Sundancer is an all metal sport racing biplane which took the biplane racing world by storm in the early 1970s. Unlike many other racers in its class, there is no wood and very little fiber-glass used in Sundancer’s construction. Dr. Sydney White began the build project in 1969 with the goal of finishing in 2-3 years. To accelerate the project, Dr. White purchased the design drawings, and any parts that he could of the fuselage, canopy, empennage, and propeller spinner of the “Midget Mustang” racer sold in kit form by Robert Busby. Even with the purchase of these items, he realized that much structural redesign would be necessary to make it ready for racing.

That realization led Dr. White to enlist the assistance of Carl Cangie a graduate of Cal Poly with a degree in aeronautical engineering. From the project start, Carl provided invaluable assistance in all aspects of the design and work needed to blend in the “Midget Mustang” components with the original concept. His calculations helped Dr. White make critical decisions on wing span, wing area ratio, and wing chord. An interesting aspect of this work was the aerodynamic calculations needed to determine the gap between the upper and lower wings.  In researching this, the builders got their best aerodynamic data on biplane wing gap and design from manuals written in the 1920s and 30s. 

The project continued into the early 70s and by now it was a 4-man project, with Dr. White financing the project and in addition to bringing his skills to bear, he was aided by three experienced homebuilt aircraft designers and builders including having a qualified airframe and powerplant mechanic (A&P) in the group. At this point, the goal for the team was to compete in the 1973 Reno Air races. This lofty goal meant that there would need to be many hours spent al all the various aspects of building, testing, and certifying the aircraft to meet FAA and race guidelines.

Once an aircraft name and color scheme were picked with the help of Dr. White’s wife Sid, the aircraft was trailered to Mojave for taxi and flight tests. The flights were conducted by famed Lockheed test pilot Herman Salmon. His input put the team to work making some adjustments, but those proved easily done and the aircraft was soon ready to go. Dr. White took time from his practice to get comfortable with the aircraft and the FAA certification came in just prior the 1973 September Reno National Air Race. 

In an unprecedented feat for this category, this first time racer and new aircraft won first place in Reno. They then went on the win the Mojave Air Classic that October. Since WWII there had not been any first time racer in any class at Reno win the race. This award winning aircraft was donated to our Museum in December of 1986 by the builder Dr. Sydney G. White and is on display in our Pavilion of flight in a re-creation of three Reno air racers in high speed turns around the pylons just as they would look as if you were watching the race in Reno!