Thousands Turn Out For Tulsa QT Air Show

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Rocket Racing League made its debut at the inaugural QuikTrip Air and Rocket Show. Pilots race rocket-fueled airplanes through a virtual course, displayed on jumbo screens below.

"It's like a piece of history that we're making today," Kathy Hagman from Tulsa. "It's absolutely amazing.

There's a lot of buzz surrounding the innovative new sport. Just ask Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon.

"I think we're betting on an enthusiastic public," said Aldrin, Apollo 11 Astronaut.

Tens of thousands of spectators turned out for all-day event. First there was a dazzling display of aeronautic acrobatics, then the premiere of the rocket racers.

All proceeds from the air show go towards the city's efforts to permanently display a space shuttle at the Air and Space Museum. Event organizers said 40,000 enthusiasts were on hand for the show.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett hopes the turnout makes NASA officials put Tulsa on the short list.

"There is a lot of competition for it, but Tulsa is right dab smack in the middle of the country," Bartlett said.

Aldrin says a lot of cities have a legitimate claim to get one of the three remaining shuttles.

"We want the Enterprise in California. And you want a shuttle here," he said. "And so does New York! And so does the Smithsonian! So do a lot of places!"

It's not just a wing and a prayer for city leaders. They say based on Tulsa's aviation history, location, and the enthusiasm for this air show. The sky's the limit, in the fight to land the shuttle.

Despite the presence of the rocket-powered aircraft, commercial air traffic was not disrupted by the show.

The director of the Air and Space Museum says he'd like to make a Rocket Racing an annual event here.

4/24/2010 Related Story: Drivers Complain About Traffic At Tulsa QT Air Show

4/24/2010 Related Story: Aviator Ball Kicks Off Tulsa Air Show

News On 6 reporter Jeffrey Smith will have a story on the Tulsa Air Show wing walker tonight on The News On 6. Keep checking back to NewsOn6.com for more information!