This paint scheme is dedicated to Lyle Shelton, who passed away this year.
Shelton was the original pilot and owner of the “Rare Bear,” a highly-modified Grumman F8F Bearcat aircraft that gained fame at the Reno Air Races. Rare Bear hit top speeds of more than 500 mph.
Shelton began his career in air racing in 1964, and in 1966, he signed-on with Trans World Airlines piloting 707's, 727's and Lockheed L-101 I's. His first win at Reno was in 1973, after several years of troubles in the way of canopies coming off and blown tires on landing. He continued his winning ways in 1975 and again from 1988 until 1991. His final race at Reno was in 1997 when he finished third. At that time, he was a six-time gold champion.
Shelton was the original pilot and owner of the “Rare Bear,” a highly-modified Grumman F8F Bearcat aircraft that gained fame at the Reno Air Races. Rare Bear hit top speeds of more than 500 mph.
Shelton began his career in air racing in 1964, and in 1966, he signed-on with Trans World Airlines piloting 707's, 727's and Lockheed L-101 I's. His first win at Reno was in 1973, after several years of troubles in the way of canopies coming off and blown tires on landing. He continued his winning ways in 1975 and again from 1988 until 1991. His final race at Reno was in 1997 when he finished third. At that time, he was a six-time gold champion.
