FRESNO (KMJ) — A local pilot is taking part in a competition considered the NASCAR of the skies. The Air Race 1 World Cup sees small planes race around a tight circuit at speeds of approximately 250 mph in a bid to determine who can do it the fastest.
The international event is being held in Thailand this year, with 16 participants all vying to take the glory.
“They are very small airplanes, powered by a specific engine, and we race side by side eight airplanes at a time around an oval course,” explained Fresno based pilot Tim Cone.
“The pylons for the corners are 55 gallon drums mounted on top of telephone poles.”
The 52 year old competitor is racing in a Cassutt IIIM named “What Airplane, Honey?” (the question his wife asked when she first heard about the purchase). The planes are built to a specific formula in order to compete.
“I came in fifth in the national championship air races in Reno in September. I’ve of course done a survey of what airplanes are going to be at the races in Thailand. I fancy my chances are pretty good.”
Cone’s father was in the US Air Force and was stationed at U-Tapao Naval Air Base, where the Air Race 1 World Cup is being held.
“I always wanted to fly in the military but that didn’t work out, so I started to learn to fly in college,” said Cone. “I fell in love with it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
The competition began Friday November 17th and finishes Sunday November 19th. You can keep up with the latest results clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
