Pilots
Rick Vandam
- Race #: 5
- Aircraft Name: American Spirit
- Base: Hollister, Ca
- Owner: Ed Noel
- Crew: Minh Venatur
- Steve Pennington
- Sponsor(s): Scott Stephens, Will Noel
- Qualifying Position: 2016 -- 1st 513.177 MPH, 2015 3rd 491.036 MPH, 2014 2nd 482.731 MPH
- Race Results: 2006: 2016 - 1st 497.921, 2015 3rd 492.234, 2014 2nd 485.516
o Rick is a former airline pilot, retiring with over 31,000 flight hours. He started his flying career in the US Air Force and retired from the Nevada Air National Guard in 1996 with over 4000 hours in the F4 Phantom. In addition Rick has accumulated nearly 1000 hours in various Russian MiG fighter aircraft. Rick started with the National Championship Air Races in Race Control in 1983 and moved up to become both the “Air Boss” and Director of Operations for several years. Rick is one of the founders of the Jet Class and the Sport Class at the world-famous Reno National Championship Air Races. He currently serves as President of Racing Jets Incorporated and on the Board of Directors in the Sport Class, Rick is the 2016 Jet Class Gold Champion, with previous wins in 2011 and 2012.
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The Race 5 American Spirit Gallery is coming soon!