Dramatic Late Call Up for Former World Cup Winner

Sweden’s Thom Richard will attempt to reclaim his Air Race 1 World Cup title after a dramatic late call up in Thailand.

Richard, previous World Cup winner, was not due to race in Thailand with his aircraft Hot Stuff out of action.
However, the Swedish born pilot who now lives in Kissimmee Florida, will take his seat in Outrageous after technical difficulties and reduced flying time meant England’s Yves Clarke was unable to qualify.
Richard took control of Outrageous for qualification on Thursday and finished in pole position with the fastest time over two laps at U-Tapao International Airfield in Thailand.
He commented; “It is bittersweet that I am taking the seat in Outrageous for the World Cup – I was planning to be a race official out in Thailand and looking forward to seeing the likes of Yves and the rest teams in the air but when the opportunity arose I couldn’t turn it down.
“From the age of 7 in Sweden all I wanted to do was fly planes and moved to the US with that goal in mind so to have a seat in the plane and the opportunity to compete for my third Air Race 1 World Cup is incredible.
“Outrageous is in great shape and if we can improve on our speed off the ground we will have a great chance this weekend.”
Yves Clarke, from Devon in England, added; “I can’t think of a better man to take my place in Outrageous and I am grateful to Thom for taking up the challenge and look forward to being a part of his crew in Thailand.”
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