Two of our local pilots, Alan Hoover and Brian Hoover (father and son) are in Reno, Nevada qualifying to race in the 51st National Championship Air Races.

Brian, a pilot for Biomet, is the a Primary Pilot and his father, Alan, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, is the Backup Pilot. Brian will race in a Pitts, single seat, biplane named “The Whip” in honor of his Grandfather, Col. R. H. Damico who was a Fighter Pilot during WWII.

Alan Hoover (left) and Brian Hoover pictured with “The Whip” at the 51st National Championship Air Races.

The three day Event begins this Friday, and The Whip will compete the first two days. It can be seen live on liveairshowtv.com.