Hey Everyone
Just wanted to let you know the entire Rare Bear crew is ok. It was a horrific accident to witness. We had several friends including my ex-wife in box 77 watching the race, we didn’t hear from any of them for over an hour. It was very intense and very heart breaking.
Jimmy Leeward was a very nice guy, gave most of our crew a ride in his Mustang a couple years ago. He will be missed by all! This year our pit was across from the Galloping Ghost, we were all looking forward to seeing her race this year. Out on the start line down by the pits, most of the crews walk to each others plane, we chat, joke, shake hands and wish each other a safe flight. Jimmy came over to us, said good luck, shook all our hands and jokingly said don’t let anybody pass me…. We had a certain power setting we were going to run during the race, the Ghost was coming on hard, John Penney told Stew Dawson this on the radio. Stew asked Dave Cornell if he wanted to bump up the power, Dave said no and told Stew to let Jimmy pass. All looked normal until the Ghost came by the pit area.
I’ve been with the Rare Bear team for 10 years (minus last year), I have personally witnessed and responded to several aircraft accidents at Stead Field. All air race pilots and crew know and accept the risks involved. All of us are very saddened by the passing of Jimmy Leeward but this is not what brought tears to our eyes. The fans, the spectators. Our hearts are broken, this is a tough pill to swallow.
Please pray for all who were lost and injured
Scott Litster
6953Q
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