We are greatly saddened by the loss of Jimmy Leeward, pilot of the unlimited-class race plane Galloping Ghost at the Reno Air Races on September 16. And we are especially saddened by the tragic fatalities and injuries suffered by the spectators who came to watch us race.
We compete because of our love for flight and for air racing. The loss of life that occurred should not have been a consequence. We as air-race pilots understand the price we pay to race and it's one we choose to take. But we never want to put anyone else's life at risk. This was a fluke accident without precedence in Reno's previous 47-year history. We hope authorities take this into consideration when they conduct their reviews.
Thank you for your concerned emails inquiring about the wellbeing of our aviation teams. We can be grateful that, while the Lewis Racing Team and Rare Bear Team were participating in the event, none of the crew was injured.
Please keep the families of Jimmy Leeward and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
- The Lewis Air Racing Teams
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