Air Racing Over Reno: The World's Fastest Motorsport [Paperback]

Philip Handleman (Author), Walter J. Boyne (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2007

The National Championship Air Races were revived at Reno, Nevada, in 1964 after a 14-year hiatus. Here, racing teams push the envelope of aerodynamic improvements and modify their 2,000- and 3,000-horsepower engines in an attempt to wring out every ounce of speed to carry them to the winner’s circle. In the Unlimited class, many racers are extracting more than double the manufacturer’s recommended horsepower to turn speeds in the 480- to 490-mph range. Today, racers in six classes (Formula 1, biplane, sport, T-6, jets, and Unlimiteds) compete for top honors.  For the first time, this volume presents the races as seen by those who are there. All six racing classes are shown in detail. Richly illustrated with scenes from the competition in Nevada’s high desert, photographer Handleman shows the races from an angle that only someone with behind-the-scenes access can deliver: aircraft turning the pylons at nearly 500-mph speeds, to racers in the pits being fine-tuned for the next race to the heartbreak when a $100,000 Rolls-Royce 12-cylinder engine is pushed beyond its limits – ending a team’s chance for the Gold race trophy and prize money. Also shown are the cockpits, nose art, and static display aircraft of the Reno Air Races.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Modeling Madness - July 2007

"As a reader, you get drawn into the work and it gives you a great look at what goes on." 

Internet Modeler, August 2007, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

"For those interested in air racing, this is a nice addition to the library." 

--Internet Modeler, August 2007, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

About the Author

Philip Handleman has been an active private pilot for more than 35 years and currently owns and flies two aircraft of military lineage, including an open-cockpit biplane primary trainer of World War II vintage. His deep attachment to the world of flight is reflected in the 19 aviation-related books he has written, including two previous works on the Reno Air Races.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Specialty Press; First Edition ~1st Printing edition (August 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580071120
• ISBN-13: 978-1580071123
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,575,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, deftly written, and informative, August 6, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Air Racing Over Reno: The World's Fastest Motorsport (Paperback)

After a fourteen year hiatus, the National Championship Air Races were revived at Reno, Nevada in 1964. This event showcases racing teams who push the envelope of aerodynamic improvements and modify their 2,000 and 3,000 horsepower engines to make their aircraft as fast as possible in competition with the others. The racers are classified into six groups: Formula 1, Biplane, Sport, T-6, Jets, and Unlimiteds. Profusely illustrated with full color photography, "Air Racing over Reno: The World's Fastest Motorsport" by Philip Handleman is the fascinating, deftly written, and informative story of this unique aviation event and very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in aviation.