Idea For New Warbird Classes

[tow-3]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

It's worth pointing out here that what y'all are talking about here is not far from the situation we have now. We can call the T-6 class a "stock" class all we want, but right this minute these boys are running a 175 mph airplane at 250 mph in circles on a short course. Stock -- I don't think so...

Neal

to quote our late friend, "sure it's stock!"

[Reever]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

So you take 3-4 airplanes out of the T6 class and $$$ modify them (if you can get the FAA go along with it?) to create a class for 3-4 airplanes, with a purse that won't cover the cost of a set of sparkplugs and a tank of gas, while the "stock" T6 class has just lost 3-4 racers and can't muster a full field. Why not just eliminate T6 racing and save the agony of killing it?

Seriously, there were some great T6 races this year that had fans on their feet cheering. Why change something that seems to be working?

Idea is not to take aircraft from the T-6 class, but add more racing. Flyable T-6's can be had for $129,000 and parts complete projects for $100,000. A hell of a lot cheaper than cutting up a Mustang. Be pretty exciting to see what some of these guys could do starting off with a T-6 frame.

[Sky Critter]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

There appears to be a Super 6 ready to race!

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?...-type=aircraft

[WARPT]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

"No actual racing, more like parade laps. Show up and fly the course (6-8 laps) at their own pace they are comfortable with."

Isn't that what the "Unlimited" races were this year?

[Reever]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

There appears to be a Super 6 ready to race!

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?...-type=aircraft

Now that's what I'm talking about!

[LoveOldPlanes]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

"No actual racing, more like parade laps. Show up and fly the course (6-8 laps) at their own pace they are comfortable with."

Isn't that what the "Unlimited" races were this year?

BOOM!

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

"No actual racing, more like parade laps. Show up and fly the course (6-8 laps) at their own pace they are comfortable with."

Isn't that what the "Unlimited" races were this year?

Sometimes racers tell me that some of the things they read here are really upsetting to them.

I try to stay ahead of it and put myself in their places.

Dang WARPT, if I was one of the guys who hung their asses out there doing the best they could hoping the guy in front of them would screw up or break... I'd be really disappointed reading what you just said.

Straight up dood, you owe the entire field an apology ASAP!

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

There appears to be a Super 6 ready to race!

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?...-type=aircraft

Looks very cool! I appreciate what Skyracer said though, a lot of money out for not a lot in.

Looking forward, I think what we're looking at here is a need to produce MORE racers that are BIG, LOUD, FAST and CLOSE!

This would be pretty darn cool.

I get the money thing, but if the interest and airplanes can be secured, it is beginning to look as though there is a LOT of international interest in the sport of Air Racing.

No question guys and gals, it's time to think out of the box if we're going to survive. I think the IF1 guys have NAILED it!

How bout IF6?

Skyracer, if there was BIG outside funding coming in, crap, there's so much T-6 new old stock inventory around, including complete airframes, canopy frames.. I've personally seen one huge stash years ago.

I get where you're coming from Jim but if something like this could succeed, guys like you would need to be on board.

[Plane Nuts]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

There appears to be a Super 6 ready to race!

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?...-type=aircraft

Would this "Super 6" be fast enough to race Bronze Unlimited?

[wingman]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

If a Yak-11 can do it, why not a super T-6? Of course the Yak has always had a fighter wing, and the T-6 does not.

[Sky Critter]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

Would this "Super 6" be fast enough to race Bronze Unlimited?

Perhaps. The bottom of the Unlimited Bronze class is usually in the 280-300 mph range and the top T-6's are pushing into the 250's. I'd have to believe this "Super 6" with it's current mods and maybe a little more could get into the 300's.

[Fence Sence]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

Great thread! I would love to see some hotrodded T6s. If they could push into the 300s, why not start filling up the Unlimited field with them? Wasn't (is?) Wildfire an Unlimited dream?

[Reever]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

I wonder if you could turbo charge a T-6 engine?

[Plane Nuts]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

I wonder if you could turbo charge a T-6 engine?

You can turbocharge anything, just add time and $$$$$.

[Blackheart]

Re: Idea For New Warbird Classes

Instead of new classes, how about just having every participating aircraft (other then racers) do a timed lap after their performance or display flight. Would have been fun to see that CAF Spitfire turn a lap, or the Hellcat. Even the aerobatic guys get a lap. Times can be posted on a perpetual board (aka Top Gear). I think it would be a great to see aircraft that normally don't turn the course. The pilot can push as hard as he wants or just cruise. Even the military guys can get a turn. ( remember seeing the F-14 and F-16 turn timed laps.) This kind of thing can fuel discussions as to how fast would the Spit turn the course, or compare stock aircraft times. Rare aircraft can turn a lap without fear of burning up equipment. Who would not like to see an actual Me 109, FW-190 or a Zero run a lap. Any aircraft that shows up can turn a lap. This might bring back some stock aircraft or aircraft that would not normally turn a lap.