Reno 2004 Unlimited Gold Race

Sunday at the 2004 Reno National Championships Air Races started off with the weather taking a turn for the worse.
Freezing cold wind and rain started coming down on the field, and snow started to blanketing Peavine mountain. The upcoming races started getting some logistical changes. The gold race start was moved up to an earlier time due to the weather turning bad. The racers had to deal with cold windy conditions, with rain coming down in the valley of speed.
Skip in Dago Red took the early lead but ended up cutting a pylon due to bad visibility from condensation building up on his canopy. John Penney in Rare Bear went on to win their 5th gold victory with Mike Brown in September Fury coming in 3rd place.

[@sherbetwerehusky83]

I really enjoy seeing your vids. It's quite amazing how much time and effort these planes are transformed from classic warbirds to racing planes

[@thenativemartian5169]

Aha! This is just what I needed at 5:00am while having my breakfast before going out to college! Thank you!

[@Voodoo1650]

You're very welcome!

[@neilholst5718]

Thanks for posting this it brings back memories of my first trip from the U.K. to the races. What an experience, especially with the weather that went from one extreme to the other! Really enjoy watching your other vids too.

[@Voodoo1650]

Right?! I was getting sunburned during qualifying, then the freezing weather during the Gold races

[@Paul-vj8gr]

Them planes reminds me of my hs hangar, like 20 years+ ago!!! So cool!!

[@johnmoore1459]

Outstanding !!!

[@finntastique3891]

Back in High School in FInland in the 1980s, I had this classmate who was going to the US - Reno specifically - as an exchange student for one year. I said "Cool, you get to see the Air Races". He said "Why the hell would I want to see that"? I just shook my head in silence.

[@SeanHollingsworth]

How is this now 20 years ago?!?!

[@Voodoo1650]

Right?!

[@maxcleveland3446]

The Bear sporting a Critical Mass badge on the cowling?! An Auburn connection?

[@Voodoo1650]

If I remember correctly the Critical Mass team loaned their 4 blade prop to the Bear team so they could continue racing. The Rare Bear team decided to not use the massive 3 blade propeller anymore, and they didn’t have a race ready 4 blade propeller ready in time.

[@maxcleveland3446]

That explains it! Hats off to the boys from Auburn.

[@RemoVegas]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU..!

[@Voodoo1650]

You are very welcome!! More to come....... 2005 Rare Bear qual almost ready to post!!