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Dates |
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Event |
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Constructed as a F8F-2. |
30 November 1948 |
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Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 122629. |
From December 1948 to September 1950 |
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Transferred to Fighter Squadron VF-91/VF-34, Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3), NAS Quonset Point, RI. |
From September 1950 to January 1952 |
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Assigned to O and R BuAer M and S, Norfolk, VA for storage. |
From January 1952 to May 1952 |
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Transferred to Naval Air Reserve Training Unit (NARTU), NAS Norfolk, VA. |
From May 1952 to June 1952 |
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Transferred to Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron (Fasron), NAS Oceana, VA. |
From June 1952 to September 1952 |
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Transferred to Fighter Squadron VF-742, NAS Oceana, VA. |
From September 1952 to December 1953 |
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Transferred to Naval Air Reserve Training Unit (NART), NAS Birmingham, AL. |
From December 1953 to October 1954 |
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Assigned to O and R BuAer M and S, Corpus Christi, TX for storage. |
From October 1954 to February 1956 |
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Assigned to O and R BuAer M (and) S, San Diego, CA for storage. |
21 February 1956 |
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Retired with 667 hours total. |
9 January 1957 |
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Struck off Strength/Charge from the United States Navy. |
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To unknown owner with c/r N1031B. |
1962 |
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Crashed.
Crashed at Valparaiso, IN. |
By 1962 |
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Stored at Valparaiso, IN. |
By 1968 |
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To Victory Air Museum/Earl Reinert, Mundelein, IL.
Transferred to the museum as wreckage. |
1968 |
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To Lyle T. Shelton, Granada Hills, CA with new c/r N777L. |
September 1969 |
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First post-restoration Flight. |
From 14 September 1969 to 21 September 1969 |
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Raced as #70, named The Able Cat.
The engine was replaced with a Wright R-3350 from a DC-7. The airframe was cleaned up including removal and refairing of the gun blisters on the upper wing surfaces. In addition a smaII tail cone fairing was added. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 357.06 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 356.89 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 356.37 mph. |
Circa 14 September 1969 |
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Photographer: Larry Smalley |
From 13 September 1970 to 20 September 1970 |
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Raced as #77, named The Able Cat.
The aircraft was modified for racing. The R-2800 was replaced with a R-3350 engine and a DC-7 propelier and spinner. A longer tail cone and wing wing-body fillets were added. This aircraft was the only Bearcat ever equipped with a Wright R-3350. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 373.46 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 369.27 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. The engine started quiting momentarily right after the start. A mayday was called and Shelton pulled up and off the course. He landed on the diagonal runway fast and blew out both tires during the rollout. The aircraft was ground looped in the overrun, but both the pilot and aircraft were safe. An engine replacement and airframe repairs could not be completed in time for the California 1000 Air Race. |
From Unknown to By 1968 |
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Stored at Mundelein, IL. |
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Rebuilt at Long Beach, CA, for air racing. A Wright R-3350 was installed. |
1971 |
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Photographer: James F.Buxton |
From 29 May 1971 to 29 May 1971 |
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Raced as #77.
Competed at the Alton P-51 Tournament in the XCountry class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Did not start in the One Mile Course race. |
From 2 June 1971 to 6 June 1971 |
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Raced as #77, named PHOENIX I.
Competed at the Cape May National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 361.93 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 350.75 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 305.35 mph. Did not start in the Reserve race. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 360.15 mph. Filled in to complete the field for the consolation race, but failed to start the race. |
17 July 1971 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the U.S. Cup Race at Brown Field, San Diego, CA. |
From 17 July 1971 to 17 July 1971 |
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Raced as #77, named Phoenix I.
Fitted with long-range underwing fuel tanks. Competed in the U. S. Cup Race event. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 289.4 mph. Finished 88 laps. |
From 21 September 1971 to 26 September 1971 |
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Raced as #77, named Phoenix I.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 418.01 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 409.36 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 413.07 mph. |
Circa 21 September 1971 |
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Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: Al Chute captured this beautiful image of Lyle Sheltons Bearcat at Reno in 1971. For 1971 the Bearcat was named Phoenix I. Reno was the first race that it appeared in this white and purple paint scheme. Lyle would finish a close second to winner Darryl Greenamyer in very close and hotly contested Unlimited Gold race.the Best ever! |
Circa 21 September 1971 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
From 13 November 1971 to 13 November 1971 |
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Raced as #77, named Phoenix I.
Competed in the California 1000 Air Races event. Started the One Mile Course race, but did not finish. Editor note: This Bearcat has not been found in any race results for this event, but we do have photographic evidence of it in the air at the event with drop tanks installed. Therefore it is assumed that it started in the race but did not finish. |
From 1 January 1972 to 1 January 1972 |
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Raced as #77.
Competed at the Miami International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 404.703 mph. |
From 12 September 1972 to 17 September 1972 |
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Raced as #77, named The Phast Phoenix.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 21st place with an average speed of 402.74 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 389.83 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 404.70 mph. |
Circa 12 September 1972 |
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Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: Phast Phoenix was the name of Lyle Sheltons Bearcat in 1972. This photo was taken by Al Chute during the 1972 Gold Final. You can tell this for sure because the stock canopy borrowed from Bud Fountain is in place after his racing canopy departed the airplane on a Saturday evening test flight. A big shout out to Russell Gann for some Photoshop tips to Phastly improve the quality of this image! Thanks Russ! |
12 September 1972 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
Circa 12 September 1972 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
Circa 1973 |
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Photographer: Larry Johnson
Notes: In TMB at the 1973 Miami Air Races. |
Circa 1973 |
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Photographer: Unknown |
Circa 1973 |
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Photographer: Unknown |
From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973 |
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Raced as #77, named U.S. THRIFT 7 1/4 Special.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 360.795 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 268.60 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 360.331 mph. |
From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973 |
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Raced as #77, named U.S. THRIFT 7 1/4 Special.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Roscoe Turner Speed Classic race. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 373.320 mph. |
From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973 |
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Raced as #77, named US THRIFT 7 1/4 Special.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 426.60 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 406.14 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 428.16 mph. |
September 1974 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Reno Air Races |
From 10 September 1974 to 15 September 1974 |
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Raced as #77, named Omni Special.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 432.25 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 420.12 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. No time was recorded and finished in 5th place. Penalized for not pulling up to the minimum 300 ft altitude during two maydays. Dropped to a fifth place finishing poistion and the time became unofficial. A protest was filed but was disalllowed. |
Circa 11 September 1974 |
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Photographer: Charles M. Daniels Collection
Notes: At Reno Air Races, Nevada |
October 1974 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Mojave Air Races, CA |
Circa 9 October 1974 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Air Races in Mojave, CA. |
From 9 October 1974 to 13 October 1974 |
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Raced as #77, named OMNI Special.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle T Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 413.737 mph. Started the Consolation race, but did not finish. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 381.719 mph. Raced in the Heat race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 312.282 mph. Was a fill-in for the consolidation race. |
From 18 June 1975 to 22 June 1975 |
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Raced as #77, named A/C Cyl and Turbine.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Drag race. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 270.63 mph. |
From 18 June 1975 to 22 June 1975 |
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Raced as #77, named Aircraft Cylinder and Turbine.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The pilots were Lyle Shelton, Jim Pete and. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 406.97 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 421.69 mph. During the Heat Race cut Pylon 5 on laps 1 through 6. |
From 9 September 1975 to 14 September 1975 |
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Raced as #77, named Aircraft Cylinder and Turbine.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 423.53 mph. Started the Make-Up race, but did not finish. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 429.92 mph. |
Circa 14 September 1975 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
13 October 1975 |
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Photographer: Peter B Lewis
Notes: At NAF China Lake |
Circa 1976 |
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Photographer: Tim OBrien |
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Markings Applied: Rare Rare Bear |
From 19 June 1976 to 20 June 1976 |
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Raced as #77, named Spirit of 77.
Appeared at the California National Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Arrived late and a qualifying time was not recorded. Tried again on the Saturday but the engine blew and had to be belly landed on the runway with relatively little damage. |
5 September 1980 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NX777L (F8F-2, 122629) issued. |
From 10 September 1980 to 14 September 1980 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 402.75 mph. Did not start in the Gold race. Did not start in the Gold 1 race. On fifth lap the blower system went and the engine blew. A mayday was declared and Shelton pulled up off the course and landed safely. But since the aircraft crossed the start line without an operating radio it was declared a Do Not Start rather than a Do Not Finish. |
10 September 1980 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
10 September 1980 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
10 September 1980 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
1981 |
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Photographer: Shawn Aro |
From 15 September 1981 to 20 September 1981 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 416.04 mph. Started the Bronze 2 race, but did not finish. Raced in the Gold race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 416.72 mph. Started the Gold 1 race, but did not finish. Pulled out on the fourth lap with yet another burnt cylinder. |
Circa 15 September 1981 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada. |
20 September 1981 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: 1981 Reno Air Races |
Circa 1983 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 12 September 1983 to 18 September 1983 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 432.05 mph. Raced in the Gold race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 415.74 mph. Raced in the Gold 1 race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 432.34 mph. Started the Gold Semi-Final race, but did not finish. Pulled out on the eighth lap after suffering several problems. He was having trim problems which necessitated his flying high. He then experienced a rough engine caused by bad plugs and possibly by a faulty water system. He eventually had to cut out one system after another until he finally pulled out and declared a Mayday. He landed high and hot on Runway 14 and actually had his right wheel in the dirt off the runway and blew a tire, but, fortunately, got it under control and rolled out safely. On top of everything else, while coping with his problems, he cut the Race Deadline and, thus, in the final analysis, was disqualified. |
12 September 1983 |
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Photographer: Robert Dias
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
12 September 1983 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
12 September 1983 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
12 September 1983 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
12 September 1983 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
24 October 1984 |
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Photographer: Joe Evans
Notes: At Van Nuys, CA |
From 1 June 1985 to 2 June 1985 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed in the National Air Races Bakersfield event. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton from Granada Hills, CA. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 418.774 mph. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 399.048 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 408.723 mph. Raced in the Gold Heat race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 399.048 mph. During the gold race, cut pylon #4 on lap #3. |
Circa 8 September 1985 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada. |
Circa 8 September 1985 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada. |
From 9 September 1985 to 15 September 1985 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penny. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 429.485 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 407.502 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. |
9 September 1985 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 8 September 1986 to 14 September 1986 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penny. Qualified in 9th place with an average speed of 402.171 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 398.032 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 419.783 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 406.870 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 407.565 mph. |
Circa 8 September 1986 |
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Photographer: Jim Larsen |
8 September 1986 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
From 14 September 1987 to 20 September 1987 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 452.490 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 396.361 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 430.553 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
14 September 1987 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
14 September 1987 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
14 September 1987 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
14 September 1987 |
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Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
By 7 May 1988 |
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To unknown owner with c/r N777L. |
From 7 May 1988 to 8 May 1988 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed at the Hamilton Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle T Shelton from Granada Hills, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 411.095 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 412.492 mph. |
12 September 1988 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 12 September 1988 to 18 September 1988 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 474.622 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 423.401 mph. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 456.821 mph. |
18 September 1988 |
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Photographer: Anthony Taylor - warbirdfotos.com
Notes: September 18, 1988 - Lyle Shelton during Sundays Unlimited Gold Championship Final, taking first place at 456.821mph. Shot between pylon three and four. |
Circa 1989 |
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Photographer: Tim OBrien |
21 August 1989 |
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Set the world piston engine speed record at 528 mph. |
From 11 September 1989 to 17 September 1989 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 468.378 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 443.331 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 445.805 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 450.910 mph. |
11 September 1989 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
11 September 1989 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
15 September 1989 |
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Photographer: Timothy Weinschenker
Notes: Lyle Shelton and Rare Bear came to Reno in 1989 fresh from setting a new 3km speed record. This picture was taken on Friday afternoon. |
From 11 August 1990 to 12 August 1990 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Was to have competed at the Colorado National Air Races, but did not arrive. The primary pilot was to be Lyle Shelton. |
From 17 September 1990 to 23 September 1990 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 468.369 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 454.653 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 468.620 mph. |
17 September 1990 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
17 September 1990 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
17 September 1990 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
17 September 1990 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 9 September 1991 to 15 September 1991 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 475.899 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 452.348 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 465.385 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 481.618 mph. |
Circa 9 September 1991 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
Circa 9 September 1991 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro |
Circa 9 September 1991 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
September 1992 |
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Involved in an incident.
Suffered minor damage in a forced landing at Reno, NV. |
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Repaired. |
From 14 September 1992 to 20 September 1992 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 482.892 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 449.984 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
14 September 1992 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
14 September 1992 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
June 1993 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Pylon Racing School for the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 13 September 1993 to 19 September 1993 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete. |
From 18 March 1994 to 20 March 1994 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney. Qualified in 9th place with an average speed of 379.674 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 404.908 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 434.158 mph. During the Gold race, cut pylon #6 on lap #1. |
From 12 September 1994 to 18 September 1994 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Englewood, CO. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 471.325 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 462.188 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 443.296 mph. Raced in the A Feature race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 424.407 mph. |
12 September 1994 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
12 September 1994 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 23 March 1995 to 26 March 1995 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare Bear.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited Professional race. The primary pilot was John Penney from Englewood, CO. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 470.427 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 441.713 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 443.372 mph. |
From 11 September 1995 to 17 September 1995 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 489.802 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 455.856 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 462.329 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 465.159 mph. |
11 September 1995 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
17 September 1995 |
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Photographer: Anthony Taylor / warbirdfotos.com |
From 9 September 1996 to 15 September 1996 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 491.266 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 473.160 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
Circa 9 September 1996 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
From 8 September 1997 to 14 September 1997 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lyle Shelton from Reno, NV. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 461.508 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 455.397 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 445.346 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 423.809 mph. |
8 September 1997 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
8 September 1997 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 13 September 1999 to 19 September 1999 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Matt Jackson from Calabasas, CA. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 468.780 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 373.293 mph. |
14 September 1999 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
14 September 1999 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
24 September 1999 |
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To Lyle T. Shelton, Bakersfield, CA keeping c/r N777L. |
From 9 September 2002 to 15 September 2002 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete. |
Circa 9 September 2002 |
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Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Champsionship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
Circa 9 September 2002 |
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Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Champsionship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
June 2003 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Pylon Racing School for the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
June 2003 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Pylon Racing School for the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
From 8 September 2003 to 14 September 2003 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 495.039 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 492.936 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 459.007 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 483.942 mph. |
From 15 September 2004 to 19 September 2004 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 490.033 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 473.879 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 443.100 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 469.961 mph. |
1 January 2005 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NX777L (F8F-2, 122629) issued. |
26 August 2005 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NX777L (F8F-2, 122629) issued. |
From 12 September 2005 to 18 September 2005 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 470.765 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 457.332 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 461.556 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 466.298 mph. |
2006 |
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To Lewis Aeronautical Llc/Rod Lewis, San Antonio, TX. |
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Based at Aviation Classics, Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV.
 View the Location Dossier |
From 11 September 2006 to 17 September 2006 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Ron Buccarelli from Hollywood, FL. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 455.774 mph. |
11 September 2006 |
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Photographer: David Lednicer
Notes: The Unlimited Class racer Rare Bear being towed out for a practice session at the Reno Air Races. This year, Rare Bear qualified second fastest, but had to drop out of the racing due to engine problems |
From Unknown to By 2006 |
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To Lyle T. Shelton, Bakersfield, CA. |
From 10 September 2007 to 16 September 2007 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 452.276 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 446.626 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 478.394 mph. |
14 September 2007 |
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Photographer: Anthony Taylor / warbirdfotos.com |
From 8 September 2008 to 14 September 2008 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 468.893 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 462.088 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 467.056 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
Circa 8 September 2008 |
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Photographer: Shawn Aro |
12 September 2008 |
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Photographer: Anthony Taylor / warbirdfotos.com
Notes: John Penney NCAR Reno Heat 2A |
12 September 2008 |
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Photographer: Anthony Taylor / warbirdfotos.com |
17 September 2008 |
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To Rare Bear Air Racing Llc, Reno, NV keeping c/r N777L. |
From 14 September 2009 to 20 September 2009 |
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Raced as #77, named RareBear.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 11th place with an average speed of 402.678 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 412.23 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 434.872 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 471.5 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 479.088 mph. |
From 13 September 2010 to 19 September 2010 |
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Raced as #77, named RAREBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Penney from Evergreen, CO. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 445.728 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 457.831 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 447.755 mph. Raced in the Championship race. The race was canceled and 2nd place was assigned based on previous heat results. |
16 September 2010 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
17 September 2010 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
17 September 2010 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
8 November 2010 |
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To unknown owner.
Registration pending to a new owner in San Antonio, TX. |
2 December 2010 |
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To Lewis Racing Llc, San Antonio, TX keeping c/r N777L. |
From 12 September 2011 to 16 September 2011 |
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Raced as #77, named RAREBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stewart Dawson from Celina, TX. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 479.430 mph. |
14 September 2011 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
From 10 September 2012 to 16 September 2012 |
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Raced as #77, named RAREBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stewart Dawson from Celina, TX. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 490.002 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 435.822 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 436.013 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
10 September 2012 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
10 September 2012 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
10 September 2012 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
10 September 2012 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
15 September 2012 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger |
From 9 September 2013 to 15 September 2013 |
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Raced as #77, named RAREBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stewart Dawson from Celina, TX. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 473.105 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 451.108 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 451.342 mph. |
12 September 2013 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
14 September 2013 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Taken at the Reno Air Races. I did not notice at the time, but it appears the team repainted the wings. I am not sure why. |
From 8 September 2014 to 14 September 2014 |
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Raced as #77, named Rare BEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stewart Dawson from Celina, TX. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 476.856 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 467.497 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 476.879 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. |
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To Lewis Air Legends/Rod Lewis, Lewis Ranch Airport, San Antonio, TX.
View the Location Dossier |
From 14 September 2015 to 20 September 2015 |
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Raced as #77, named RAREBEAR.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stewart Dawson from Celina, TX. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 417.949 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 478.479 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 474.76 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 471.957 mph. |
18 September 2015 |
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Photographer: Kurtis Anderschat
Notes: Reno Air Races 2015. Rare Bear finished 2nd in the Breitling Unlimited Gold on Sunday. This was taken after a first place win in heat 2A on Friday. |
19 September 2015 |
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Photographer: Allen Hess
Notes: Unlimited Class Race #77, Grumman F78F-2 Bearcat Rare Bear 2015-0919-2116 Stead Airport, Reno, Nv Pilot: Stewart Dawson Unlimited Gold Race 2nd Place at 471.957mph |
6 October 2023 |
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To Air Legends Foundation, San Antonio, TX keeping c/r N777L. |
