Lawrence Classics

[GRNDP51]

I know this has been discussed here a few times when the Tigercat changed hands, but does anyone know what/who Lawrence Classics is? For those that don’t know, it’s the entity (I guess) in Bentonville, AR that houses the Mustangs ‘Red Dog’ and ‘Was That Too Fast?’, the Super Corsair, and a Griffon Spitfire. They also own some of the GameBird aerobatic aircraft. I’ve been trying to do some research about them (mainly because I want to see if Race 57 might make Thunder), and I’ve found out they have a couple pilots, Ed Cyster being one of the main Mustang pilots, but that’s all I can gather. It’s an awesome collection I would love to see more active!

[DB2]

I believe Steuart Walton (grandson of Sam Walton) is behind Lawrence Classics. He is the money behind Gamebird, and he is an accomplished pilot in his own right.

[JohnTerrell]

Based on Facebook postings of Mustang, Super Corsair and Spitfire sightings over Bentonville through the past year, it would seem as though the collection is rather active, but perhaps only locally to where they are based(?). They had both of their Mustangs ("Was That Too Fast" and "Red Dog") at Oshkosh in 2015, but they were coming from Danville at the time.

[GRNDP51]

Based on Facebook postings of Mustang, Super Corsair and Spitfire sightings over Bentonville through the past year, it would seem as though the collection is rather active, but perhaps only locally to where they are based(?). They had both of their Mustangs ("Was That Too Fast" and "Red Dog") at Oshkosh in 2015, but they were coming from Danville at the time.

This is true, yes. I’ve seen a few videos on Instagram of the Mustangs flying with the F2G, which again begs my question of who the pilots are! Good to know they still fly at the very least.

I believe Steuart Walton (grandson of Sam Walton) is behind Lawrence Classics. He is the money behind Gamebird, and he is an accomplished pilot in his own right.

Thanks for the info, I knew it was one of the Walton’s, just wasn’t positive about the proper identity. Also wasn’t sure if he was a pilot or not. The GameBird part is a whole different topic at that. N66AK (the black and orange GB) started out as an Sbach 300 with reg. G-EVIL I believe? Did Walton start the company out abroad? Or is he just a financial backer of it?

[DB2]

Obviously not warbird related...but here is a good article on the Gamebird:

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... mebird-gb1