The Rare Bear

June, 2001
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Crew Profile
click for larger image One of the most colorful and popular members of the Rare Bear® Racing Team is Mike Looney. Mike hails from Midland, Texas and his famous sense of his humor is filled with "Texasisms" and "Looneyisms". He is very active in the Confederate Air Force and has served as Flight Engineer on their B-29, "Fifi", for several years. Mike is a key member of the Rare Bear® crew with his extensive knowledge of the Wright 3350 engine and various other systems throughout the plane. He has spent countless hours away from his Texas home working on the Rare Bear® during the cold of winter in Reno. Mike is also one of the Rare Bear® team members that lent his expertise to Bill Rheinschild’s "Bad Attitude" Sea Fury at Reno 2000. His experience with the Wright 3350 proved invaluable when the engine had to be removed, repaired and re-installed during race week. In his spare time Mike enjoys hunting, fishing and restoring cars. His favorite band—who else? That "little ol’ band from Texas", ZZ Top.

MARC’S BEAR NOTES

  • The 38th National Championship Air Races will carry the theme of "2001: The Race Odyssey". This year’s event will be highlighted by a first-ever reunion of Apollo astronauts. As always, Mike Houghton and his staff have a top-notch air show planned including the return of Delmar Benjamin in the Gee Bee, the Stoli Migs, Jim Franklin and many others. We will also see jet races on the schedule. Last year’s exhibition race was a big crowd pleaser. If you haven’t already made your plans, this year’s show is September 13-16. For information call (775) 972-6663 or log onto www.airrace.org
  • With the exception of the absence of the Rare Bear® (a big exception!!) the field of unlimiteds promises to be exciting. Strega, Dago Red, Critical Mass, Risky Business and all the perennial favorites will be there. Although both Voodoo and Miss Merced have been listed as being "For Sale" they should be in attendance. Also, if all goes well "Czech Mate" will be there with a new engine.
  • Speaking of Strega, it appears "Tiger" Destefani’s retirement will have to wait. He will be back at the controls of his famous P-51 again this year.
  • Long-time (and honorary) Rare Bear® team member Hersch Rourk had a major scare with some heart problems recently and had a lengthy and uncomfortable stay in the hospital. He’s progressing well now except for being told he has to limit his sushi intake.
  • Speaking of health situations—Rare Bear® team member Jim Messner is bouncing back from his bout with cancer. He’s back at work and has a great attitude for recovery.
  • Looks like things are getting closer for the air-racing flight simulation. Expected release date is Sept. 2001. Check out the progress at www.xtremeairracing.com
  • If you’re "surfing" the web make sure you keep www.aafo.com and www.pylon1.com in your list of favorites. Both have excellent features and ongoing updates.
  • Some members of the Rare Bear® crew will be helping Bill Rheinschild with his Sea Fury "Bad Attitude" again at Reno. Last year proved most eventful. Hopefully, this year we don’t have any "all-nighters" pulling and re-installing engines. Come by and say hello if you’re in the area.

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We'll Be Back!

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"BEAR FACTS"® is a newsletter published for and about crewmembers and supporters of Lyle Shelton’s RARE BEAR® AIR RACING TEAM.

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