The Racer Team
Hughes H-1 Reconstruction Project.
Reconstructing one of the most influential aircraft in US history had long been a dream of Jim Wright. The magnitude of fulfilling this dream did not escape him. Undertaking the reconstruction of the Hughes Racer would be a daunting task. Owners Jim and Betty Wright who knew that proper organization was crucial to success, went to painstaking effort to carefully lay out a plan to ensure successful completion of the project.
Jim Wright would serve as chief engineer and would also be the motivational force behind the project. His dream of many years had been to build this airplane. His engineering experience as a successful machine tool manufacturer provided keen insight into what would be required.
The first task would be to form a core group of individuals that would constitute "The Team." This core group of builders would be selected from local talent and is comprised of 5 highly skilled and experienced individuals, to include owner Jim Wright. Construction and assembly would take place primarily in a hanger built for the project, at Cottage Grove State Airport, (61S). The hangar is located adjacent to Wright Machine Tool Co. Inc., which is the primary sub-contractor to the project.
The Team
| Ron Englund - Project Manager, A&P, CFI |
| Mike Mann - Builder, Private Pilot |
| Al Sherman - Builder, Private Pilot |
| Dave Payne - A&P, IA, Private Pilot |
| Jim Wright - Owner, Builder, Private Pilot |
This group is the key component and primary assembly team in the building of The Racer. Assembly decisions, project management, component procurement, and overall supervision of the project would be handled by this unit.
Additionally, major sub-assemblies would be contracted out to 7 major sub-contractors and 25 minor sub-contractors. These sub-contractors where selected for their exceptional talent and expertise.
Major Sub-Contractors
In addition to many helpful suggestions, their services are listed below:
Wright Machine Tool Co. Inc. - Machined parts, landing gear, weldments, CAD services, website, research.
Wolf Aircraft - Wooden portion of wing, installation of wing fixtures.
Jim Younkin - Manufacture of engine cowl.
Sam Tompson - Rebuild of P&W R-1535.
Pineapple Propeller - Modifications to propeller.
Kent White - Complex sheet metal work, fairings.
Miscellaneous - Painting, artwork, historical research, other