"The Need For Speed..."

...is what just what Dave Morss was after with this trip around the pylons in the Yak 9U seen in this shot. This photo, taken during the last Unlimited session of the day (Friday, June 22, 2001) at the 2001 Pylon Racing School, shows Morss heading towards the Home Pylon while testing the Yak in preparation for entry into the 2001 National Championship Air Races to be held in September.

This Russian built aircraft may look like a historic warbird, but in fact, it was built new in 1997. Powered by a Supercharged Allison engine, the airplane should perform well and will likely be in competition at the Bronze class level. Morss informed us that this photo had revealed to the team a problem that was thought to have been solved, which should net them a few more miles-per-hour come September... We will not identify the problem but sharp eyed viewers will spot it easily. (as many may already have)

Morss, a test and ferry pilot during the off season, is best known for his fantastic, unbroken, three-year stint as Sport Class Champion, and for flying the Lancair factory entries while simultaneously serving as an instructor pilot for the Sport Class.

Dave is also a very talented warbird pilot with experience in several types of classic warplanes, including the Confederate Air Force's Grumman F-4F Wildcat, which he flew off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

editor's note: special thanks to Dave Morss for updating the information used in the caption for this photograph. We had erroneously identified the Yak 9 as a 3 in an earlier version. Also, it had been reported that Morss was at Pylon School for pilot qualification. He was already qualified for this class by the Unlimited Racing Association and was at PRS2001 for testing and practice sessions only.

Photo © 2001 Wayne Sagar -all rights reserved-

Former Pictures of the Week

06-04-01 "Swiss F-18" CLICK HERE	06-11-01 "Jet Racin' Reno Style" CLICK HERE	06-18-01 "Reno Blackjack" CLICK HERE