Having raced for 10 years in the National Reno Air Races, the team has seen a lot throughout the years. The crew and our sponsors continue grow, and our race aircraft evolves weekly with new additions and tweaks here and there. This is all to be expected of a race team, but did you know that the McDonald Racer Team was not always known by the “McDonald Racer” aircraft….
Check out our team timeline below and our racing stats below to learn more about our history… (Click on the Timeline to see larger / clearer image)
Race Results: Thumper Race 12 & McDonald Racer 37
| Year |
Plane | Race |
Time |
Speed |
Place |
Notes |
| 2009 | McDonald Racer 37 | T-6 Gold Class | 8:03.116 | 226.647 | 4th | The McDonald Racer planned to break the speed record this year, qualifying at 230.106 mph, but suffered engine problems during the races. |
| 2008 | McDonald Racer 37 | T-6 Gold Class | 7:47.651 | 234.142 | 3rd | The McDonald Racer qualified at 238.836 mph. |
| 2007 | McDonald Racer 37 | T-6 Gold Class | 8:18.624 | 219.395 | 6th | |
| 2006 | McDonald Racer 37 | T-6 Gold Class | 8:14.867 | 221.060 | 4th | This was the McDonald Racer’s first race year at the Reno Air Races |
| 2005 | Thumper Race 12 | T-6 Silver Class | 7:08.809 | 212.596 | 4th | |
| 2004 | Thumper Race 12 | T-6 Bronze Class | 7:15.916 | 209.129 | 2nd | |
| 2003 | Thumper Race 12 | T-6 Bronze Class | 7:05.21 | 214.395 | 1st | |
| 2002 | Thumper Race 12 | T-6 Silver Class | 8:38.88 | 206.542 | 6th | |
| 2001 | Thumper Race 12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | The 2001 Reno Air Races were canceled due to 9/11. |
| 2000 | Thumper Race 12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Due to engine problems the Thumper, Race 12, could not complete the race. Zayac was given the “Dagger” award as the new racer |
Although there is bound to be a number of changes over time, the majority of our crew has been around for the races since day one, and our race pilot John Zayac, has always raced for the team.
We’re excited to see what 2010 brings, and we can’t wait to let you guys know how we do! 
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