Warbird Adventures and Kissimmee Air Museum at Florida’s Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) have acquired a North American P-51D Mustang called Precious Metal, which is now on permanent display at the museum while it is being being prepared to compete in the Reno Air Racing Association’s 2011 National Championship Air Races Sept. 14-18.
Before coming to Kissimmee Gateway Airport, Precious Metal was best known for the world-wide advertising campaign with famous actor and aircraft enthusiast, John Travolta, for luxurious watchmaker, Breitling. Precious Metal is the only P-51 in the world equipped with contra-rotating propellers and a 3,000-hp Rolls Royce Griffon engine. Heavily modified for pylon racing, it’s expected to perform well and proudly represent Florida at the Nationals, according to company officials.
Thom Richard, co-founder of Warbird Adventures and Kissimmee Air Museum, is working with his crew to ready Precious Metal for the upcoming National Championship Air Races. This process is open for public viewing during museum hours. Richard will fly the aircraft in the races’ Unlimited Class, competing with 26 other World War II vintage fighter aircraft, flying 50 to 100 feet off the ground at speeds of over 500 mph, making it the fastest motor sport event in the world.
For more informatio: 800-386-1593 or WarbirdAdventures.com
Good luck, Thom !