RASSEGA
18 Mar 04, 11:41
HAI 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada, (March 14, 2004). Rusty Wallace drives fast. That is an understatement for one of the most successful stock car racers in history, but his drive, energy and thirst for life is well documented. It is that affinity for speed and joy that translates into his love for flying. In a few weeks, Rusty Wallace will enhance his flying experience with a brand new Bell 427 helicopter.
Mr. Wallace’s passion for flying goes back to the early 80s but he bought his first helicopter in 1997, a Bell 206L1. He later went on to own a Bell 407 and he now wants to upgrade to the larger and more comfortable Bell 427. The twin-engine helicopter is undergoing completion at Edwards and Associates, a Bell subsidiary. Mr. Wallace states, “I really like the look of the 427. It has a larger cabin, more legroom, and a customized cockpit and interior.”
Bill Brooks, Chief Pilot and assistant to the President for Rusty Wallace, Inc., says, “The main reason we liked the 427 is the twin-engine capabilities and its redundancy for flying our many trips over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Rusty’s automobile dealerships. It provides us with improved performance capabilities and a smoother ride. The aircraft will be used to fly Mr. Wallace, his team, and his sponsors in and out of 18 - 20 NASCAR races per year. We also utilize it on many occasions for Mr. Wallace’s sponsor related appearances.” Mr. Brooks added, “It allows us to spend more time at home with our families and it saves us a ton of time after the race.”
Rusty Wallace is among NASCAR’s most popular and prolific personalities. He was one of the first drivers to start flying a helicopter to race events and he has influenced other drivers to follow his lead. He enjoys a great relationship with Bell Helicopter and concluded, “I am VERY excited to be flying a Bell 427!”
Mr. Wallace’s passion for flying goes back to the early 80s but he bought his first helicopter in 1997, a Bell 206L1. He later went on to own a Bell 407 and he now wants to upgrade to the larger and more comfortable Bell 427. The twin-engine helicopter is undergoing completion at Edwards and Associates, a Bell subsidiary. Mr. Wallace states, “I really like the look of the 427. It has a larger cabin, more legroom, and a customized cockpit and interior.”
Bill Brooks, Chief Pilot and assistant to the President for Rusty Wallace, Inc., says, “The main reason we liked the 427 is the twin-engine capabilities and its redundancy for flying our many trips over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Rusty’s automobile dealerships. It provides us with improved performance capabilities and a smoother ride. The aircraft will be used to fly Mr. Wallace, his team, and his sponsors in and out of 18 - 20 NASCAR races per year. We also utilize it on many occasions for Mr. Wallace’s sponsor related appearances.” Mr. Brooks added, “It allows us to spend more time at home with our families and it saves us a ton of time after the race.”
Rusty Wallace is among NASCAR’s most popular and prolific personalities. He was one of the first drivers to start flying a helicopter to race events and he has influenced other drivers to follow his lead. He enjoys a great relationship with Bell Helicopter and concluded, “I am VERY excited to be flying a Bell 427!”