Long time Reno Air Race pilot Thom Richard won the first round of the Air Race 1 World Cup this weekend, flying his Formula One airplane Hot Stuff around the course at the Monastir Habib Bourguba International Airport in Tunisia.
Richard’s win didn’t come easy, however. Hot Stuff’s engine was overheating in the qualifying round, forcing Richard to pull out, which put him in a compromised position in the semi-final round. However, after a very strong finish he qualified in the pole position for the finals and took home the gold. Jay Jones and Mike Mundell, both from the U.S., came in second and third respectively.
“It was a hard fought contest on an unfamiliar circuit in a demanding new environment,” said Richard, who averaged more than 200 knots around the course. “It was particularly special to win in front of the enthusiastic new fans in Tunisia who really made the difference in ensuring a successful event and an exciting race.”
The Air Race 1 World Cup was the first Formula One air race to take place on the African continent.
Richard, who is originally from Sweden but now lives in Kissimmee, Florida, has for many years been racing Formula One, Jet and Unlimited airplanes at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.
For more on Thom Richard, watch his impressive handling of a deadstick emergency captured in this video.
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