Day 2 | Air Race 1 World Cup in Thailand

Day 2 produced two scintillating wingtip to wingtip races for the fast and furious Formula One air race aircraft.

Despite having to postpone the morning’s flying due to the presence of the Royal Thai Flight on the U-Tapao Naval Air Base, Pattaya – following the departure of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha the Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand presented by Chang produced two scintillating wingtip to wingtip races for the fast and furious Formula One air race aircraft.
The first of races, the Silver heat, saw the fast starting British racer, Trevor Jarvis in #58 ‘Sonic Zoom’ rapidly overhauled by Jerry Marshall in #4 ‘Tumbleweed, but the New Mexico cropduster was in turn being hunted down by Thom Richard in #12 Outrageous.
The Florida-based Swede and 2015 Air Race 1 World Cup winner had arrived in Thailand as a race judge, only taking over the aircraft on the eve of the event, but pulled off a spectacular overtaking move on the sixth and final lap to snatch victory at an average speed of 217.892 mph (349.376 kph).
Marshall hung onto second place, ensuring that he and Richard will move up to race in Sunday’s ‘Gold’ semi-final, but Californian Steve Temple just missed out with third pace in #45 ‘Quadnickel’, while Swaid Rahn, Kent Jackson, Trevor Jarvis and Steve Tumlin completed the finishers.
Scotland’s Des Hart in #81 ‘Sleeper’ was forced to pull out of the race with a continuation of the engine issues which have bedevilled his weekend, making his fifth safe emergency landing of the week!
The second, Gold, race saw #99 ‘What Airplane Honey’, flown by Tim Cone of California take the chequered flag for a second time this weekend ahead of early race leader #69 Philip Goforth in ‘Knotty Girl’.
The Texan was promoted to victory, after it was judged that Cone had cut inside a turn pylon. The resultant 12 second penalty dropped Cone to third place behind #79 Justin Phillipson of California in ‘No Strings Attached’.
The remaining Gold race places were taken by Ryczard Zadow, Chip Mapoles, Paul Newman and Scot Holmes of Canada.
There was disappointment for the home Team Siam Air Racing #22 ‘Hysteria’ of Bangkok-resident Parisian Lionel Mougel, which suffered mechanical issues and was withdrawn from the start line. The team will be working a late night to ensure they will complete a full starting grid of 16 aircraft for the semi-finals and finals on Sunday.
Watch the finals day live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/airrace1worldcup