Sun, May 29, 2005
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.
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