"Tsunami Gold"
In 1990, the home built unlimited air racer "Tsunami," and its pilot Steve Hinton had its first and only gold race win at Sherman, Texas at an average speed of 420 mph. Designed by famed Lockheed engineer Bruce Boland, for owner John R. Sandberg, construction began in 1980, and the first flight was in 1986 with Steve Hinton at the controls.
The racer would go through countless modifications and paint schemes. Early in its testing it was able to exceed 500 mph and would qualify and race at speeds in excess of 460 mph. An attempt at a world speed record would end in failure due to a landing gear collapse.
There were high expectations for the Tsunami team's future, but in 1991, the owner John Sandberg, was attempting to return to his home base when, during the landing approach, he extended the wing flaps (above the placarded speed of 150 mph) and an asymmetric condition occurred when the torque tube connecting the flaps failed and one flap retracted causing the racer to suddenly roll inverted and crash into the runway, killing Sandberg instantly.
The wreck is now being restored by the Sandberg family. I watched Tsunami race with Skip Holm as pilot, and it was an exciting plane to watch on the course at Reno.
The painting depicts Tsunami during the Texas Gold Race win.
18"x24", acrylic on gesso board.
Original painting available. Contact the artist directly for more information.
Signed, open edition giclee prints are available for $150 plus $15 shipping by clicking on the "add to cart" button.
Image size 16"x22" on 18"x24" paper
Tsunami Gold
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