Drifter pilot Tim Howes has smashed the Australian circuits record whilst raising funds for Friends of the Hound, a Greyhound welfare group.
Howes, flying the Drifter Lil Popsy, made 122 take-offs and landings at a private strip near Lismore, NSW, on May 4, eclipsing the previous mark of 102.
"The day was destined for success from 6:16am, the first take-off time," Howes said. "The conditions were perfect. Lil Popsy, the aircraft, hummed away all day with no issues, the dogs were angels, and the Friends of the Hound support staff were amazing. We couldn’t have asked for more!
“It is a record that I have wanted to crack for some time now. I also wanted some way of letting people know about Greyhounds as pets. So this was a perfect opportunity to do both."
Howes dedicated the record-breaking 103rd landing to pilot Wayne Fisher who was killed testing an RV-12 at Lismore on March 24. Fisher, also known as “Mr Drifter”, was instrumental in preparing Howes for the record attempt.
Friends of the Hound is a non-profit, volunteer based group whose aim is to promote the breed’s suitability as family pets and companions and raise awareness and educate the public about Greyhound welfare.
Money raised from the event will help Friends of the Hound to continue its work to save the lives of Greyhounds.
For more information on the Greyhound plight, go to the Friends of the Hound website.