"Diamond Jubliee"

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“Diamond Jubilee” King’s Cup Air Race

THE King’s Cup is the most coveted trophy in sporting aviation, arousing keen competition since 1922 when it was presented by King George V to Captain F. C. Bernard, the first winner. This year’s winner was Geofrey Richardson, who has had a spectacular racing career, in motor cars and motorcycles, until losing a leg in an Isle of Man TT some years before entering Air Racing 11 years ago. Despite a disappointing season in the British Air Racing Championship. Geofrey flew an excellent King’s Cup Air Race and proved to be a popular winner.

The Diamond Jubilee King’s Cup was started by Air Marshal Sir Michael Beavis, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, RAF Support Command. The race was indeed spectacular, the first six aircraft across the finish line within five seconds of each other — a credit to John Bagley and his team of Royal Aero Club handicappers. Competitors tend to forget the intricacies of handicapping. Achieving such a close finish indeed proves their unique expertise.

The 1982 British Air Racing Championship based on points gained in four best results from the season’s National A, Races, excluding the King’s Cup, was won this year by the veteran racing pilot, John Stewart Wood, twice winner of the King’s Cup in previous years. His outstanthng consistency amassed the winning points.

Second, the winner of the Grosvenor Challenge Trophy at Shobdon and last year’s winner of the Outram Trophy, was Nicolas Snook, son of the Chairman of the Royal Acre Club, who at 24 is the youngest competitor. Nicolas raced consistently throughout the season and looks forward to living up to his father’s air racing reputation in the years to come.

Commiserations for Alan Dyer, whose professional approach to sporting aviation is second to none. Having achieved first place in the Kilkenny Air Race and the Cranwell National Air Race this season, his position in the Stewards’ Cup, King’s Cup qualifier, cost him the Championship. His co-pilot in the King’s Cup was Ian Botham, latest recruit to Air Racing. Alan, who is holder of many International Air Records, is respected for his humour and spirit as well as his flying ability. They are planning a Round the World Flight for charity early next year.

Peter Crispe, fourth this year. won the Mossy Preston Tmphy. awarded for the highest number of points gained in all six National Air Races throughout the season.

The Outram Trophy, awarded to the highest placed newcomer to Air Racing, was deservedly won by Fla. Aiigair McLean, RAF, who was placed fifth in the Championship.

The King’s Cup and other, Royal Acre Club Awards. will be presented by His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, President of the Royal Acro Club, following his welcome return to the United Kingdom from active service as a helicopter pilot with the Royal Navy in the South Atlantic later in the year.