I second the motion for some modified warbirds, especially if the engines and flight dynamics are done right.
It would be a real challenge to try and master a Reno racer, especially with their regular mechanical difficulties.
Pushing engines and airframes to the limits comes at a price, reliability suffers.
I have seen the Unlimiteds at Reno first hand and admire the pilots who fly them.
Extremely skilled individuals indeed, perhaps some of the best pilots in the world.
Rounding the pylons at low level at close to 500 mph is one thing, but getting them off and especially back on the ground in one piece is something you need to witness first hand.
A piston engined aircraft that is comfortable at 500 mph is not necessarily so happy at slower speeds.
Many of the unlimiteds have had there wings clipped as well as numerous other modifications to help them go fast.
This drastically increases stall speed and therefore touchdown speed.
A stock F8F Bearcat can touchdown as slow as 65 knots with full flaps.
Rare Bear with clipped wings and no flaps touches down at 110.
It also has to be landed very tail low, nearly 3 point, most likely because of the oversize prop.
Not easy, trust me!
Here is a video of Rare Bear landing power off because of a stuck throttle, pay close attention to the rate of decent after the pilot cuts the power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJqz0kWTnlM
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