Only Richard's Second Year Of Competition

Thom Richard, co-founder of Warbird Adventures and the Kissimmee Air Museum has returned to central Florida after winning both the Gold and Silver Formula One races at the Reno World Championship Air Race this past week. Thom and "Team Florida" have accomplished what few only dream of in not one but two of the extremely competitive classes, racing in tight formation, 50 feet off the ground and well over 200 miles an hour.

Thom Richard Photo By Neal Sands

Thom Richard's plane "Miss USA" that won the Silver Formula Race and Tim Neubert's plane "Invictus" that Thom flew to win the Gold Formula One race will be on display after their triumphant return to the Kissimmee Air Museum for visitors to enjoy along with the other planes and exhibits that share Florida's aviation heritage.
 
It's been said that the first air race was held after the second plane was built in 1903, and has been a worldwide fascination ever since. Air racing is billed as 'the world's fastest motor sport' and Reno is one of the few remaining venues to enjoy the sound of raw horsepower.

Invictus Photo By Neal Sands

The 1920s and 30s saw the Golden Age Air Racing only to be halted by the more important aviation competition of WWII. Bill Stead, a Nevada rancher, hydroplane racer, and World War II ace, came up with the idea of reviving the National Air Races in 1964 to help celebrate the centennial of Nevada's statehood. The races were part of a major air show that included the national aerobatics and balloon championships, skydiving competition, and a performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The races were moved to Reno's Stead Air Force Base when it closed in 1966, it was turned over to the city and renamed Stead Airfield, which has been the site of the Reno National Air Races ever since.

The World Championship Reno Air Races feature multi-lap, multi-aircraft races between extremely high performance aircraft on closed courses, which range between about 3 to 8 miles per lap. There are six classes that planes of different size and horsepower compete in. The Formula Class that Thom Richard dominated is much like Formula One auto racing that demands that all the planes confirm to certain specifications relying on the pilot's skill and experience to give an edge over the competition. 

Invictus Photo By Neal Sands

About 150,000 spectators turn out over the four-day period enjoying not only the close track racing but also exhibitions of aerobatics, stunt flying, and skydiving, as well as flyovers and demonstrations by military teams.
 
Each September for the past four decades, pilots and planes have traveled west to Reno to see the best and the fastest fly. Thom Richard flew his first Reno race last year and has already surprised himself and others by his success in the Formula One Category.

FMI: www.warbirdadventures.com