Royal Aero Club Air Races - Alderney

NINETEEN aircraft took part in the RAeC's race weekend at Alderney at the end of September, marking the end of the 2006 Air Race season.

The Saturday race for the Eagle Airways cup for single-engine aircraft was won by Spanish racer, Gabriel Gomila in a DR1050. Gabriel is an ATC officer at Mallorca Airport and attends the Alderney race each year and took the title in the 2005 race.

Race veteran Peter Earp took the title in the multi-engine race for the Flightline Cup on the Saturday, flying his Beech Baron.

Sunday's race, for the Aurigny Air Services Trophy, was the final race of the season. Nigel Reddish, flying his homebuilt Vans RV7 edged past Peter Earp to take first place, leaving Peter and his powerful Baron in second. John Kelsall, last year's winner and fellow RV7 pilot came in third. John was first past the post but received a 15-second penalty for cutting a corner.

At the award ceremony, hosted by event coordinator Ralph Burridge, Gabriel, and Peter received their respective trophies. Aurigny Air Servicesí operations manager, Keith Chatten presented Nigel with his trophy.

Among the other awards for the 2006 season were Tony Benyon who was named 2006 British Air Race Champion and Peter Earp, who won the title of European Champion.
W: www.airraceuk.org
W: www.flyalderney.com
 

Words Kirsten Corrigan