Recent Community News
Historic Hughes Racer Replica Test Flight Report
In this rare view from the cockpit, our friend, veteran Reno Air Racer, Jimmy Leeward takes us along for a pilot’s eye view of the flight-testing progress being conducted at Cottage Grove, Oregon for this amazing historic recreation. read more »
Mustang Solo! - Sport Aviation, Dec 1979
WITH ALL THE aviation records that have been set down through the years plus the "firsts" claimed for every conceivable thing relating to airplanes and flying one can imagine, it becomes read more »
Peter Oren Crowell, 65
New London, NH - Peter Oren Crowell passed away suddenly while in Nova Scotia on October 4, 2009, 3 days after his 65th birthday. read more »
Leeward Air Ranch Lunch Fly-In - SUNDAY March 5, 2023
The Leeward Air Ranch Lunch fly-in has bee moved to SUNDAY, March 5, 2023 due to forcast weather. Please see the attached flyer.
Memorial Service Details
The family of Jimmy Leeward is holding a memorial event celebrating his life. For more information, please visit the Memorial Page.
First Flight
MINDEN, NV - On Monday, September 21st, 2009, the Galloping Ghost flew for the first time in 20 years. All indications are positive and as of this posting it had flown 5 hours. read more »
James Kent "Jimmy" Leeward, 74
“Jimmy” was born James Kent Leeward on October 21, 1936 in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania. read more »
A Ghost Story - How We Almost Made Reno
Everybody has had the chance, at one time or another, to sit around the campfire and tell a ghost story. As the firelight dances, each person tries to outdo the others with a tale of suspense and fear. For Jimmy Leeward, his ghost tale also has those ingredients. But his ‘ghost’ is a 1945 North American P-51D Mustang that has a distinguished air racing history.
read more »
Racing Website Updated
The Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team website is back up for viewing.
Sylvester J. "Steve" Wittman, 93
Steve Wittman was born in Byron, Wisconsin in 1904. He learned to fly in1924. read more »
Cloud Dancer's New Home
Leeward Air Ranch’s stock P-51 (N55JL) “Cloud Dancer” was acquired April 29th, 2010 (less its engine) by Phil Petrik, a friend of Jimmy Leeward's, who is a lifelong aviation enthusiast. read more »
The Ghost is on Her Way
MCKINNEY, TX - At about 1445 CT this afternoon, The Galloping Ghost left McKinney, Texas in a trailer for an undisclosed location in Nevada, where it will conduct engine and flight tests, before fl read more »
The Ghost has landed!
The Galloping Ghost departed from Minden, NV this morning at 7:15 a.m. with Jimmy Leeward at the controls. read more »
Memorial Donations
Republic Photo Company
Jimmy Leeward has been racing airplanes more then most...
Booking a New Look - Southern Living
What do a group of women, paint chips, and a drill have in common? Apparently, quite a lot for some Central Florida friends whose love of design led to the creation of a unique decorating club. read more »
Engine Running Good
MINDEN, NV - At 2125 Thursday evening, The Galloping Ghost ran for the first time in 20 years, having 3 engine runs between 2125 PT and 2200 PT. read more »