GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

[gschuld]

http://vimeo.com/22934568

I'm thrilled to see the one of a kind GP-5 "sweet dreams" qualify at 363mph, qualifying 3rd (with defending champ Jeff Lavelle's Glasair 3 yet to qualify). Last time around I believe they hurt the motor early so we were left in the dark regarding her speed potential. There are not many airplanes successfully flying with converted automotive water cooled V-8 engines, never mind racing at Reno(such as the Rutan assisted Pond Racer). So 363mph is a huge achievement as far as I'm concerned for a plane so new on the active racing scene. I'm not necessarily a big fan of auto conversions personally, but I sure am curious as to how well it holds up mechanically. I wish the team the best of luck with their plane.

Does anyone know any good up to date details about the plane and if any significant alterations were made to it since last year?

George



Sport Class Qualifying: (as of 6pm Tuesday)


1

#352
Parker, John
Reno, NV
Thunder Mustang
Blue Thunder II
01:16.830
378.518mph


2

#44
Farnsworth, Lynn
Roswell, GA
Lancair Legacy L2K
Miss Karen II
01:18.902
368.578mph


3

#5
Behel, Lee
San Jose, CA
GP-5
Sweet Dreams
01:20.063
363.233mph


4

#8
Sterling, David
San Diego, CA
Lancair Legacy L2K
01:21.148
358.376mph


5

#42
Eldredge, Kevin
San Luis Obispo, CA
NXT
Relentless
01:25.152
341.525mph

[Idaho_cowpony]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

I wonder, just what this little outfit could be capable of?

We shall see! Looking pretty quick so far!

Joseph

[greyphantom]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

Maybe this year will be John Parkers year. I know him and his team have worked really hard to get the thunder mustang where it is today

[gp70442]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

I wonder, just what this little outfit could be capable of?

I don't know but I would sure like to hear it singing it's 363 mph song!

GP

[Matt58]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

I want one! To hear that V-8 sound in the air is soooooo sweeeeeet! I can't wait to hear it this weekend!

[MRE]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

The engine was done by Hasselgren in Berkeley, a long time road racing engine builder. It has EFI, and those short little stacks make it sound like a dragster when it roars down the runway. Way cool !

[Sky Critter]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

Sweet Dreams went up for a test flight this evening and sounded like he had the power up quite a bit. There's no way to describe the sound of it. Just awesome!

[invader28]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

What airport is the plane out of?

[epijk]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

http://vimeo.com/22934568

Does anyone know any good up to date details about the plane and if any significant alterations were made to it since last year?

There is some current information on this site.

[georgiacub]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

The ride qualities of the GP5 are less than ideal. Several times Lee was heard to mentioned after races how bad the ride had been and was wanting to know what other racers thought of the turblence encountered and how many Gs were experenced by them.

It appeared that Lee was the only one experiencing the really "bad" ride.

[Arctic Cat]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

Thanks for the link, very good info. I had no idea they had a gear collapse and how much work they have put into it.

[C_roundy]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

There is some current information on this site.

Thank You for the link EPIJK !!! Although the (sometimes 2nd, and 3rd party) information contained within it must be taken with the obligatory grain of salt, it all rings true. I have been thirsty for GP-5's back-story all along.

It fascinated me to learn that the original design criteria for (the) GP-5 was for full on, unlimited class speeds and loads!

I salute George Pereira for having the balls to do her up righteously in the first place, much less stay involved and (partially, in certain situations) responsible for her, through all the changes!

I must also salute George Backovich, Dave Morss, and especially Lee Behel as primary's in the successful fight so far.

I can't help but wonder, had George's girl been allowed to compete in unlimited class, what the engine of choice would have been...

Just a sincere fan of this airplane, Chuck

[C_roundy]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

The ride qualities of the GP5 are less than ideal. Several times Lee was heard to mentioned after races how bad the ride had been and was wanting to know what other racers thought of the turblence encountered and how many Gs were experenced by them.

It appeared that Lee was the only one experiencing the really "bad" ride.

I for one, would very much like Lee Behel to chime in on this. After all, it was only one day, at one C.G. setting which caused him to say that.

Wasn't it?

[gp70442]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

Anyone have some video from this year they can share??

GP

[Idaho_cowpony]

Re: GP-5 qualifies at 363 mph!

Interesting read; thanks for posting.

Joseph