Reno 1999

I first raced at Reno in 1999 - after attending the first Rookie School (pylon racing seminar). During Rookie School, my intake air box collapsed and I had to call a "Mayday" and land immediately. Despite the emergency landing during Rookie School, everything was okay and we finished in 5th place in the Bronze Bi-Plane class.

Changes in 2000

There were even more changes in 2000

clipped and rebuilt the wings - from 17 feet to 15 feet, inches      

reshaped the tail     

changed to spring aluminum landing gear (Grove Aircraft)    

added a full coverage canopy and made other aerodynamic changes

I increased my qualifiying speed to 149.9 and placed 4th in the Bronze category.

2001 - Back to Rookie School

I was asked to be an instructor in 2001 Rookie School. One of the best times I've ever had!

Major changes in 2001

A new sponsor acquired us - Bart Llalond of Aerosport Power builds high quality, high performance Lycoming engines for experimental and certified aircraft. My engine is now a 360 cu.in. parallel valve with helicopter camshaft, 200 horsepower sump with tuned intake, custom crossover exhaust system, 10.5:1 forged pistons with experimental H-Beam rods by ECI (Engine Components, INC). ECI provides the engine case, remanufacturing, rods camshaft and other various engine components.

The exhaust system is by Custom Aircraft Parts, who does custom exhaust systems. The propeller is from Owen's Composites Propellers.