CoolPix Triple Play: 2012 Reno National Champion - Strega!

(click pic for hi-res)  Get up close with the 'Merlin Power' sticker on Strega's wingtip!

 I updated the AirPigz facebook cover pic last night with a version of my incredible pic of Thom Richard and his Precious Metal P-51 (with the Rolls Royce Griffon and conter-rotating props) and that got me all hot and bothered about Unlimited air racers. So, I dug out a couple unusual pix of Strega from Reno 2012 for a CoolPix triple play... the one above that brings you in really close with the Merlin Power sticker on the right wingtip, and the one below that shows the cockpit area of the airplane, with the canopy open, as it was sitting in their spot in the pit. I like the details in this cockpit pic along with the Reno National Champion history behind the canopy. I figure these pix might make for a sweet December treat for anyone who respects and admires this airplane, especially since as far as I know the airplane is currently still retired from racing (after having won again in 2012 with young Steven Hinton at the controls).

(click pic for hi-res)  Unlimited racer Strega: that's a lot of winning at Reno!

 And then, to put these up-close images in better perspective, I've included a pic I captured of Strega on Friday (9-14-12) at Pylon 4 at Reno 2012. That view from behind is the view every competitor in the last several years has had of this amazing Unlimited racer. Strega: a true Champion.

 Thank you Team Strega!

(click pic for hi-res)  Steven Hinton and Strega just past pylon 4 at Reno 2012