CoolPix - Air Racer: 3 Blade Rare Bear At The Phoenix 500 In 1995! (+ Video)

(click pic for hi-res) John Penney in the 3 Blade Rare Bear at the 1995 Phoenix 500

 Race permit & insurance in place... tickets are on sale now for Reno 2012: Sept. 12-16

 If there was one event I could make you go to this year it would be the Reno Air Races. And while this CoolPix is actually an old film image of Rare Bear I captured at the 1995 Phoenix 500 air race, I've posted it now to point to the fascinating race history an airplane like Rare Bear has. At Reno this year there will be a mix of aircraft that have years and years of race experience along with some airplanes (and pilots) that are experiencing air racing for their first time ever. But interestingly, the most important thing to be at Reno in 2012 will be the fans. Without the fans supporting Reno style air racing in a big way this year, it'll run the risk of simply going away. Given the challenges the event has faced since last year's tragedy, the support that comes from fans buying tickets and participating in the local Reno economy are more important than they have ever been.

 Please, go to the official Reno Air Races website, airrace.org, and buy some tickets to support the event... even if you won't be able to attend (better yet, buy some tickets and show up!) - take my word for it that this sport both needs your help and is worthy of your support!

 As for the pic of the awesome Grumman F8F Bearcat named Rare Bear above from the second and last attempt at having air racing in Phoenix (back in 1995), I must say that the 3 blade prop was the most awesome propeller I think I've ever seen on an airplane. Massive blades snagged from a P-3 Orion, modified and mounted in a 3 blade hub, this polished prop also put out a fabulous sound. I wish the airplane was still spinning just 3 blades, but for detailed reasons I don't know, they switched back to 4 blades in 2004. Regardless of the number of blades tho, I'm still a Rare Bear fan at heart and I'll be hoping that this is the year that Strega might finally see a serious round engine challenge for the big trophy!

 Mostly tho, I want you you and me both to be there to show our support for the fastest motorsport in the world!

Desktop Downloads: Rare Bear at the Phoenix 500 in 1995

1920x1080
1366x768
1280x800
1024x768

3 blade Rare Bear at Reno in 2003 - wow! (youtube video from metalmelvin)

Comments

[Fly To Your Dreams]

Absolutely love Rare Bear. Wish I could make it back to Reno this year, but finances say no. Hopefully a ton of people go, because I dearly want to share the air races with my kids in the years to come.

[emanufaby]

emanufaby e3d3fd1842 https://enp.crystxl.com/volrizuzu

[emanufaby]

emanufaby e3d3fd1842 https://enp.crystxl.com/volrizuzu

[emanufaby]

emanufaby e3d3fd1842 https://enp.crystxl.com/volrizuzu

[emanufaby]

emanufaby e3d3fd1842 https://enp.crystxl.com/volrizuzu

[emanufaby]

emanufaby e3d3fd1842 https://enp.crystxl.com/volrizuzu