On July 9th 2011, a lot of firsts occurred.
Big Sky Air Race was the first Sport Air Racing league event ever in Montana.
We had First class racers, First class weather and a First class scenic race route.
It was our first time organizing a race and we had 16 first time racers. 26 racers from as far away as Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Idaho, Montana and even Canada registered for the Inaugural event in Three Forks Montana.
Cody Folkvord of Headwaters Flying service opened his doors to welcome everyone on one of the nicest days of the summer. Over 100 people lined the ramp area to witness the start and launch of a wide range of aircraft.
Alan Crawford’s “Spirit of America” Lancair was first to go and set the tone of the day. FREEDOM! The flashy Super 6’s of Mills and Brownd along with Flick’s Harmon Rocket raised the testosterone of everyone within earshot. Stu V’s Glasair RG went out trying to chase them down.
The Bennett’s big Bonanza had stage fright with Rovey’s RV-8 sneaking in behind them, so had to start later. So the RV Blues of Jason, Travis, Thompson and Carroll took off next.
2 RV-10’s had dropped in to watch but with the RV Gold wide open, they decided to race against each other.
The rest of the start is a blur for me. Harley is a polished Swift, Chris Woodard in his Varieze, Scott Richardson in his turbo Mooney, RV Blues of Mallot, Haynes & Klewin roughly in that order. Tim Bovee’s Mustang II and Danz in his LongEZ filled out the FX Red, followed by Everett’s Comanche. Local pilots Al in a Cherokee 180 and a Hollister’s 182 were in there somewhere.
About this time Dennis G in period Barnstormer clothing, wow’d the crowd with his immaculate Black and yellow 1929 WACO.
Youngest pilot, 18yr Alex K decided to test his mettle in the family PA-28-140. Batting cleanup was Jim Booth in a radial engine float equipped Supercub. …I was hoping he wouldn’t be needed for a water rescue along the lake route.
The course was challenging, scenic but racer and spectator friendly. Feedback from the turn marshals and folks along the lake was overwhelmingly positive. One cabin owner along the lake left a phone message saying “come back, that was the best”. The Island turn was lined with people on the shores and boats.
Bob Mills’ “Nasty” was the star. Turn 5 wrote “BADASS” on his roster. Turn 6 spotter thought he could see the floor of Bob’s plane as he rounded the corner.
The Three Forks crowd didn’t have to wait long after the last racer crossed the starting line before the red/white/blue of Race 02 came screaming home. Alan’s speed of 276mph was best of the day.
Other notables were: Rovey’s 220mph to redeem himself against the Bennett’s 212. Bob thinks Jason may have sabotaged their starter to throw them off their game. Young Mr. Koch with his barely dry pilot certificate flew the family Cherokee to a 1st place in FAC5. Dennis’ WACO set a SARL FAC2FX class speed record at 127.08mph.
I can’t speak for everyone, but from what I saw and felt we had a BLAST!
Get ready for Big Sky in 2012!
Brian Carroll, Race Director, Big Sky Air Race
On a personal level, the Big Sky Air Race was only my second time at any race venue.
3 weeks previous I had a lot of fun, but knew I blew the turns and wandered off track. This race, I was exhausted from trying to ensure we had a safe and fun event. My wife Kris even asked if I was really going to run. I assured her; I would be safe and abort if I wasn’t mentally ready. My goal was simple, be safe and improve on my 177kts.
As I sat in Aurora prepping, I saw a friend moving my direction. I lowered the canopy and waved him off. With <5minutes to engine start…..I had to focus.
Headset on, race briefing on the seat, the world seemed calm for the first time in several days. Nerves were on high alert as I shoved the throttle forward.
As I crossed the start line, I looked for Race 26 but he was gone. A 1 minute head start and I was already 3 miles behind.
All alone again, I scanned my panel where’s the best power today?, what’s the best altitude? Where’s that white RV?
Turn 2 already! About 6 minutes later I’m approaching turn 3 and wondering why I haven’t heard Mike T, when I hear “Race26 turn 3”. 20seconds later I call “Race 155 turn 3” and there in the weeds….a white slit of wings, the prey is trying to escape.
I don’t seem to gain anything before turn 4 and I as I bank hard for the tight turn 5, my only thought is “I hope the folks below are getting a good show” so I wave as I drive for the water at about 195kts.
Race 26 is visible against the Big blue sky of Montana. Still don’t seem to be gaining, but stay at 200’agl hoping for the cool lake to give me horsepower.
Turn 7 coming up, I am more focused than ever. About 5 seconds separation at the turn, Mike asks if I have him in sight. Oh yeah, I have radar lock. A few seagulls try to run intercept for Mike, but I dismiss them and continue on.
I make a perfect turn 8, as I see Mike climb a touch. He’s probably hoping for that west wind to come over the ridge and give him some help. I want to follow, but he’s not pulling away so I stay down. He drops down in front of me as I inch closer.
Now what, I’ve never passed anyone before so don’t know the proper etiquette. I move right and tell him I’m passing on his right side wide. His response was a subdued, “I figured”
I drift back on course and start climbing slowly to clear the ridge. I go wide off course a bit, to avoid the downdraft that surely awaits anyone crossing to the right of the peak. I have no idea where Race 26 is at this point, but hope for the best.
I tweak the mixture and fiddle with the prop while in a slight descent. I think about this time I see 202KTAS on the Dynon.
Turn 9 in sight when I hear “are you lost or am I?” I call back “I don’t know?” and followed by “Race 155 turn 9” the wide route wins again.
From there I was enjoying the ride.
Crossing the finish line, I finally let out a breath that I had been holding for 42min45sec.
WHEW I did it.
I hit my goals…Safe flight, mind was clear and I averaged 184kts.
My Bonus: I passed the SARL National chairman. **
Brian Carroll, Race 155
** Ed note: That seems to happen with some regularity, Brian… 🙁 -MT
