Reno National Air Races 2006

Mike Brown’s Sea Fury, “September Fury” won Sundays Gold Unlimited Race with an average speed of over 481 mph. He was chased by Bill “Tiger” Destefani’s modified P-51D Mustang “Strega” who came from dead last up to second place within the first three laps. Unfortunately for Tiger his engine failed on lap five and had to declare a mayday, he landed safely and ended up finishing in eight place. Matt Jackson’s Sea Fury “Dreadnought” finished second and Sherman Smoot’s Yak “Czech Mate” finished third.

Sundays Unlimited Silver Race saw a great battle between Dan Vance’s Sea Fury “September Pops” and C.J. Stephens’ Sea Fury “Argonaut”. Dan Vance won with an average speed of over 405 mph and C.J. Stephens’ fished just a few seconds behind him with a average speed of 404 mph. Ron Buccarelli’s highly modified Griffon powered P-51D Mustang finished third.

A huge crowd favorite was in Sundays Unlimited Bronze Race, Robert Odegaard in his very rare F2G Super Corsair. The last time Robert’s Super Corsair saw race action was in the 1949 Cleveland Air Races where it came in third in the Tinnerman Trophy Race and won the Thompson Trophy Race. Robert came from the back of the field and looked like he was on his way winning the Bronze when his engine developed problems on lap five and had to drop out of the race. Dave Morss in “Polar Bear” a P-51A Mustang won the race with a speed of 344 mph. Brant Seghetti’s P-51D “Sparky” finished second and Jim McKinstry’s Yak finished third

Lots more Unlimited action in the gallery here:
http://www.pbase.com/marauder61/reno_air_races_2006