Forget Graceland

High performance airplanes of various types will be screaming through the sky during the Tunica Air Races and Air Show just a few miles south of Memphis. The Tunica Airport, in Tunica, Mississippi will host aerobatic performers, aviation displays and three classes of air racing from June 2nd to 5th, 2005.

During the air races, the pilots will guide their airplanes around a series of pylons that form a track from two to eight miles long. The racers blast around the 50-foot pylons at speeds between 200 and 500 mph. The Tunica Air Races will have three classes of aircraft, Unlimited, T-6 and Formula One.

• Unlimited aircraft are the fastest propeller airplanes, usually including stock or modified WWII fighters like the Mustang, Bearcat, and Sea Fury. The piston engines in these aircraft pull them to speeds over 400 mph.
• T-6 races include the variants of the advanced trainers used during WWII. The Texans, Harvards, and SNJs usually race at over 200 mph. Pilots must use skill and technique to do well against the close competition.
• Formula One airplanes must meet strict technical specifications and are usually built by the pilots who race them. They also can race along at over 200 mph. (file photo)

The airshow features a variety of skilled performers:

• Randy Henderson is the pilot for Texas T-Cart Airshows and a veteran performer beginning his 21st season in the air show industry.

• Jan Collmer is another air show veteran, flying the FINA Extra 300L sponsored by ALON USA.
• Skip Stewart performs a high energy, fast paced, gyroscopic show that will thrill Tunica's air show audience.
• Bob Odegaard will be showcasing his Goodyear F2G-1D Super Corsair #57. This plane was a first place winner at the 1949 Cleveland Air Races and is the only flying Super Corsair and one of only three of its type in the world.
• Cris Ferguson flies a S1-C Pitts called "Let the Good Times Roll." He began his flying career at the age of 12 and attained his pilot's license before he could drive. His performance is entertaining and shows off the amazing capabilities of the Pitts S1.

Aircraft on static display include:

• "Diamond Lil" is a 1941 B-24 Liberator Bomber currently stationed in Midland, Texas at the Commemorative Air Force Base. The B-24 Liberator was produced in greater numbers than any other U.S. aircraft during the WWII. Diamond Lil is one of only two Liberator bombers still flying today.

• "Sweetie Face" a P-51 Mustang, is one of the most recognized aircraft of WWII.

• A P-47 Thunderbolt D-Model, often called the "Jug" was rugged and powerful, reaching speeds of over 400 mph and serving well in WWII.

People who pre-purchase their tickets at www.tunicaairraces.com will be entered to win a ride in a P-51 Mustang. Also, Diamond Lil will be available for flights during the event with ticket information available on the website.

FMI: www.tunicaairraces.com