Reno Air Races and Air Racing News: The "Short Course" and Reno 99.

"Miss Ashley II"

Miss Ashley II

The current 'trick rig', Bill Rogers and Gary Levitz's "Miss Ashley II" represent not only stunning beauty and aerodynamic excellence - but probably the most successful radical design concept to take to the pylons in years. It's hard not to be extremely impressed at this teams dedication to doing things the right way, a pragmatic approach to find the best aerodynamic combination and not pushing the design testing beyond established guidelines and goals. In their last two years of competition the team has established themselves well into the top Unlimited ranks - no small achievement for any team. This stunning example of a hybrid racer will be sporting some new modifications for this year - one in particular that is far from established norms.

There's been a lot said about her Lear Jet wing with carbon fiber leading edges, her Lear Jet horizontal stab, her big Griffon 54 with twin contra-rotating props, and now enter the mix - the NACA belly scoop. It is not known how well this new intake works on the aircraft, however we talked with Bill Kerchenfaut on the design and its potential. Although Bill stated that he has never been able to get one to work, or has seen it done - doesn't mean he feels that this is an ill conceived idea - as he put it "given the extra distance that apparently exists between the gear doors and the oil cooler/radiator - the adaptation of a NACA type belly scoop is not beyond the realm of possibilities" adding "he has a good feeling that those boys up in Seattle know what their doing". Bill also relayed that the the engine may run a bit hot at taxi - but feels that there is a distinct possibility that the faster they go - the better the duct will work. In either case, Reno 99 will be a final "acid test" for this team's innovative scoop design.

The other modification of note is the additional nitrous that will be on board and how much more power will be made by the big Griffon with it's single-stage blower. First hand reports from Bill Rogers last year indicated some pretty high manifold pressures were attained by the existing single stage blower, well above factory specs. It was sad that during last years run for the gold, the induction system was plugged by FOD (foreign object debris) and the race fans were not treated to her full potential. Hopefully we'll see this year just what the power plant can do. If the motor stays healthy, if they can lean on the laughing gas and have enough for the entire race then she should be in a *very good* position to place in the top 5.

Innovative design and a well thought out game plan are the hallmark for Team Miss Ashley II - they are about as professional as they come. One should really admire their approach to all of this. Still, if I had to make a call here (seems that I'm doing this a lot <g>) I don't think they will among the top 4 competitors just yet - that is a bit down the road. However, if there ever was a Dark Horse this one would be it. This team is coming on strong and I have a feeling that by 2000 or 2001, they will have what it takes to beat the best of 'em. Keep your eyes on this one folks!

"Critical Mass"

Critical Mass

Last (but certainly not least) in the lineup for our detailed Reno 99 race preview is the mount of veteran pilot and all around good guy Tom Dwelle, "Critical Mass". This Hawker Sea Fury has a history with air racing dating back to 1984 (with her clipped outer wing panels off of the old Mike Carroll/Sherm Cooper #87 Sea Fury - this date is pushed back into the late 60's). In her latest incarnation she has the potential to be the top running Sea Fury at this years event. The newly overhauled "Critical Mass" has been in the shop for the last 2 years preparing for her return, and return she shall - sporting some of the the most technically challenging and aerodynamic enhancing features ever to be done to an aircraft of this type.

The vast majority of modifications have been completed, which includes installation of the new R-3350 "Rare Bear clone" motor complete with the low drag nose case from a Super Constellation, redesign of the entire fuse, clipping off some of the vertical tail area, a changing of the vertical tail to an airfoil section (from a "wedge" profile), replacement of the cowling with a modified DC-7 cowl, addition of aerodynamic strakes behind the wings, installation of nitrous injection system, and finally - a refinement of the leading edges. The new fuse mods have created a very rounded look, not unlike a P-47. Aside from that, the aircraft still looks relatively similar to her former appearance, but this beast is definitely a step above her former self. These new modifications all but guarantee the prospects of this plane going faster than ever before. This entry may be one of the Dark Horses this year. Hard to say who will still be in one piece after the Gold final.

We were both surprised and delighted to see Tom Dwelle being listed as the primary pilot and the veteran racer Skip Holm listed as alternate. Still, the course may not play to it's liking. The aircraft is a slightly heavier than "Rare Bear" or the top running Mustangs and also with clipped wings, may limit it's ability on the modified course layout. However, expect the Dwelles to have more than a few tricks up their collective sleeves. I wouldn't rule this aircraft or team out of the running just yet....

There still remains a few other aircraft that will be returning to the fray this year that will be ones to keep your eyes on. Ah, the proverbial 'one who fears nothing' entry of Brian Sanders - the "Dreadnought" can never be discounted as being right there in the thick of things. Big airplane - yes, BUT with her massive Pratt "Risky Business" & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major power plant she's no slouch! This beast seems to run all day long at 450+ mph and given that she still has all of her wings (no modifications other than the non-stock location of an addition radiator on her right wing) she may do well on the new course layout.

Bill Rhienschild's "Risky Business" is sporting a new Merlin built by Rick Shanholtzer of Frontier Aviation (the old Dave Zueschel shop). Pit chatter has it that this isn't your average stocker.... a few "enhancements" have been made to the Merlin so you can count on this aircraft turning some pretty fast laps. The other mount in Bill's hangar is the Sea Fury "Bad Attitude" which will also be sporting a new R-3350 motor. Judging from last years performance (7th place - Gold Unlimited Class) and this years field of entries, "Bad Attitude" should finish high in the Unlimited Silver Class.

Who can forget the hair-raising moment last year when Sherman Smoot took "Czech Mate" in on a mayday with the aircraft coming in hot, smoking, and running out of runway quick! It was a huge surprise for this race fan to see her name listed on the field of entries for this year. Nothing is known of the repair work that has been completed, but just seeing their names on the list was a very good indication that all has been put back in order and should be returning this year. The aircraft's R-2800 and light mass should prove beneficial on the new course - and it will be interesting to see how well the aircraft can performs under racing conditions. She's definitely got a better than average shot at getting into the Gold Unlimited Class.

Dan Martin and "Ridge Runner III" will again make the trek up to Reno for the races. It's now public knowledge that Dan was running a "little brother" Thorny Merlin (courtesy of Mike Barrow) last year and sent some people off to clean their glasses.... "a modified stocker qualifying 4th fastest at 423.951 mph?!?!?" Well, all I can say is I'm glad I didn't have to keep that secret too long (like I could after Dan took the course <g>). Although last year this team suffered from the jackals of competition - all seems well for this year. We personally wish Dan, Mike and Team Ridge Runner the best... it's their turn guys!

Stewart Dawson's Hawker Sea Fury "Spirit of Texas" will also appear this year with a couple of new things to aid her quest for speed. The stock spinner has now been replaced with a larger unit to cut down on some of the drag inducing airflow channeling into the cowling. Along with her annual "physical" done by "Spirit of Texas" Nelson Ezelle's Breckenridge facility - her R-3350 engine has been given a few tweaks to increase performance. This should put her into the 405 to 410 mph range (well, using last years course that is <g>) which would place her well in the top of the Silver Unlimited Class.

Then there's the casualties that won't make it this year. The well publicized Oshkosh accident involving Howard Pardue will see the first time in many years that his F8F "Bearcat" won't make the field. Although the aircraft was badly damaged, it is repairable and should be ready for next year. As most already know, Howard escaped injury (thank goodness) and will campaign his other mount "Fury" at this years event. The second casualty this year is John Bagley, who won't be bringing his Sea Fury "Southern Cross" to Reno. John had an unfortunate incident with a landing gear glitch which put the prop into the runway and got a few other things a little "tweaked" (the bad way). Reports indicate they won't be back together in time for the races but he will be bringing "Ole Yeller" down and to run it in the Bronze or at least fly it for nostalgia.

Speaking of nostalgia, we did notice Lefty Gardner entered his P-38 "White Lightnin" for this years race. We sorely missed him last year and very much hope that he'll return to the pylons and give all the fans out there a taste of his flying style that has become synonymous with words 'Reno' and 'Air Racing'. His aircraft and piloting skills being a treat for both eyes and ears, Lefty surely commands a loyal following - and I'm quite proud to say that I'm one of them.......

One final thing to discuss here and it's something that we'll have to wait and see on - the weather. I don't know if any of you race fans have noticed - but the weather has been doing some very strange things this summer. This is where shaved props, clipped wings, airfoil and wing loading characteristics become "interesting". Will they be better in dense air or will the opposite be true? It's an unknown until we see what tricks the weather has in store for us. Definitely something that could effect the performance characteristics of the aircraft and in doing so, effect the outcome of the races.

So, what can the race fans expect this year? For starters - you can expect the best class of Unlimiteds that Reno has ever seen. The potential for some serious competition within the Unlimited Racing Classes is awesome. Add to this the revised course layout and we are likely to see not only less tail chasing and better racing action - but some great pit strategy and pilotage - it's going to be intense to put it mildly! This will be the Reno to remember of the 90's - I'd not wish anyone to miss this event as it will be one that goes down in the history books.

Anything that I could add further couldn't say it as well as an email correspondence that I had with my fellow pylon1.com bud, Mike Lucchesi who wrote:
"Regarding the list of entrants this year...all I can say is, "Man, oh man!" Would you say the fastest field in Reno history? I'd certainly have to think so! I did my usual breakdown of who might finish where, and some of the planes I have slated to go in the Silver and Bronze this year will blow your mind. I have TWO of these four planes being bumped to the Silver: Critical Mass, Risky Business, Czech Mate, and Ridge Runner. I'm guessing Czech Mate and Ridge Runner will be the ones, but that is just amazing, as both planes will likely qualify well over 420mph! I have perennial Silver class runner (and former winner!) Merlin's Magic bumping down to the Bronze, along with Riff Raff (not sure he can outrun Spirit of Texas, Fury, Bad Attitude, Argonaut, or September Pops). That just amazed me! I looked at my final guesses and just kinda went, Whoa!"

We'll see ya in the pits!
Mark.......