Reno Update - Saturday Pics Posted

[mrhenniger]

Strega did a 508 first lap, didn't blow, and Rare Bear couldn't keep up. So how is that a strategy for Rare Bear? Seems like Strega should run two fast laps, everyone else will overheat or blow up and Strega can cruise the rest of the way.

And if Rear Beer has overheating problems, why wasn't it fixed for today if it was indeed fixable?

Strega doesn't havea history of blowing up, so I'm not sure what the strategy would be? Of course anything can happen in racing.

I agree. Strega has been starting every race fast. Qualifying and test laps... fast. They don't seem to hesitate to go fast which would indicate they have confidence in the engine. I think what will make this afternoon's race interesting will be those trying to catch Strega, or a fight for second.

Mike

[RHenry]

Strega doesn't havea history of blowing up,

I wouldn't say that... Strega actually has quite a history of blowing up. Just not under the *current* Mike Nixon engine program.

Which is all quite curious to me. Mike Nixon has rather vehemently stated in the past that he wasn't interested in racing merlins any longer, instead focusing on conservation and preservation rather than beating up on engines. Yet, he has emerged in this post-Mystery Aire era with the strongest running air race program. Go figure...

[mrhenniger]

Strega
232

Precious Metal lost right clamshell door and pulled out.

Rare Bear pulled out on last lap. I'll try to get more info.

Mike

[mrhenniger]

Strega
232

Precious Metal lost right clamshell door and pulled out.

Rare Bear pulled out on last lap. I'll try to get more info.

Mike

[mrhenniger]

#3: Dreadnought

232 was positioned in 2nd at the start of the race but Rear Bear took 2nd on the first turn. The real race was between 232 and Dreadnought.

Precious Metal and Rare Bear landed safely.

Strega had the race won halfway through the first lap with a lead that just could not be closed.

Mike

[bdk]

Strega doesn't havea history of blowing up,

I wouldn't say that... Strega actually has quite a history of blowing up. Just not under the *current* Mike Nixon engine...

I meant in the modern Stevo era. Didn't intend to go back a decade or more.

[Rob Mears]

Well I suppose I can finally say I've experienced to Reno (kinda). I caught Saturday and Sunday on loaded.tv's live stream!

I was amazed that Rare Bear pulled out seemingly just before crossing the finish line. THey must have been pushing that engine right to edge to justify that move. Strega is just a force of nature. They've really got her tuned in just perfect it seems. That said, I think I've become a closet fan of 232 (September Fury). It's just a beautifully executed airframe. Any idea why they are racing the plane without a name this season?