Thecontemporary Unlimited Class of air racing celebrated its 35th birthday in grand style atthe National Championship Air Races held at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada, September14-20, 1998. This year's event featured 26 aircraft and pilots who qualified to competefor the prestigious bronze, silver and gold race trophies. Included on the entry list weresome familiar names such as Gary Levitz, Howard Pardue, and the Sanders brothers Dennisand Brian. A few rookies like John Bagley, Astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson, andMichael Brown also made the cut. However, perennial unlimited champions Lyle Shelton andBill "Tiger" Destefani were noticeably missing from this year's line up.Unfortunately, both Strega and Rare Bear were damaged at theconclusion of last year's gold competition and Tiger and Lyle where unable to get theirrespective racers ready for the 1998 event. In spite of Tiger and Lyle's absences, thisyear's crop of qualifying pilots showed a great deal of promise that should lead to somevery exciting racing.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/reno-unlimiteds-turn-35