'Precious Metal' Practice and Qualifying, Reno 2003

Built in 1987 as N6WJ, Precious Metal is a Griffon Powered Mustang in the tradition of the RB-51 “The Red Baron”. Originally built by Don Whittington of World Jet, Inc, he adapted a Rolls Royce Griffon engine formally used in the Miss Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane racing boat into the airframe. It made its debut at the Reno Air Races on September 12, 1988 under the name of “Precious Metal”. On September 18, 1988, during the Gold Race he blew the engine and performed a safe gear up landing in the aircraft. Afterwards, the aircraft did not race for many years.
In 2000, the aircraft was purchased by Ron Buccarelli of Lake Air, Inc in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He performed service on her and returned to race her on September 15, 2001 at the Reno Air Races. The Races were canceled due to the 9-11 tragedy. In 2002, Ron raced her and placed 4th in the Unlimited Silver Race at 381 mph.
Pictures of her can be found here www.pylon1.org/articles/publis...

[@marchindy]

I wish Thom could get her flying again, would love to see it in the air at speed again. Thanks for posting this video.

[@pumarolz]

A beautiful bird is always a beautiful bird no matter what

[@aaronmorita8735]

She wasn’t the fastest plane but one of the coolest, the Reno Air Races have been the same with the loss of her, Strega, Voodoo, Czech Mate, Rare Bear, September Fury, Dago Red. I hope some of these planes come back or some new ones take their place. You have a great channel love your videos.

[@AeroStuffFPV]

My Faviourite!

[@dalaroo6871]

Hey mate. Really really cool. Thanks 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺♿♿

[@manny2ndamendment246]

Nice.

[@alynnhiscox7303]

Back when she was still slow! :)

[@theaviationchannel9111]

far out she's changed a lot since then. She looks quite basic actually.