Valley Pilot Crowned World Champion Of Air Race 1 World Cup

Image courtesy of Macesport/Lloyd Horgan

FRESNO (KMJ) — A local pilot is the most recent winner of an event billed as the fastest motorsport on the planet.

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.

Fresno based Tim Cone won the Gold Final of the 2017 competition, which this year was held at U-Tapao Royal Navy Airbase in Thailand. The event started Friday and ended Sunday (click here to read more).

“I’m unbelievably happy. I’m in love with Thailand and in love with the guys that I race with,” said Cone following his victory.

Image courtesy of Macesport/Lloyd Horgan

The 52 year old competed in his Cassutt IIIM aircraft named “What Airplane, Honey?” (the question his wife asked when she first heard about the purchase).

“She flew great. She flew like she wants some more,” added Cone.

“She’ll go in the container, I’ll take her home and do some more modifications so I’m faster next year.”

Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired: