This week is the 2011 Reno Air Racing Association Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS), and there are 4 RVs and 2 Rockets participating! I thought I'd blog a little here this week, to try and give our VAF family a taste of what its like to turn props on the biggest Air Racing Stage in the World!
PRS is where pilots earn the qualification to run in the big show in September. Pilots that have raced in the last 3 years or have completed PRS in the past 2 years do not need to complete PRS to compete in September. However, if you do not meet those criterion, you must complete PRS to race in the show.
Our group of Sport Class Racers consists of two Rocket drivers that have competed in the past, 1 RV pilot that is a Formula racer, and 3 RV pilots completing PRS as Rookies.
The RV and Rocket Bro's that are running in PRS are (L-R):
Terry Brennan (RV-8A, Rookie), Me (RV-S6, Rookie), Dave Leonard (RV-6 Turbo Rotary, Rookie), Steve Senegal (RV-S8, Formula Racer); Mark Frederick (F1 EVO, previous racer) and Greg Nelson (F1 Sport, previous racer)
PRS officially began today, but many aircraft and pilots arrived earlier in the week to do formation training, and current and qualified racers were able to make early practice runs on the course. A lot of test flying was conducted as well. Steve, Greg and I were able to do formation work with the Sport Class vets, and it was fun and challenging to fly with fast Lancairs and Glassairs!
Today, Mark, Dave (RoDoc) and Terry arrived, and while vets practiced on the course, we Rookies and out of qual racers were given General and Class-specific ground school sessions. Here are some pics of the aircraft and pilots, and a few of the ground school:
My 6 and Terry's 8A:
Greg and Mark and their Rockets:
Steve's Super 8:
RoDoc's 6:
The General Session of ground school covered administrative items, general rules and concentrated heavily on safety. Saw some compelling safety videos from some of the Reno Racing Hall of Famers. Here's a pic of the class:
The Sport Class session covered more specific procedures, including briefing, launch, entering and exiting the low-level race course, racing, passing, and emergencies. Here's a pic of the much smaller Sport Class Rookie group:
Of course we were surrounded by some pretty cool airplanes of all varieties, and here's one sample pic:
And on the way home for the day, while showing Mark and Greg the Rare Bear Hangar, my kiddos were invited in for a "Rare Treat"!
We're all very excited to be participating, and are looking forward to a busy, challenging and fun week. Tomorrow (Thursday) will be our first look at the course, and I'll try to keep updating y'all with how its going, what its like, and toss in some more pics as I'm able...of RVs, Rockets and more of the heavy iron!
Wish us luck, and ride along with us in VAF spirit!
Cheers,
Bob
Race 43
RV's and Rockets at 2011 Reno Pylon Racing Seminar!
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