Such a terrible shame, some reports indicate that the pilot managed to pull the nose up a bit and correct her course to avoid hitting the 'bleacher' section. Jimmy Leeward certainly seems the type of pilot to try his best to avoid casualties, he was certainly not wet behind the ears.
I think rather than retire the P-51s to the museums they should just be taken out of the racing circuit. Still have them at airshows, but the kind of stresses that the airframe must be under during racing must surely take its toll on the old girl. Don't get me wrong, I love to hear the P-51 in full barrel, particularly that wailing noise from the open gun ports, something special that is, and I am fully confident in the P-51s ability to race, but when a racehorse gets to a certain age, well...it's time to put them out to pasture or to easier races.
Irregardless, this is a terrible incident, and my condolences to all involved.
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