do we start voting from the Ammo box, and am I allowed only one vote ?
Check out the Ercoupe Discussion Group on facebook

Nice video of the move here: http://vimeo.com/63653359

_________________
Red

Anybody know what year it went from a R-2800 to a R-3350 and have a picture of it when it had a scoop??

I believe The Bear always had a 3350, When Lyle got it was just the airframe and not much more

Thank you, that is what I remember and the scoop came along in 1979 only for the engine to crater the same year and to be side lined for 4 years...

The scoop and downdraft system were put on in the spring of 1976 by Bill Statler Sr. They didn't have any real time to test it before Mojave in June (in fact, the paint was still tacky when Lyle flew it in for qualifying late in the week). The scoop was rather poorly designed and the fear was that because it had been rushed through, it would depart/fail at higher speeds. They never got to that point because of the gear up landing.

I have photos of the scoop if you'd like to send me a p.m. with your e-mail.

_________________
Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives, and I decline......