Formula 1 air racing
Formula 1 air racing is what I think the most exciting form of air racing . Formerly called midgets the Formula 1 aircraft of today weigh about five-hundred pounds have a Continental O-200 engine. They usually reach speeds of 250 knots. Before I get into the high tech machines of today I will discuss some of the history of air racing and how it branch off to formula 1. Before world war II racing aircraft were all original designs that greatly advanced the field of aeronautics. The aircraft used in racing usually outperformed military aircraft. Aerodynamic innovations like the monoplane designs vs. the traditional biplanes and the use of light weight metals instead of wood really advanced the aircraft. After the war however a surplus of high powered mass production aircraft (P-51-P39) existed which were introduced into air racing by rich people. Racing enthusiasts with less wealth insisted that these aircraft were not in the spirit of the sport. They argued that money used to acquire speed rather than aerodynamic and engine innovations hurt the whole aeronautical industry. This lead to the midget class or formula 1 to surface. The initial rules were that the aircraft had to ha
Throughout the race which is typically eight laps around a three mile oval course you pass other aircraft as long as you keep them in site at all times. Racers are then given a five minute warning before the start via a red flag. In the 1950's and early 60's there were a few multi-class air races in Detroit, Miami, San Jose, and Chatanooga. Formula 1 racers have continued to evolve reflecting the spirit in which the class was formed. The planes are placed pretty far apart too the poor pilots in the back are at a 150 yard disadvantage. Radical designs like the Miller special pusher configuration and the all composite Nemisis demonstrate that hard working innovative people can still set standards for the industry. The twenty-four fastest planes are seperated into three groups of eightbased on quailifying speeds. The six pylons appear as fifty-five gallons drums on top of telephone poles and anytime a portion of your aircraft . Thirteen aircraft competed in this first event. There are six quailifying periods of approximately one hour each prior to the Reno event. But in 1966 they were moved to the Stead Air Force Base for a more remote location to ensure the safety of non-participants. The first lap is called the scattered lap because at some sites you must first fly around a scatter pylon before joining the course. The crew also holds the airplanes back during warm up to relive the pilot's legs from fatigue At one minute the ground crew must leave the launch area and wait. wheels, fifteen gallons fuel capacity, and the engine was limited to 190 cubic inches. Each airplanes time starts when the first racer completes the scatter lap.
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