PAPA 51 Thunder Mustang (N352BT)

The air racing world mourns the loss of John Parker, seen here in Sam's photo piloting Blue Thunder II at the 2016 National Championship Air Races. John, who won two Sport Class Championships in this Thunder Mustang (2011 & 2015) and who had also won three Formula One Class Championships (1977 in "Top Turkey," 1979 in "Wild Turkey," & 1980 in "American Special") entered into his Eternal Flight earlier this week when Blue Thunder II crashed while he was landing at RTS. In his many decades of racing, John always followed the #1 rule of the NCAR: "Fly Low, Go Fast, Turn Left." Sunny September skies, fair winds, tall pylons ... and a wide open throttle, John. You are a legend here; you will always be remembered ... and always sadly missed. 3 May 2018 / gcs