As the race progresses the Red Baron, piloted by young Steve Hinton, is not able to close on the P51 of eventual winner John Crocker. On the last lap the Red Baron pulls up after losing power and is forced to land off the runway. In a story worthy of Hollywood the crash destroys the Red Baron and nearly costs Steve Hinton his life. Steve recovers and goes on to become one of the most respected race pilots and restorers of WW2 aircraft. Thirty years after this event his son became the youngest pilot ever to win the Reno event.
