Novem ber/Decem berl 997

FORIVTTTLA FORTT]VI THE IF1 JOURNAL

t996 3 km Gtass World Speed Record 2ffi3 -75 FfiFFi f#ffi

Still too fast to catch - Jon Sharp wins Reno and Lancaster Bilt Rogers photo FORMULAFORUM

Membership in IFl is open to TRISH SHARP pilots, owners, crews, and Promotions Director. technical pmple active in Formula 44210 Galion Ave. One Air . Members $50, Lancaster, CA 93536 Associate Members S25. Rules 8051723-7636 pckage and application available [email protected] from the Secretary, Will Dennis. For rules, send a check for $7.50, SCOTT GARLAND payable to IFl t0 cover cost of Operations Director. F'ormula Forum O lgg7 printing and mailing. 45438 Clubhouse Drive Temecula, CA 92592 International Formula One folon A}ID 9091693-2408 Air Racing Inc. All rights CLASS OF'X'ICIALS DIRECTORS T'OR 1998 [email protected] reserved. TOMIIeHART Formula Fornm is the offtcial EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Technical Director. publication of International JON SHARP 2121 Holabird Ave. Formula One fulon Air Racing, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Inc., A Texas Non-Profit President. 44210 Galion Ave. 541/850-6083 Corporation. Member of the International Council of Air Lanczste4 CA 93536 805/723-7636 DAVE MORSS Shows and the Air Racing [email protected] Pilot Committee. Council of the United States. 775 UplandRoad I}AVID HOOVER Redwood C1ty, CA 94062 Articles appearing herein are the Vice President. 4r5/368-6s99 opinion of the authors and not 107 Williams Lane [email protected] necessarily the opinion of IFI Foster City, 94044 Inc. CA 415/573-1323 KEVIN KELLY [email protected] Technical Committee. Contributions should be sent to 3245 West Ave. J4 the Editor, Bill Rogers at 926 WILL DENNIS Lancaster, CA 93536 Rawhide Place, Newbury Park, Secretary 8051723-0361 CA 91320. Phone: 805/498- 110 Main Street. Suite B [email protected] 0846, FAX: 8051499-6297 or:'rra Willits, CA 95490 modem, ZiplPC floppies in WP 707t4564576 GARY HUBLER or ASCii. Email text to me at: [email protected] Procedure Committee. [email protected] 5011 Hubler Lane Caldwell,ID 83605 [email protected]

CONTENTS 3. Laughlin Update 10. Reno Pix 4. Bill Nusz 14. Lancaster Report Bill Rogers 5. 5th Column Editorial 18. Odds & 6. Reno Report Bill Rogers 19. For Sale

F'ORMULA TORUM . NOVEMBER 1997 LAUGHLIN Fl AIR RACES December 4-7,1997

Okay, so where is Laughlin? On the Racing: two raceslday, 8 planes each Colorado River at the Arizona./ Showday Sat. and Raceday Sun. border on that pointy bit at the bottom of Purse: $50,000, deposit received. NV, about 90 south oflas Yegas. Officials: Airport: Laughlin/Bullhead City Ops: Scott Garland with JeffGunn, Dean International, just across the river in AZ. We Carrier, Jim Stevenson, Jim Wieherer

will have hangars at rdght (see map) and be Tech: Ror Hawes(acting) with Kevin Kelly , in open pits like Lancaster during the day. Bob Griffith, Mark Johnson, Roger Sturgess, Contact number: 520 17 54-3922 Bill Rogers Pilots. Dave Morss Eotel: Make your own reservations at OfficialslPylons: Frank Roaco

Ramada Express: Call 1 -800-243 -6846; Timing: Roger/Grace Sturgess, BetE Carrier group rate should be $10 weekdays and $30 Scoring: Debbie Guise for w/e; ask for MSLAIR. Any problems, Flags: Jim Maloney ask for Sheri Westbrook. Local phone: Contest: W.Garland, J.Stevenson, W. Rogers 702-298-424A

Probable Entry (16 Spots+ 2 Alts) Robert Jones Scotty Crandlemire George Budde #2 Bobby Budde #10 David Hoover Dan Gilbert Ray Cote Dick Roberts Jon Sharp Steve Myers Gary Hubler Holbrook Maslen Bruce Bohannon Eric Matheson Randy Howell Greg Reid #42 Dave Morss Jim Miller iTgVEDA Schedule: Tech Inspect: AM, Thurs. 4 December Practice/Qual: Friday;

F'ORMULA F'ORUM - NO1rEMBER 1997 Bill Nusz 1955-1997

Lt. Col. Bill Nusz and an RAF exchange pilot, Flt. Lt. Leigh Fox, were killed on Oct. 22ndtnthe crash of their T-38 at Edwards AFB. They were flying photo chase on a B- 18 test mission, when their airsraft had a 500kt midair at low altitude with the other ch&se, an F-16. They had apparently ejected unsuccessfully. The F-16 landed safely on the lake bed with wing damage.

Bill Nusz, a multi-rated pilot, first soloed as a sixteen year old in l971,joined the Air Force and graduated from the USAF Test Pilot School as a flight test engineer in 1983. He had a distinguished Air Force career, culminating in his position as Director of Engineering for the 4l9th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, CA where he was responsible for B-18 development testing 5th Column Editorial

Bill Nusz, from Lombard, Illinois, made his This year for the first time, the Reno Air first appearance in Formula One air racing at Racing Association (RARA) shared sorne of the Reno National Championships in 1996, their conserns (and achievements) with race where he raced his modified Cassutt lllM participants. This kind of direct contact is model, "Baby Dragon". urnprecedented; previous communication was occasionally through the Race Director or After acquiring the stock sport Cassutt, this third parly gossip frorn people who knew skilled engineer made a number of modifi- Trustees. Chairman Jack Walther totrd us of cations on the plane seeking to increase three years of $300K losses; of meetings to performance. His efforts were rewarded by decide if we would even have a Championship a 6th place in the Bronze Race. He continued race in '97 and of a last minute bail-out by the to improve the plane, qualifuing 14 mlt:, Stead Airporl authority who advanced faster and earning a place in the Silver this payments due on land sold to them by RARA. year; definitely a man to watch. Who even knew they had sold the land under the UL course? Most peopie apparently Bill made his home in Rosamond, C4 at the assumed that the Trustees were waiting until it Skypark where he kept a Cessna 310 and appreciated enough so that they could sell out "Baby Dragon". He is survived by his wife and retire on the profits. He told of putting Gail, also a Lt. Col. at Edwards. Our hearts insurance and security up for bid, reducing go out to Gail and the rest of his family and costs by $250K. The need for an additional friends.

F'ORMULA F'ORUM - NOVEI\TBER 1997 $50K of income to break even, drove course (violates FAA AirshoilAir Race attempts to tap into team tee shirt sales, guidelines). Give the classes more amongst other things. More sponsorship recognition and refer all new entries to them was discussed, as well as increased prize immediately for approval - that is happening money if RARA made a profit. Better at the race and is required by the FA{ but treatment of current sponsors, the press, and the entry packet still claims it is open to even the racers was promised. In all I felt anyone with the fee. Schedule a meeting that it was an honest attempt at commun- early in the year and sign a written contract ication; and a warning that things had to with the class. Pay a nominal fee to IFI for change or the 33'd Reno would be the last. TV rights. These suggestions came to my A sobering thought. mind, but contact Jon Sharp with ideas for RARA improvements. The next surprise was that we were asked for our help in improving the event. We This year was WINDY We almost canceled (and they) know that the answer would be to the Gold and some aircrak received minor attract a major sponsor. Buick is now the damage (if an expensive graphite prop is primary contributor, and they took some minor). Some folks expressed concern that steps to cater to them more than in the past. the Ops Director would launch in such If Formula One could bring a sponsor to pick conditions. Perhaps we should review our up some or all of our prize fund, that would procedures. It is our policy not to fly in rain substantially reduce the cost to Reno of our but Rule 4.5 covers weather minima: participation. It is a pity that NARS Visibility more than 3 miles - OK; cloud base sponsor, Plymouth, would conflict with higher than 1500'AGL - OK. What about Buick. I don't think that taxing the racers surface wind less than 35 mJh and cross wind for a few teeshirts is worth the ill will it component less than 20 mlh peak? generates. Some considerations: These numbers are in There was minimal interference with our place after 50 years experience. Although operations, although the T6's had a lot of not required, Scott talked to each ofthe help. I never saw the new Race Director pilots and obtained concurrence for his Frank Kimmell, except at meetings Ue iras decisions. One (#2) suffered damage a much lower profile than Thornton Audrain directly attributable to a wind gust. Lessons and perhaps that is why Bill Eck ganged up learned - Starter should hold if a gust is with the FAA and created a "Safety experienced at flag drop, we need to inspect Committee" which ovemrled the long all possible launch runways prior to established Contest Committee, and issued committing to them. It would not hurt for the kind of arbitrary decisions we used to get the Procedure Rules Committee to review from Jerry Duty, Thornton's predecessor. the weather minima again. Comments to This should be stopped. Gary Hubler the new Chairman. Ed

Other improvements? Treat the press better Sorry for all the words ond lock of pictures and allow more coverage at our startline. in this isse; two multi-race events.filled it Fill the holes at the far end of 14-32. Move up, butwe plan mske it up in January. Also the Timers from the middle of the race look.for some more discussion on passing!

FORMULA FORUM. NOVEMBER 1997 RENO RETROSPECT'97 Bill Rogers

The Reno that almost never happened. At a turtle deck and canopy. Newcomers were surprise meeting with Board members, biplaner Robert Jones in #57 now called pilots, and other interested folks who invited "Aggressor" and with a slab wing replacing themselves, RARA Chairman, Jack Walther the item that caused aerodynamic problems disclosed that 3 years of$300K losses had last year, and Holbrook Maslen in #44 still drained reserves and threatened cancellation named "Judy''. Late in was Randy Howell in of the '97 event. A last minute speed-up in #96 "Madder Max" who had blown the payments from the Stead Airport Authority, engine the day before, necessitating an for land under the IIL course saved the day. instant LyCon rebuild. Costs had been reduced by going out for bid on insuraace and security, but ominously, OUALIF'YING Walther told us that the '97 races must make a profit. If they did, the prize fund Monday morning was cloudy and calm and would be increased. He did not have to new aircraft and pilot quals commenced. explain what would happen if another loss Kevin Kelly was first to get a time, while was incurred. Would Reno '97 be the last? John Housley, putting time on a new engine, flew for 58 minutes and set a new Reno The 24 F1 entries had shrunk to 21 when Jay endurance record. Density altitude was 7800 Jones did not feel ready since he had flown for the afternoon and Bruce Bohannon went his plane only a lew days earlier, Bobby up with Robert Jones to shoot video with a Budde lost parts due to the IIPS strike and lipstick camera mounted on the tail of #89. the mythical second Sharp , to be Dave Morss was up and down with a flown by Steve Ericson, was not complete vibration. and would not be ready until '98. Bobby was rapidly recruited for the IFl Contest Next day was calm and75' ea.ly on. Randy Committee to replace Jim Stevenson who Howell was up with the new engine, but was was dealing with a family emergency. dismayed to see a distinct smoke trail and landed for inspection. Tuesday afternoon Aircraft changes included #50 which had a was a little warmer than the day before and new Kelly wing, tail and a better cowl; #4 most elected to go for it. The session was with extended tips, end plates outboard of hectic and Bill Rogers was at Home pylon, the control surfaces and a new gear that very busy keeping the timers straight. At solved the landing problems that had plagued one point three aircraft were on the clock at that airplane;#14 with a smoother cowl, 2 the same time. This is risky in terms of into I stacks and a shorter prop extension. correct times, as is being on course with two Jim Miller also had a cleaver solution to the other red and white planes! Howell tried antenna problem by wrapping a flexible strip again and again left a trail. His crew had around the inside of a glass nose cone on the found no leaks or internal discrepancies and pusher. Dave Morss' #99 (was #33) is now the smoke trail eventually went away and named "Cool Runnings" and sported a lower

FORMULA F'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 was attributed to rings slowly seating in. 42 Kevin Kelly,Lancaster,CA; 47 .9 5 233 .493 Holbrook Maslen got a time, but it was Kelly F-lD, "Barbara Jean2" N42KK disallowed since he was still in the process of 11 Dave Hoover,Foster Cty; 48.61 230.323 qualifl,ing as a pilot. After qualiSring, Hoover/Cassutt, "Frenzy" N25VS the"Nemesis" crew were horrified to see one 92 Ertc Matheson,HongKong;4 9 .04 228.303 of the top engine mount tubes broken in two Cassutt "Yellow Peril" Nl7s17 and pulled the engine for a quick weld job. 2 George Budde,MidwstCy; 49.75 225.045 Wagner, "Okie Swinger" N8EW On Wednesday only #44, #99 and #96 43 John Housley,Stlouis,Mo;50 .98 2I9.616 remained to qualify. Dave Morss put down a Cassutt, "Aero Magic" N43SJ time, a hardly-smoking Randy worried about 17 SonnySwenson, Mntgmry; 52.56 213.014 Max's ro11 rate, but caught the timer's eye Cassutt IIIM, "Annie" N45889 with a little help from Bill. Holbrook was 29 Blll Nusz, Rosamond,CA; 52.92 21I.565 not so lucky;when demonstrating a Cassutt, "Baby Dragon" N29PS deadstick landing, he did some amazing low 50 Scott Crandlemire,Meridin;53 .39 209.7 A2 level S-turns, dropping out of my sight Cassutt/I(elly "Scarlet Screamer" N I 3 5R twice. He landed safely but this did not 57 Robert Jones,Tranquility; 56.1 I 199.537 impress the Pilot Qual Committee and they Cassutt [IIM, "Aggressor" N6O3R declined to license him until he gained a little 6 George Budde,MidwstCy, 58.61 191.025 more experience in the plane. No one Cassutt IIIM, "Okie Stroker" N102 expressed any interest in the afternoon 94 Dick Roberts, Maybee,Ml'. 62.26179.827 session, and Scott Garland turned over the Cassutt IIIM, "Miss Maybee" N94HA * time to more needy classes. Qualified first

OUALIFYING TTMES Slow conditions affected most people's times 3 Jon Sharp,Lancaster,CA, 44.04 254.223 compared to last year, but most improved Sharp DR-90, "Nemesis" Nl8JS were: Scotty Crandlemire, +23mJh from '95, 96 Randy Howell, DscvryBay;45.58 245.634 Bill Nusz, +T4 mlh from last year reflecting a Grove GR-7, "Madder Max" N687RB lot of hard work. Only 20 qualified 4 Ray Cote, El Cajon,CA; 46.77 239.384 - the fewest for some time and heat pairings Owl OR-71 lCote, "Alley Cat" NIVD were set with 7, 7, and 6 in the slow heat. 39 Dan Gilbert, Bellville,Ml;46.97 238.365 Glbert DG-l, "Shadow" N3gODG THURSDAYHEATS -8Laps 95 Gary Hubler,Caldwell,ID; 47.03 238.061 Cassutt IIIM, "Mariah" NI lXR On Thursday an approaching front changed 14 JimMiller,San Antonio; 47 51 235.656* the wind direction to west, and dropped the Miller IM-z, "Pushy Cat" N414M temperature from shorts to jeans. I{eat lC 99 Dave Morss,RedwoodCty; 47 .5I 235.656 launched down hill into the scatter with Bill Cassutt IIIM, "Cool Runnings', N799DM Nusz first oft usually a good thing, but it 36 Steve Myers,Phoerux,AZ; 47.73 234.569 carries the responsibility of finding the Kelly F-lD, "Smiddy's Firefly" N236PS scatter. Scotty didn't follow and as Bill went 89 Bruce BohannorqFrndswd;47 .88 233 .83 5 wide, slipped through into first never to be Miller IM-z, "Pushy Galore" N189BB headed. Behind them Sonny Swenson,

F'ORMULA F'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 Robert Jones, George Budde and Dick took the lead into the scatter ahead ofJon. Roberts followed. The front three gradually Sharp, Ray Cote, Gary Hubler, Jim Miller, pulled away from #57,lapping Dick on laps Dave Morss, and Dan Glbert. Ray almost 5 and 6 and that's how the race finished, cut the scatter and moved, pushing Gary and giving Scotty the heady satisfaction of his Dan out. Into the start with #96 and#3 first win after 2 years of work. close together then Ray, Dave had taken advantage of the confusion for fourth with I 50 Scotty Crandlemire 209.540 m/h Jim, Gary and Dan. Jon. followed Randy for 2 29 Bill Nusz 208.458 m/h 3 laps to see what he had and then went 3 17 Sonny Swenson 208.128 mlh around and took off(best lap - 258 mih). 4 57 Robert Jones 199.111 m/h The rest of the field were mixing it in a tight 5 6 George Budde 198.080 m/h gaggle; on lap 2, #99led Ray flying his 6 94 Dick Roberts 171.774 mlh* precise low line, while Gary was next, high. *7 Laps A lap later Ray was leading Gary, Dave and Dan who had passed Jim. On lap 4, Dan Heat IB was warmer with 6700 DA and passed Dave, pulling abruptly in front and takeoffsaw Bruce Bohannon offfirst with Dave took evasive action and left for a Kevin Kelly over the top of David Hoover, change of underwear. Next lap, Gary passed then Steve Myers, Eric Matheson, John Ray momentarily but Ray fought back and Housley and George Budde in#2. David held him for 4 laps of great racing, with Dan stayed low and at the start was back in slowly catching. On the last lap Gary got second behind Bruce; he closed slowly and Ray at the line with Dan very close - all three passed for the lead on lap 4. Behind them, within 0.8 sec. The IFl Contest Committee Steve was closing on Kevin - a great race in were given the lap 4 pass to consider and identical Kellys (now if we only had that Dan was moved to last (See sidebar) other Nemesis!). Steve was a couple of m/h faster, but could not get by. Bruce fell back 1 3 Jon Sharp 249.215 mlh into their clutches as a plug wire came adrift, 2 96 Randy Howell 243.935 rn/h and they passed him into 4 on lap 5; Eric too 3 95 Gary Hubler 234.588 m/h got by just before the finish. Steve hit some 4 4 Ray Cote 234.373 mJh wake and popped up but Kev'in held him off 5 14 Jim Miller 228.653 mlh by 113 of a second. George shadowed John 6 99 Dave Morss DNF Lap 4* for the entire race, but passed him at the line. 7 39 Dan Gilbert 234.091m/h** x Pulled up after near miss with #39 ** 1 11 David Hoover 227.682 nlh Moved to last place for improper pass 2 42 Kevin Kelly 226.148 mlh J 36 Steve Myers 225.976 mlh FRIDAY HEATS 4 92BricMatheson 223.011 m/h 5 89 Bruce Bohannon 222.812 rnlh Two heats were planned for Friday, and with 6 2 George Budde 215.230 rn/h no time the day before, Dave was expected 7 43 John Housley 215.127 mlh to be the class of HeatZC. There was no wind, 75", so we launched on course uphill The wind veered to provide a cross on runway 8. Bill got his usual fast takeoff component for Heat 1A and Randy Howell

F'ORMULAF'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 and started the clock with Sonny behind and 2 89 Bruce Bohannon 231.197 n/h Dave breathing down his neck. Next the J 92Ene Matheson 230.465 mlh One Armed Bandit led George and Dick. 4 2 George Budde 222.706 mlh Dave passed Sonny on lap 2 and Bill on the 5 43 John Housley 220.519 mlh next circuit for an easy win although his 6 50 Scotty Crandlemire 199.308 m/hx speed was reduced by a lost mag. Bill did 'l 42 Kevin KellyDNF Lap 8 well to hold offSonny who was at the * 7 Laps line. Towards the back, George successfully tried a demon last lap passes on #57. Penalties were assessed at Reno for two I 99 Dave 224.262 mlh Morss instances of improper/unsafe overtaking. Dan 2 29 Bill 2lA.l35 mlh Nusz Gilbert was fined $250, moved to last plaie in J 17 Sonny 210.042 m/h Swenson the heat, and put on probationfor 2 points 4 George 198.300 m/h 6 Budde events. Kevin Kelly, who had recently come off 5 57 Robert 197.347 rn/h Jones probation and made his pass a day later was 6 94Dick 171.241m/h* Roberts fined $400, suspended for Reno and the rest of *7 Laps I99V, and put on probation fbr a'further 2. points races. On course again for l{eat 28. An interesting race with four aircraft of similar performance, since Eric had worked on the SATURDAYHEAT -8Laps carb af #92, resetting the float level which An early get up for the 9AM Heat 2C may provided an additional 10m/h. Bruce's have been a challenge for the fast guys, but pusher took it's place at the front with they enjoyed the calm air, even ifthe cool Kevin, Steve, and Eric pushing hard. Scotty, temps were unusual. A disturbing outclassed in this company, found himself development for the other competitors was next, but by lap 2 he was behind John and the sight of Nemesis first offthe ground and George, who made it past #43 to take 5th. starting the slock. Presumably this was a The front four were close for 7 laps, new prop, since every lap was within 0.5 sec maneuvering for position until they came up but "only" between 246 and249 andhe on #50 to lap. Scotty went wide to give finished Yolap ahead of Randy who got off them room and in the melee Steve found a second. The Nemenoids even produced a gap and swept into the lead at 6. The last press release expressing their surprise! lap saw Kevin closing fast on Bruce; coming Jim was next, ahead of Gary up high, and a into 4 they got very close together and both slowly closing Ray. Jim held offGary and scrambled for clear air; Bruce came back Ray for the entire race. Ray's "Alley Cat" down and finished, while Kevin pulled out was suffering from a throttle cable that had shaken. An unfortunate conclusion to an tightened up and prevented full open excellent race and this incident also came to operation because the outer plastic covering the attention of the Contest Committee and melted: this was to be a problem since his resulted in Kevin taking no further part in the race time dropped him to the Silver. Dan proceedings. Glbert, took heed of Thursday's penalty and flew a very careful race, finally passing David 1 36 Steve Myers 234.674 rnlh on lap 7; his time also would not make the

F'ORMULA F'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 RENO'97 Bill Rcgers phot*s

Most improved - Scotty's Scariet Screamer

Great racing from the two Ke!iys - Kevin's ano Steve Myers'

10 I]ORMULAF'ORUM . NOVEMBER 199? Eight turning and one burning - F-16 lands through the grid

rI

Okay Jeff, where was that Scatter?

F'ORMULA FORUM . NO1rEMBER 1997 11 Gold. "Now I am flying too conseryatively" 3 6 George Budde 197 4l2fflh said Dan, but he was making a little metal 4 29 Bill Nusz 197.195 rn/h too. He chose not to fit the spare, figuring it 5 57 Robert Jones 193.518 mlh would last one more race - big mistake!. 6 94Dick Roberts 169.?66 rn/h* *7 Laps 1 3 Jon Sharp 246.989 mlh 2 95 Randy Howell 237.298 mlh SILVER - 8 Laps, Sunday, Sep.l4th, '97 J 14 Jim Miller 231.9A3 mJh 4 95 Gary Hubler 230.953 rnlh The Silver results below list over half ofthe 5 4 Ray Cote 228.606 rn/h 19 aircraft available to race; a 10 plane field 6 39 Dan Glbert 225.476 mlh no less!. The Saturday wind blew all night .f 11 David Hoover 223.534 m/h and at the 0900 staft it was about 20kt cross with a small tail component. With Bill BRONZE - I Laps, Saturday, Sep.13, '97 Nusz's #29 out, Robert Jones moved up to be Alternate and was ready to launch when With the field down to 19 and the money up trouble occurred at the start. Initially only for grabs, it seemed prudent to run eight in five airplanes appeared over the horizon the Gold and Silver, but this left only three followed by Sonny and then, about a lap for the Bronze, so the three slowest Silver down, Robert in the "Aggressor", who racers, Scotty, Sonny and Bill agreed to fi1l slipped in front of Sonny. In the middle of in and make a race of it. The Bronze took the grid, Dan had started his takeoffroll, affon course with Scotty now in his element found that the engine backfired and would in the scarlet (and now white) "Screamer". not run properly, elected to allow the back First ofl he never looked back, winning row through and pulled offto the right, going away from Sonny in "Annie", who in damaging the wheel pants. George, on the turn was leaving George and Bill, who was other side, got level with Paul, the starter, taking his fill-in slot seriously and having a and was upset by a gust; the aircraft pitched, good race with #6. Robert was next, got the prop and touched the scoop. The enjoying himself flying low and tight, trying rest of the race was relatively uneventful, to lap Dick who was bringing up the rear, thank God, and Ray, now properly, also professing to having a great time. All took the lead and proceeded to increase it in was well until landing, when Bill lost the left the rough conditions. Dave, next up, was brake and ground looped avoiding an hounded to no avail by the other red and inconvenieltly parked fire truck; not the first white airplane of David for the entire race. time crash rescue has potentially increased John was a lonely fourth, slowly dropping their work load at our expense. The prop back. Scotty, a silver racer now, got mixed and wheel pant were damaged and the gear up with #57, a lap down, but eventually left tweaked, but more seriously, a fuselage tube Robert for Sonny to make a last lap pass. supporting the gear was bent and the aircraft Everyone got down OK, but the wind was could not be repaired in time for Sunday's enough to cause the Bipes to cancel their Silver. Gold race.

1 50 Scotty Crandlemire 2A8.424 mlh 2 17 Sonny Swenson 2A5.629 rnlh

12 F'ORMULAT'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 | 4 Ray Cote 230.311 m/h had", he said afterwards. Looks like he has 2 99 Dave Morss 221 862 mlh decided that starting the clock offers almost 3 I I David Hoover 220 080 mlh as much advantage as lOmlh extra speed, as 4 43 John Housley 2A4 $0 rr,lh well as being safer with less passing. Randy, 5 50 Scotty Crandlemire 192.428 m/h* Gary and Ray soon caught Bruce and all 6 17 Sonny Swenson 188.295 mih* were past by lap 4, slowly spreading out with 7 57 Robert Jones 161.481 m/hx* 5 seconds covering them at the finish. Steve 39 Dan GilbertDNS*** caught and finally passed Bruce onlap 7, 2 George Budde DNS**** with Dave holding offEric for the entire race 29 Bill Nusz DNS*x{<*x to take 7th. With the wind favoring none of * 7 Laps ** 6 Laps the six possible runway directions, the pilots *** Pulled offrunway when engine misfired used three that I saw. Steve Myers landed **** Nosed over on T/O due to gust safely, but fell into one of the holes on 14 ***** Unable to repair damage incurred Sat. and ground looped, damaging yet another prop and scoop. Randy was trapped for 30 GOLD - 8 Laps, Sunday, Sep.14th, '97 minutes at home pylon, unable to cross with the airshow in progress. The start on 14 was By the time the Gold was scheduled at 1300 a great place to watch the race - now if only the cross wind was well beyond max they would fill the holes" allowable for 8-26, and we had the option of canceling for the first time since '79" or 1 3 Jon Sharp 245 043 nlh trying a launch from 14 towards the East end 2 96 Randy Howell 234.563 nlh of the ramp. This was discussed for some 3 95 Gary Hubler 232.983 m/h time, then agreed by the pilots and Reno. It 4 4 Ray Cote 231.388 m/h is a long way out there and as the wagon 5 36 Steve Myers 228.117 mlh train set offfor unknown territory, the show 6 89 Bruce Bohannon 224.712 rn/h launched Tora, Tora, Tora. With a 25kt 7 99 Dave Morss 218 .278 mlh quartering head wind and DA 5800, the 8 92 Eric Matheson 218 A49 mlh Gold racers appeared from out of the north 9 14 Jirn Miller DNS turned away towards downtown Reno and then back around outer 2 and onto the back Another fine performance by Jon Sharp and course. Dave, as alternate, went in place of the "Nemesis" team in very rough Jim's pusher. The 48-year veteran could not conditions. Randy Howell and Gary Hubler find a piece of runway without holes big were back where we expect them, while enough to swallow his nose wheel and his Dave Morss slowed down. The similar sound judgment once again showed why he speeds with close racing for second on is still around, as he shut "Pushy" down. down, led to some tight situations and led to some questionable overtaking decisions. Bruce found a smooth path and took to the More damaged airplanes than usual, luckily air first, holding on around the UL pylon, but nothing too serious. The really good news Jon was in front by the time the flag was from RARA at the banquet - there will dropped. Jon, and the unbeatable'"Nemesis" be anotherReno on Sept 13-20 1998. pulled away slowly and finished with a good lead. The ride was: "The roughest I've ever

FORMULA F'ORUM - NOYIMBER 1997 13 FOX FIELD NATIOI{AL AIR RACES Bill Rogers

Gen. Wifliam J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, QUALIF.YING CA, October 30-November 21 1997 The course was set up North of the 5000' strip, as before by GPS, with one pylon The second running of the Fox Field races moved slightly for a more accurate course. was bigger and better than last year with On the first practice session, launching from improved orgarizatran, two more IFl the West, we waited a few minutes for the entries, biplane races and perfect weather. lighted Stacey pylons to be raised up, and The basic format was as before with a pit then for the Sheriffto close Ave. F but area on the ramp and nigtrt time hangars, several people flew familiaflzatton flights and included the spacious Barnes hangar this Holbrook Maslen restarted his pilot quals. time. Trish Sharp was again promoter, Eric Matheson pulled out when his engine without Comarco this time and did a great began to run roughly. This was later job. She had help from Barbara Kelly and diagnosed by Greg Reid as a leaking carb rounded up considerable local sponsorship gasket. The aternoon Qualifring session again for a $20,000 purse. This would not was launched the other way in light wind and stretch to the bipes so they ran for trophies every one took offindividually, practiced and enjoyed themselves. scattering around Bill Rogers' Tiger at the 3000' mark and made four timed laps. Sorely missed was Bill Nusz, who had been Holbrook smoothly completed his lost the week before in a T-38 midair at certification and qualified. Edwards AFB where he worked as a B-1 flight test director for the Air Force. Dan QUALIFYING TIMES Glbert fixed "Shadow" and entered, but 3 JonSharp,Lancaster,CA; 4L471261.297 could not get his trailer repaired in time for Sharp DR-90 "Nemesis" Nl8JS the tow from Michigan. No significant 4 Ray Cote, El Cajon,CA; 43.231250.659 airplane changes had been made since Reno OwI OR-7l/Grove "Alley Cat" Nl\aD by the others aad only minor engine, prop 95 Gary Hubler, Caldwell,ID;43.271250 428 and airframe fixes were noted. John Housley Cassutt/Flubler "Mariah" N1lXR and Bruce Bohannoa in fact left their 36 Steve Myers, Phoenix,AZ , 43.981246.385 machines at Ward Garland's place after Kelly F1-D "Smiddy's Firefly" N236PS Reno. The biggest improvement was Jon 1l David Hoover,Foster City; 44.391244I09 Sharp's unlimited-sized awning bolted to his Hoover/Cassutt Frenzy" N25VS trailer to provide comfort in the "al fresco" 99 Dave Morss, San Carlos, 44 491243.560 pits; by the end of a weekend with 10% Cassutt, "Cool Runnings"' N6884 humidity, several other shade tents were 92BricMatheson, Canada; 44.761242.091 evident - one more necessity for the trailer of Cassutt, "Yellow Peril" N17517 a well-equipped crew. Tech inspection 89 Bruce Bohannon,Frndswd;4 5 .7 3 123 6.965 proceeded smoothly on Thursday with most Miller IM-z, "Pushy Galore" N189BB people outside enjoying California summer. i4 Jim Miller,SanAntonio,TX;45 3 | 1233 .988 Miller J}id-Z, "Pushy Cat" N414M FRIDAY. Oct.31. 1997

l4 F'ORMULA TORUM - NOVEMBIR 1997 2 George Budde,MidwstCty;46.861231.242 HEAT 1 Gold Wagner, Okie Swinger" NSEW From a spectator standpoint the next race 50 Scott Crandlemire,Meridin,4T .05 1230.308 must count as one of the most exciting F1 Cassutt, "Scarlet Screamer" Ni35R races ever held. Eric Matheson led early and 43 John Housley, Ballwn,Mo ;47 .621227 .55 | held the field offuntil lap 3 when Jon Sharp Cassutt, Aero Magic" N43SJ made his way up from the back. Gary Hubler 44 Holbrook Maslen, Boise; 48.591223.0A9 was next by from 4th, passing David Hoover Shoestring, "Judy" N44IW and Dave Morss on the way. Ray Cote, the 57 Robert Jones, Tranquility; 5O.98/212.554 "Alley Cat",'was also clawing his way up Cassutt, "Aggressor" N6O3R from 6'h and on lap 5 pushed Eric out at pylon 2. The confusion caused him to aim All heats were set at 6 laps of the 3.01 for 5 and his return to the course after 6 track (no pace lap) and were launched on caused more consternation and he fell to 4th. course in calm to light wind, with temps of Dave then took advantage and moved up, 80-85"F using inverted start procedures but Steve Myers had been making another where the fast planes started in the back. A one of his stealth moves at high altitude and 2-3-Z grid was used for theT airplane races. put the Firefly into 3'd, only to lose the place Finals were 8 laps, normal start and were run to a pylon cut. David Hoover watched all in 10 Kt winds. this as he fell back. A very intense race with some very aggressive flying and the post race SATURDAY. November 1. 1997 debrief aired some fairly divergent views and HEAT 1 Silver earned Ray a verbal warning from the After a B-18 flyby and a missing man Contest Committee. formation for Bill Nusz, Scotty Crandlemire lead Robert Jones, fresh from the preceding 1 3 Jon Sharp 242.615 rn/h Bipe race, offthe ground with Jim Miller, 2 95 Gary Hubler 237.571 John Housley, Holbrook Maslen, George 3 99 Dave Morss 233.904 Budde and Bruce Bohannon following. Jim 4 36 Steve Myers 224.487* rapidly showed that his slow qual was a fluke 5 4 Ray Cote 223.800** and moved into the lead in lap 2, never to be 6 92 Eric Matheson 222.871*** headed. Scotty held second until the last lap 7 11 David Hoover 218.990**** when George, who had been steadily moving * Cut Pylon 4 onLap 4 up, passed high. John passed Robert and ** Cut Pylon 4 on Lap 5 fixed the middle of the field, while Bruce '<*8 Cut Pylon 4 onLap 3 shadowed Holbrook up high until the last lap +

F'ORMULA F'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 t5 position for the critical third heat. Apparently first lap and set offafter George. He was all Roger has already thought of this and "start" over #2 for a while as George flew low on money is based on qual time plus the average the deadline, but with Steve approaching of the last 3 laps in the heats. fast, he snuck inside at the start of the last lap and Steve followed him through. Scotty 1 89 Bruce Bohannon 232.457 {n/h was using the same technique on John and 2 l1 David Hoover 232.117 held him offtill the checker. Holbrook and 3 50 Scotty Crandlemire 2T9.308 the One Arm Bandit brought up the rear. 4 43 John Housley 216.036 Several planes missed the flags and ran extra 5 44 Holbrook Maslen 215.370 laps - to relieve their frustration perhaps. 6 57 Robert Jones 2A7.216 7 2 George Budde 2A2.788 I 99 Dave Morss 230 610 mlh 2 36 Steve Myers %A349 HEAT 2 Gold 3 2 George Budde 227.313 The replay of the morning race was less 4 50 Scotty Crandlemire 216.257 dramatic, thank goodness, and although Eric 5 43 John Housley 216.000 broke ground ahead ofRay, his pass for the 6 44 Holbrook Maslen 207.242* lead on lap 2 was a model of courtesy. Jon 7 57 Robert Jones 202.416 started in the back, cruised around high, 5th Cut Pylon 5 Lap 2 on lap 1,2"d onlap 3 and in front by 4. Jim hung close to Eric for the entire race, while Heat 3 Gold at the back, Steve, Gary and Dave battled for Bruce and David bumped up, but Jim still a good grid spot in the next race. Gary lost had a slower time and owned pole. He made interest on lap 4 and shot up to 3'd at the end the best of it; holding first for two laps, he while on the last lap Dave pulled up. I asked fell to Jon on lap 3. Gary took the low line him about this and he showed loose tape from 5'h and by lap 2 was in 3'd . On lap 4, under the left wing. He thought the canopy Jim let him through into second. Jim also cracked. made no attempt to defend against Ray who was after Gary. David started second with 1 3 Jon Sharp 243.697 mlh Bruce right hehind but they both fell back as 2 4 Ray Cote 235 967 the faster planes made their moves. Eric was 3 95 Gary Hubler 234 664 4'h at the offbut was passed on lap 1, gaining 4 92 Eric Matheson 232.565 on David and passing Bruce on lap 5. As an 5 14 Jim Miller 231.086 indication of the close racing, on lap 3 all the 6 36 Steve Myers ./.JV.JJJ planes were within the arc of pylons 1-3. 7 99 Dave Morss DNF Lap 5 1 3 Jon Sharp 245.863 nlh Sundav November 2. 1997 2 95 Gary Hubler 239.540 Heat 3 Silver 3 4 Ray Cote 235.967 The inverted heats on Sunday morning set 4 14 Jim Miller 234 893 the grid for the finals. Dave's DNF put him 5 l1 David Hoover 230.121 on the front of the silver grid with George, 6 92 Eric Matheson 229341 but George made it count by taking an 7 89 Bruce Bohannon 228"319 immediate lead. Dave passed Scotty on the

16 T.ORMULAT'ORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 SILVER FINAL lap had swept into his normal spot in front, The Sunday afternoon finals were I laps, pulling Gary with him; with laps over 260, with a conventional start. The Silver was Jon steadily drew away, still unbeatable. Ray delayed first by the takeoffof a Fire Spotting Cote, off 4'h, was flying like a mat posed, Baron, and then the grid was cleared for the wings well below the Stacey lights, and Jim 1945 DC-4 water bomber; a fine sight as she let him through to 3'd on lap 3. Try as he lumbered ofl especially for pecple who have might he could not catch Gary but put on aa been on the receiving end like us. amazing demonstration of piloting skill. David, Dave and Steve at the rear fell back, When Scott had reformed us, Bruce led from but as usual the Kelly picked up speed and the front row with Eric just behind. Eric sat he passed Dave on lap 2 and David on lap 5 behind until lap 5, when he made a clean pass arould the top, albeit with the benefit of and could not be caught with laps close to several pylon cuts! Unfortunately Ray was 240. George was jumped at the start by judged too low by the Contest Committee, Scotty, but flew over into second on lap 3, and he was moved back in the final results. and set offafter Bruce. Scotty fell back into John's clutches, and they resumed the battle 1 3 Jon Sharp 252.0T5 mlh that had been replayed throughout the 2 95 Gary Hubler 246.A21 weekend. At the back Robert got by a 3 14 Jim Miller 235.559 slowing Holbrook, who pulled up on lap 2 4 11 David Hoover 231.854 and landed with a rough engine. Eric lapped 5 99 Dave Morss 230.253 Robert at the end to gain an excellent win 6 36 Steve Myers 198.235* with a pretty airplane that is finally showing 7 4 Ray Cote 24A.253** it's form. * Cut Pylon 1 Lap 6, Pylon 2Laps 5,6, anLd Pylon 5lap 7 | 92 Eric Matheson 233.051 mlh ** Moved to last place for low flying 2 89 Bruce Bohannon 230.437 3 2 George Budde 227.898 The festivities continued with plaques for all 4 50 Scotty Crandlemire 219.513 the pilots. Another podium "hat dance", 5 43 John Housley 219.130 trophy waving, and the squirting of bottles of 6 57 Robert Jones 201.901* bubbly ended another good event. The 7 44 Holbrook Maslen DNF Lap 2 Silver racers got Trish Sharp the wettest, so * 7 Laps can we can expect an I plane race next year? Thanks to Scott Garland and the Ops crew, After the race Bruce, John, and Robert the Jims,'Wieherer and Stevenson; JeffGunn formed up for a missing man flyby for Bill the Fl8ipe Starter; Tom DeHart and the Nusz; a touching momeat. Trucker's Tech team of Buck Lambert and Ron Hawes; Pylons, Fred Hartman, Jack GOLD FINAL Chamberlin, and Dean Carrier at Home, With "Nemesis" and "Mariah" on the point, Officials, Frank Ronco; Betty Carrier/Roger Jim got another pushy hole shot and jumped Sturgess timing; and Debbie Guise, scoring. into an early lead with Gary behind, dragging A great way to spend Halloween - great his long wing on the ground and going like weather, great hotel, great tee shirts by the wind. Jon was next, but by the second Karen Morss and great racing.

FORMULA F'ORUM - NOVf,MBER 1997 t7 ODDS AND

Election results from the AGM: David The BBQ was another success, serving 300 Iloover was confirmed as VP, with WilI hungry folks in 30 minutes; avery Dennis as Secretary for 2 year terms, joining professional job by Bob and Rhonda President, Jon Sharp. A non-voting Bement of Bement's BBQ, Jacksons position of Treasurer was created again and Cateriag; Bob Holbraok's welcome return Roger Sturgess agreed to continue. with Miller kegs, all coordinated by the Women's Wing. It was the Woman Wing for Directors for 1 year terms are: most of the week, as Grace Sturgess pretty Tom DeIIart, Tech Director; Scott much took care of the office single-handed. Garland, Operations; Dave Morss, Pilot The annual awards were presented except the Committee; Kevin Kelly, Tech Rules Points, Crewchief and Owl Design awards. Committee (reelected); Rookie of the year was Dick Roberts who Promotions, Trish Sharp; also raced at Battle Creek. The Downey Procedure Rules Committee, Gary Hubler award was presented to Trish Sharp in recognition of her success in obtaining Tech Rules Committee members (2year sponsorship for the two Lancaster races. terms) are Gary Hubler and Rick Todd Debbie Guise, Reno/IFl scorer, came out joining Dan Gilbert and Ilavid Hoover. On tops for the coveted P&M trophy. The the Procedures side Greg Doster and Jeff Woman's Wing presented to Ruth and Pat Gunn combine with Steve Myers and Budde the Woman of the Year trophy. Greg Frank Ronco. Reidos Ballbreaker award went to Nemesis engine man, Jack Wells. A special award Past and present pilots seen at Reno included went to Jim Miller to celebrate 48 years of John Parker, supporting various racing in Formula One. "homebuilt" LrL's from his hangar. We saw Smokey Stover, Jay Jones and Bobby Eric Tegler (son of the redoubtable Gin Budde, who came without planes, Bruce Tingler) wrote to say that, after many Eskildsen, Hep Porter and Ib Hansen. rejections from US publications, the popular Alan Preston dropped by from the IJL's. UK magazine "Aeroplane Monthly'' has accepted his article on 50 years of Fl. It will When a large wooden booth in the pits was be published in the Jan. and Feb. '98 issues. overturned by a passing dust devil, injuring a Watch for it at a bookstore near you in Jan. woman, the first assistance was provided by IFl EMT Rick Turnbull. The Fl First Aid Trauma kit was there before the Reno Medics. Good to remember. Also on the 50 medical side, Carol Rogers would like to 1947 -1997 thank eYeryone who helped, offered sympathy or called about her month-long toothache that started at Reno. A triple root This is the last issue in our anniversary year, canal on 3 Oct. seems to have fixed it! and I have one last 50ft, Reynolds Aluminum began sales of foil for household use in 1947. t8 F'ORMULATORUM - NOVEMBER 1997 FOR SALE Ads are free as a selice to members.

#2 NBEW Wagner "Okie Twister" 0-200 Engine Nice engine, needs pistons & #6 N102 Cassutt "Okie Stroker" overhaul kit to assemble, lower end yellow #19 Nl19 Cassutt, "Okie Streaker" tagged, bores +.015, new valves, seats, Contact: George Budde: e (405) 733-1449 guides, & cast valve covers. $4,000 o.b.o. Contact Will Larson' a' (805) 545-8357 #27 N227RS Cassutt, "Silver BB" Race ready: Owl taper wing, Steve Hill For sale: Props - 54x67 .5 Weibe graphite prop, composite horizortal tail, with 54x65, 54x67, 54x68, 7" prop extension. trailer, $18,000 Carbon tail, Glass 24fr"wing, Stock Cassutt Contact Ray Sherwood: a (510) 827-2604 taLL, 2 Cassutt landing gear. C-85 and 0-200 cyls and other engiae stuff. Cassutt Project on gear, needs covering. Contact Dave Morss' * (415)368-6599 Stock wing completed. All new parts, with 0-200 Engine, 67 hrs SMOH. $8,500 Formula One 50tr Anniversary Tee Shirts Contact Robert Jones: * {209) 698-7484 High quality Hanes, White or Black with beautiful 5 color 50th custom logo. Only a Aircraft Design and Analysis Serviees: few left, check for sizes available. Everything from computerized airfoil design Perfect Christmas Gft at $20 to complete aircraft drawings and CFD Contact Karen Morss: a (415)363-6599 analysis using NASA's Pmarc-12 Contact Gary James' a (817) 596-3278

Graphite Props from Owens Composites - Prior to purchase of any aircraft, please Oshkosh'96 - Nemesis speed record, Reno contact the Technical Director for any IFI '96 - Nemesis qualification record. lan'96 Rules compliance items tlmt may apply. 3 Pushy Galore climb records. Contact Steve Hill: t (505) 832-1148 Information on things of IFI interest for sale or wanted sltould be sent to the Editar, National Aeronautics has Cassutt parts or IFI VP David Hoover, 107 Wlliams iacluding A1 and Steel landing gear legs. Lcsne, Foster City, CA 91104 415/573-1323 Contact Ib or Sue Hansen:e (303) 940-8442

Teledyne Continental Parts at Racer prices Mattituck . Mention IFl. Contact Phil Haponis'e (1800) 624-66&0

Custom Embroidery, Team shirts, hats, jackets etc. at racer rates for 12 pcs & up. Contact All Star , Sharon Sandberg * (6t2)783-8728

F'ORMULA T'ORUM - NO\rEMBER 1997 l9 Miller on ihe Lancister grid - it sure doesn't feel like November Bilt Rogers photo

1997 Formula One Race Schedule Dec 6-7 Laughlin(Bullhead) Arizona PYLO}{ AIR RACII{G. THE \ryORLD'S FASTEST ENGI1YESPORT HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR READARS '

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