T-28 racing?

[Teaspoon]

New to the board but I have a query for you all - there seems to be a general interest (by pilots anyway) in T-28 racing. It is my understanding that Reno does not allow or doesn't have a class for these planes.

What kind of interest would there be in a one weekend race in late spring/early summer that featured T-28s and maybe an unlimited class as well.

Thanks,

Tommy "teaspoon"

[Apteryx]

Re: T-28 racing?

Tommy-
They didn't get a very good turn out at Reno, I think 5 showed up for the last Reno race. (1998?)
I know there were some RARA issues, but I think the main problem was it was too close to the (established) T-6's in format and speed. Stock airplane, not pretty by any means, and not fast enough to draw interest.
If you could field 20+ airplanes, and sell it like the 6's, as "the pilot makes all the difference", maybe ?
But NOT at Reno. Good Luck.

Paul

[GeeBeeZ1931]

Re: T-28 racing?


The one year they actually raced I saw much better competition as well as more speed than the T-6 class. There's a lot of them out there so why not race? However, they should be allowed to do engine mods and airframe cleanup and mods to give 3 real competitive classes as the owners desire.

These would be MUCH preferable to the stinking "race of champions" jets.

No props, no pistons, you don't race.

Bill Kohler

[Teaspoon]

Re: T-28 racing?

Thanks for the response! The airport in Wendover Utah and associated museum has been presented with the idea nad we are kicking it around a bit. Back in the day (1987-1989) Wendover hosted an airshow/air race that featured the unlimited class and a unique all out T-33 only race. In fact I have video of the POF P-47 and Steve Hinton flying at the show along with a corsair and several mustangs.

Of course it is now 17 years later and a lot has changed but it would be good for the local economy and if we could get the sponship to the point where a decent purse could be offered . . . well we'll have to sit tight and see I suppose.

Thanks,

Tom P.

[Leo]

Re: T-28 racing?

I thought the T-28's were as interesting as the T-6's and the racing was very close and compact, with lots of place changes. Problem was in keeping track of who was who, as it seems there are a limited number of paint schemes that the owners prefer....

[Propellerhead]

Re: T-28 racing?

Problem was in keeping track of who was who, as it seems there are a limited number of paint schemes that the owners prefer....

Yeah, you've got a field of racers that were either in navy blue schemes or airforce gray schemes. It did get a little confusing.

You gotta admit that it was fabulously loud though! Washing machine radials with the chopping sound of those broad square tipped props. Wonderful noise!

Rob