Air Races For The East?

A new event set for June 2-5 in Tunica, Miss., aims to bring Reno-style pylon air racing to the eastern half of the country. Veteran Reno racer Steve Dilda has been named air boss for the Tunica Air Races. So far, the organizers expect to offer competitions for Unlimited Class, T-6 Class and Formula One aircraft. According to the organizers’ Web site, 50 racers will compete. The show will also feature aerobatic performances and fly-bys by various airplanes including a B-24, several P-51 fighters, a B-25 and a P-47. The races will conclude with the awarding of cash prizes and the presentation of “The Tunica Cup.” The Tunica Air Race Association, a public-private partnership between the Tunica Tourism Foundation and JL Images Entertainment from Brentwood, Tenn., is organizing the event. Tunica, a 30-minute drive south of Memphis, Tenn., is a resort area with plentiful casinos, hotels and golf courses.