Rare Bear wins at Reno

John Penney flew his highly modified Grumman F8F Bearcat, 'Rare Bear', to victory in the Breitling Unlimited Gold Race at Reno, Nevada on September 16 2007, ahead of Sherman Smoot in equally highly modified Yak-11 'Czech Mate'.



John Penney turning the home-pylon in the newly-repainted Grumman F8F-2 'Rare Bear' during the Unlimited Gold race at Reno on September 16.
Photo: Mike Shreeve

The fastest aircraft in the 'unlimited' class this year (according to the event's official website) was Hawker Sea Fury 'September Fury' which achieved a maximum of 472.846 m.p.h. 'Rare Bear' recorded the second-fastest maximum at 452.277; with 'Czech Mate' clocking 446.974 m.p.h.

Sadly this year's Reno air-races were marred by the deaths of three pilots in separate incidents and we'd like to join with the event's organisers in expressing our condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives. Racing was suspended on the Friday but resumed again on Saturday 16 September.

Find our more about air-racing at Reno at: http://www.airrace.org

Visit the 'Rare Bear' website at: http://www.rarebear.com (you'll need sound to gain the full effect of the intro' :-)

Find our more about Yak-11 'Czech Mate' and pilot Sherman Smoot at: http://www.warbirdaeropress.com/articles/CzechMate/Smoot.htm

Check out this photo gallery featuring Hawker Sea Fury, 'September Fury': http://www.pbase.com/wjpearce/septfury/ The new, official, September Pops Unlimited Air Racing Team website http://www.septemberpops.com is currently under construction.