(click pic to enlarge)  The very radical Sorceress biplane racer at Reno in 1970

(3 pix) 

I've been quiet about the Reno Air Races since shortly after the tragic crash of Jimmy Leeward in The Galloping Ghost that took his life and the lives of 10 people in the stands, along with injuring many more. Time has the ability to settle much of the shock of an event like this, but obviously there are many people for which this tragedy will forever define the rest of their life. For all of us though, regardless of how much time passes, it just seems like the kind of occurrence that we will never be able to make any sense out of. This is the reality of much of life... things happen that we would never dream of, and pain and confusion are the result. But if there's one thing that seems to be clear, even in the face of tragedy, it's that life goes on.

 It's with this idea in mind that I'm sharing these pictures from Reno in 1970 of one of the most unique aircraft ever to show up to the races. There's a long and very rich history since the races began in 1964, and it feels like looking back is one of the best ways to look to the future.

 Sorceress arrived at Reno to shake up the Sport Biplane Class, but according to the amazing race history book Racing Planes & Air Races 1968-1971 (by Kinert), Sorceress did fly, but the lack of time on the aircraft put it in the position of a fill-in and was only allowed to finish in last place. I was fortunate to be at these races in 1970 as a 9 year old, and my dad took these pictures as we were able to see Sorceress up close. I knew it was a big deal even as a kid to see this game changing racer, but I don't have any memory of how the races turned out. I'm so thankful to have this book (and the previous edition that covers the years 1909-1967) to be able to re-experience some of the history that I witnessed from 1967 to 1970. These two books are highly recommended.

(click pic to enlarge)  Sorceress: All metal, negative stagger, and inverted gull  lower wing