Bearcats & Corsairs

by Veronico, Nicholas A.; Grantham, Kevin A.

• ISBN13: 9781580070355
• ISBN10: 1580070353
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: Specialty Pr Pub & Wholesalers

Summary

Racing Bearcats and Corsairs examines two of the most competitive types of air racers flown at the Cleveland Air Races (1046-1949) and today's National Championship Air Races, held each year at Reno, Nevada. Bearcats, often modified with engines nearly twice their original horsepower, have dominated Reno beginning in the 1960s and have continued a winning tradition with Lyle Shelton's Rare Bear. Heavily modified Corsairs were the dominant aircraft in the post World War II races, and at Reno, the Super Corsair was the bent wing bird to beat. Racing Bearcats and Corsairs examines what it takes to field a sound engine racer. It details modifications which are made to the powerplants and airframes, and, based on interviews with the pilots and crew chiefs, provides a first-hand account of the fastest motor sport. For military and aviation enthusiasts:- Great photos and illustrations of Reno racing plane design and development - Fantastic racing history of the Bearcat and Corsair - First-hand stories and racing accounts from pilots, engineers and crew members - Includes details on engine and airframe modifications plus racing fuels.

Table of Contents

Preface	4	(1)
A Word from the Authors
Go Fast!	5	(6)
Round-Engine Racers
Racing Corsairs	11	(22)
The Cleveland Era
A Comeback	33	(26)
Bent-Wing Racers Return to the Pylons
Racing Bearcats	59	(6)
The Fastest Cats in the World
Color Section Round-Engine Racers	65	(27)
Bearcats and Corsairs in Color
Appendix A Bearcat Racers	92	(1)
Racing Bearcats Listed by Race Number
Appendix B Bearcat Racers	93	(6)
Race Participation of Each Racing Bearcat
Appendix C Corsair Racers	99	(1)
Racing Corsairs Listed by Race Number
Appendix D Corsair Racers	100	(4)
Race Participation of Each Racing Corsair
Appendix E Bibliography	104
Further Reading on Round-Engine Racers