RENO, NV -- Code 1 Aviation’s L-39 experts will once-again be crew chiefs for three jets competing in the National Championship Air Races at Reno, NV, September 12-16. L-39s #8, #15, and #32 will each try to improve on last year’s performance. #8 American Patriot (pictured left) piloted by Pete Stavrides and crewed by Code 1’s Bruce Carlson. Code 1 Aviation first prepared #8 for racing in 2017, and we haven't been idle in the off-season. Stavrides, who piloted the now-retired #10 Riff Raff to first place in the Silver class last year, hopes to improve on #8’s third place showing in Gold in 2017.
Veteran crew chief Vlad Silchuk will be supporting #15 Darkstar II flown by Vicky Benzig, who flew the #15 to sixth place in Gold class last year. Silchuk crewed for the winning #10 in 2017 and hopes to bring that success to #15 this year. Rounding out Code 1’s efforts at Reno is Nick Davis, crewing #32 Invictus for the his second year. In 2017, pilot Zach McNeill brought the modified L-39 to second place in Bronze class.