Every September
for the last 40+ years (with only 1 lapse that I'm aware of) the
best of the air racing fraternity has gathered in Reno, Nevada for
the National Air Races. They are joined each year by a large number
of professional aerobatic teams, individual stunt pilots, and a
variety of military hardware. Some of the military stuff is just
for exhibit, but much of it is flown as part of the show.
The one lapse
in the history of the event was right after 9/11 when FAA mandates
grounded all the aircraft. The next year, though, the crowds returned
with a vengeance. In fact, the show was off pace a bit that year,
probably because of the financial hit it took in 2001, but no one
in attendance seemed to care. Since then it's gotten back on track
and is as exciting as ever.
If you're interest,
try this.
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The main feature
of the event is, of course, the air racing. There are 6 or 7 classes
of planes that race at least once a day during the 4 days of the
show.
Here we have
a modified Mustang and a Sea Fury clocking along at 400 MPH or so.
(2002)
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