In the late 80s and new airplane came to Reno; it was a Russian Yak 11. Designed as a trainer, most people would not think much of the plane as a racer but Bob Yancey was not “most people”. Bob made many modifications to the aircraft including the installation of a Pratt & Whitney R-2800, recovering the fabric surfaces with aluminum, and completely redesigning the cockpit. Over the following years, he fine-tuned the Yak into a competitive Gold racer. Now owned by John Moore, Czech Mate is the smallest and lightest Unlimited, attributes that make it a serious Gold contender.