The only example of its species at Reno this year, this F4U-1 Corsair, flown by Jim Maloney, is essentially a stock aircraft and proved no match for the souped-up and highly modified Mustangs.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought F4U Corsair - СШАUSA - 1940

The competition's only Bearcat, flown by John Herlihy, took the chequered flag in the Silver, the race for the second fastest batch of qualifiers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F8F Bearcat - СШАUSA - 1944

Steve Hinton, a newcomer to Unlimited competitions who had the unenviable task of trying to step into the shoes of air-racing hero Darryl Greenamyer, piloted the Rolls-Royce Griffon-powered Red Baron to a stylish victory in the Championship.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Unlimited racers regularly blow their engines if pushed too hard, and some teams arrive with a choice of two powerplants: a super-tuned racing unit, and a stock engine for the ferry trip home. Here a skeletal Sumthin Else, the P-51D flown by Michael Bertz, stands ready to receive its get-you-home Merlin.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Mustangs Lou IV (No 19), flown by EAA president Paul Poberezny, and Jimmy Leeward's Cloud Dancer look good here but were heading for disappointment in the Unlimited Silver. Poberezny finished in last place, Leeward was disqualified for crossing the crowd line.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

The Rockwell International Mustang, mount of world-famous display and test pilot Bob Hoover, worked hard over the three days of the competition, performing for the crowd, starting races and shepherding pilots who came to grief in the Unlimited races.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Another also-ran was this P-63 Kingcobra, flown in the Unlimited Trophy by Don Whittington.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-63 Kingcobra - СШАUSA - 1942

Lloyd Hamilton flew his gleaming Sea Fury to sixth place in the final.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Fury / Sea Fury - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1944

P-38 Double Trouble proved to be a much hotter ship. Flown by Gary Levitz, it took first place in the Unlimited Trophy.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939