Shoestring F1 Racer "Time Bandit"

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In 1949, Rodney Kreimendahl designed the Shoestring F1 Racer aircraft, a fast, nimble award-winning Formula 1 Class Air Racer. Considered one of the iconic midget racers, the Shoestring remains popular today in Formula 1 Air Racing.

Did you know?

When trying to think of a name for his newly designed homebuilt aircraft, Kreimendahl asked his wife for suggestions. Knowing he designed and built it on a shoestring budget, she quickly replied, “Shoestring.”

About our Aircraft

Built by Chip Lythe in 1972, he registered NX24ML under the name “Nobigthing.” In the 1990s, Dave Morris rebuilt her under the name “Spud Runner” and posted average speeds of 203 mph over a 3-mile course in 1999. In the following years, “Spud Runner” suffered significant fuselage damage in a racing accident. Now under the ownership of Gary Davis, the Shoestring underwent a complete rebuild and entered the 2008 Reno National Championship Air Races as the “Time Bandit.” Just two weeks before the race, Austin discovered failing glue joints, a costly repair. He withdrew from the race and donated the Shoestring F1 Air Racer “Time Bandit” to the Museum.

After Gary Davis donated the aircraft to the Museum, volunteers Ken Branscome, Joe Swift, Clint Haxton, Charlie Viosca, Ron McIntosh, and Gary Seidel spent two-year restoring the plane. In 2018, “Time Bandit” NX24ML returned to the air in a place of prominence high above the Museum’s Main Gallery.
This video is a great example of the skills needed in Formula One air racing. Enjoy the 2018 STIHL National Championship Air Racing in Reno, Nevada. Of special interest is paraplegic pilot and defending National Champion, Justin Meaders of Fort Worth, Texas.  
Video Credit: "Formula 1 Class - STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada" Uploaded to YouTube by Reno Air Racing Association, 2019.