Officials for the National Championship Air Races said that a Formula One pilot who was involved in a crash during a Formula One class heat race on Friday, was released from the hospital last night and will be part of Sunday's opening ceremonies and tribute to fallen pilots when he is presented to the crown along with the Grand Marshalls.
Jason Somes, 36, of Simi Valley, Calif. was admitted to Renown Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries after another racer clipped the tail of the plane he was flying on Friday. While in the hospital, Somes successfully underwent surgery on his face and eye and according to race officials, is seeing out of both eyes without problem.
The second racer involved in that crash, defending Formula One champion Gary Hubler of Caldwell, Idaho, crashed immediately near the point of incident and was killed. He was a seasoned race pilot having competed over 23 years in Reno. Hubler leaves behind his wife Debbie, a son, daughter, parents and grandchildren.
Sunday's events are dedicated to the three pilots lost in tragic accidents earlier in the week. As part of the tribute, a race plane from each race class will fly as part of a "Final Lap" and a "Missing Man" formation to honor and remember their fallen friend and brother.
Air races were suspended Friday, because of another crash. This marks the third in four days. But the racing will resume on Saturday. This after a meeting between Air Race managers and pilots.
The pilot killed in the accident was identified as 51-year-old Gary Hubler from Caldwell, Idaho. He was flying the Formula-One plane, "Mariah." The other pilot involved was Jason Somes, who was flying "Alley Cat." Somes is an aviation consultant from Simi Valley, California.
Event organizers say safety is always the number one concern at the Air Races. And as they struggle to make a decision, spectators also sounded off on the devastating week. Air race spectators stood in disbelief after the third fatal crash.
Managers say Hubler clipped the back of Somes' plane during the race. Somes was able to land his plane and emergency crews took him to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Hubler's plane crashed to the ground after the collision and event organizers believe he died instantly. Now, the focus is on safety.
Two other lives were lost during the Air Races. On Thursday, Brad Morehouse of Wyoming was killed when his L-39 jet crashed to the ground. Morehouse was completing a turn on the first lap in a jet race demo, when it appears he hit what is known as "wake turbulence."
On Tuesday, Steve Dari of Southern California was killed in another accident. Officials say his biplane crashed engine failure during a practice flight.
All of the pilots realize the danger involved in this sport before they ever get in the cockpit. But when there's a crash, or several like we've seen year, of course it does weigh on their minds and focusing on the race can be a little more of a challenge.
Pilots we spoke with say it's been a very difficult week, especially for those who knew the pilots who lost their lives. However, morality remains high. The possibility of a crash is constantly in the back of these pilots' minds and whether it's a sport involving racing cars or a plane, pilots know the risk. But they know it's a dangerous sport.
But it's a risk they take because they love what they do. Officials say safety is always important, in fact each morning officials hold a briefing every morning to make sure everyone has a clear state of mind before they take to the skies.
"It's an issue of air racing situated awareness," Mike Houghton. "What are you going to do when you have a problem? You've got to be as proactive in bad situations, as you are in anything you do."
