Rare Bear, Dago Red Grounded For Engine Problems

There's reason for optimism at Reno Stead Field this year, as organizers of the Reno National Championship Air Races expect the weekend crowds to top 200,000 -- drawn in by the presence of the USAF Thunderbirds F-16 demostration team, which is performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Several contenders in the Unlimited compeition may also be feeling rather chipper... as two perennial winners may not be flying this year.

In the Unlimited Class, John Penney's F8F Bearcat "Rare Bear" (right) and Skip Holm's "Dago Red" P-51 Mustang are missing from the roster. The latter needs an engine change... and apparently, so does Rare Bear, after coughing up smoke during Wednesday's qualifying runs.

"There's metal in the oil," one "Rare Bear" crewmember told the Reno Gazette Journal, as the plane was pulled into the hangar.

Even if those two birds don't race this weekend, that will still leave six-time champ "Strega," a modified P-51, flying in the Unlimited class in the hands of pilot Bill "Tiger" DeStefani. He will do battle against "Dreadnought" and "September Fury," both modified Sea Furies; and the Yak-11 "Czech Mate," which took fourth in the 2004 Gold race.

Finals in each of the six classes -- biplanes, Formula 1, Sport, T-6, Jets and Unlimited -- will be held Sunday, September 17.

FMI: www.airrace.org