John Penny flying Rare Bear around pylon 2.
The 2009 Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show marked the 46 years of air racing. The week of qualifying and racing saw ideal weather conditions with temperatures in the 80's and light breezes. Competition was tight in the Unlimited class and saw new speed records nearly every flight. The air racing action culminated in the Unlimited Gold Race being won by Steve Hinton Jr. flying the P-51 #7 Strega with a top speed of 491.822 mph.

John Penny taxis Rare Bear for The Gold Race.
The 2009 Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show marked the 46 years of air racing. The week of qualifying and racing saw ideal weather conditions with temperatures in the 80's and light breezes. Competition was tight in the Unlimited class and saw new speed records nearly every flight. The air racing action culminated in the Unlimited Gold Race being won by Steve Hinton Jr. flying the P-51 #7 Strega with a top speed of 491.822 mph.

The unlimited air racers getting ready to start engines at Reno, Nevada. Bob Hoover flying "Ole Yeller" will lead them to the start.