EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014: Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car and Michael Wiskus

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

Races between jet cars and airshow planes have become a popular act in recent years, and one was provided at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 as well.  The pairing used this time involves the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car and Michael Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts S-1-11B.  The jet car, driven by Bill Braack, spits smoke and flames from its J34 jet engine as it drives to the runway.  Michael Wiskus taxis out to meet the car and they both speed down the runway for their first run.  After takeoff, Michael Wiskus and Bill Braack perform a series of apposing passes on the runway and a flat-out drag race.  The jet car also performs night runs that accentuate the glowing jet flames to the excitement of the audience.  The following photo essay attempts to illustrate the thrill of the jet car/Pitts racing experience, but one has to be there to really experience the noise and force of the shock waves produced by the jet car and the sweeping low passes flown by Michael Wiskus during the races!