Galloping Ghost crash at Reno

[fractus]

I know it's a bit out of the realm of watercraft; but it's another interest of mine. It's a real fraternity; every one knows each other and we all have nicknames. Fortune had it I was not at Reno this year; first in about 7yrs. I'm usually in the pit area and go out and root for the Formula One class and Super Sport :thumbsup: I guess all but the jet and T-6 classes. Standing at the end of the pits where the grandstands are/were could have been life changing for me. Two of the worst things witnessed was two yrs ago 2 formula ones tangled and one fatality. In the 70's a T-6 took out the #5 pylon and the next day decapitation of a wing walker on an inverted ribbon cut across the runway. When things go wrong and life is lost we all feel it; whatever racing class it is. It's the last great spectacle of speed up close. I hear murmurs that they will not have it next yr.
This yr I was absent as I was at Lake Havasu as our plans changed from the Silver State Challenge http://www.silverstateclassic.com/ So SSC w/b in April as my buddy went through rookie school last Thursday and decided to race at a later date.
#177 w/b missed.atriot:

 

[crisso]

Mate.I had a friend pass away in a black race boat.
A few years later, I had a mate die in a black race boat.Nearly to the date.There was 2 in the boat.One made it.One year later,he passed away.Racing boat accident.All black boats.Maybe a few stripes.In all.5 mates in 4 black boats over 7 years.
I use to drag race ski.On the ski.I saw guys pass away.18 yld and and I stopped and went to endurence racing.
Good friends ended up in wheelchairs.At 19 ,I stopped skiing.2 years later ,I jumped into the boat.By then ,the boats were going a lot faster,115mph plus.Guys will be men,and as much as it hurts,there will be getoffs.I still miss my mates and will never forget them but they died at their peak.They are a rare breed of very gutsy and tough men.Even at 18 year old.

 

[Sink]

What a great loss to the air race community. So sad. I haven't heard but it must have been an aircraft malfunction. The airplane went in at such a high AOA. These things happen. I've seen several fatal airplane accidents in person. Something you will never forget. These people have died doing something they love. I guess that makes it worth it although it's very hard for the survivors. Life is short. Live it to it's fullest!

 

[bbmaxster]

Amen to that brother..........