This was the last. Insurance wasn't going to cover any more, now that all the land surrounding Stead Field - which used to be out in the desert boonies - has been turned into suburbia.
I'm actually glad they're over. I was outraged in 2012 when Jimmy Leeward crashed into the crowd. That spot he hit was never supposed to have people in it - we only went in there when we had an airplane that needed to do a runup, and there wasn't anybody out on the course. But then they decided to charge people $100/day to "get close to the race." And surprise surprise, just like we said back then, if an airplane comes around the last pylon and gets in bad trouble, that's where it will crash.
I too am sorry to hear this sad news and for the loss of your friend, TC.
My gosh, after your 3 losses at those Races you must dread them on one level. I know there is always some risk.
This was the last. Insurance wasn't going to cover any more, now that all the land surrounding Stead Field - which used to be out in the desert boonies - has been turned into suburbia.
I'm actually glad they're over. I was outraged in 2012 when Jimmy Leeward crashed into the crowd. That spot he hit was never supposed to have people in it - we only went in there when we had an airplane that needed to do a runup, and there wasn't anybody out on the course. But then they decided to charge people $100/day to "get close to the race." And surprise surprise, just like we said back then, if an airplane comes around the last pylon and gets in bad trouble, that's where it will crash.
Money rules the fools, it seems.