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Ray Banducci's Race 86, the modified North American P-51D Mustang racer, "Ciuchetton," in which Editor Mark S. "Bear" Daniels flew at the 1979 California National Air Races during an actual Air Race, while working for United Press International's Los Angeles office. In the background, Pat Palmer is landing in his AT-6 racer, Race 99, "Gotcha." Daniels also flew in that aircraft during practice laps at the USARA Spring Symposium, in April, 1977.

Gary Levitz's P-38 Lightning, Race 38, "Double Trouble," on Sunday at the 1977 Reno National Championship Air Races. In the foreground, Judy Wagner's Formula One, "The Wagner Solution," Race 44.

Oh, to have had a long lens on my camera that day!

After this performance, The Human Fly was scheduled to be launched aboard a rocket ala "Evel Knieval," across the English Channel. According to Marvel Comics, he apparently changed his life direction and was last seen playing guitar somewhere in a Canadian Coffee House.

This was The Human Fly's sidekick, whose silly-assed name I've since forgotten. However, note his age (well-beyond teenager - I think the guy was in his forties), beer-belly above his Super Hero utility belt, and the Afro that goes so well with his velour tights.

Somewhere, a 1949 Hudson Commodore 8 is missing its seat covers.

The history of The Human Fly is that he had nearly every bone in his body broken in an automobile accident which claimed his wife and kid. He may have been a movie stuntman, but no one knows who he is to this day, except for promotoer David Levine. Marvel Comics took a liking to him and produced a short-lived comic book series, which had him disappearing after a few issues into the Canadian Coffee House wilderness with his guitar. Apparently, fly paper adhesive had the same effect on him that Kryptonite has on Superman.

Which reminds me of a true story: Muhammed Ali was reportedly about to fly on a jetliner and had a stewardess walk up to him and tell him to fasten his seat belt. Muhammed Ali remarked "Superman don't need a seatbelt." The Stewardess responded, "Superman don't need a plane, either."

The Boxing legend considered this statement briefly, then promptly fastened his seatbelt.

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