Air Race report from Monday’s qualifying at Stead Airport

STEAD (Sept. 14) – Today began two and a half days of qualifying for those wishing to compete in this year’s edition of the Reno National Championship Air Races. It’s the only event on the planet where pilots race each other in six different classes.

The stars of the show are the Unlimiteds and these aircraft have legions of fans. Around noon Steven Hinton, in Vodoo, threw down the gauntlet when he turned a time of 464.246.

The defending Unlimited Gold champion showed he is there to win.

During the afternoon qualifying session Dennis Sanders in Dreadnought posted a 432.860 qualifying time. Later Hoot Gibson piloted Strega to a speed of 430.052 mph.

Due to a low aircraft count many feel the pilots are not showing all their hands. Of course once we get to Saturday everyone will be going for broke, especially on Sunday.

Rare Bear “The Bear,” was kept in its lair. Carburetor problems on Sunday has it grounded until a new unit arrives around 5:30 p.m. but it may have to qualify on Wednesday.

One notable qualifying was John Parker in his Thunder Mustang just missed posting the first 400 mph speed for this growing class of racers.

Even though it is a bit smoky and hazy from fires in California there was enough visibility to get qualifying into day. And tomorrow is another day for qualifying.

The gallery is some of the photos I took today as well as speeds that were posted around 4:30 p.m. so the jet times are incomplete. Should have more tomorrow.

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Dennis Sanders takes off in Dreadnought to make his qualifying run where he posted the second fastest time.