Fastest Race On Earth?

This week begins the Reno Air Races, one of the fastest, if not the fastest, race on earth. From the RGH: There's fast, and there's 500 mph fast. With at least four planes capable of surpassing 500 mph this year at Reno's National Championship Air Races, Mike Houghton expects this year's race to be faster than ever.
"We've got probably the fastest racing class," said Houghton, Reno Air Racing Association president and CEO. "It's going to be very hot, fast racing."
Qualifying runs for the 48th year of the event start Tuesday morning at the Reno Stead Airfield. The first public performances begin Thursday.
A crew of more than 2,000 volunteers already has been getting the airport and event ready, working from 6 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. daily, Houghton said.
"They love airplanes, they love racing," Houghton said.
In addition to the races around the pylons, air shows are performed throughout the day. This year, the U.S. Thunderbirds are set to give a full show on Thursday, with partial shows on Wednesday and Friday. Because of the Sept. 11, 2001, anniversary, the Thunderbirds are in big demand this week.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20110912/EVENTS05/109120333/1459
I've only seen the races on TV, but from what I have seen, these are very exciting and fast and dangerous races. Many pilots have died over the years in crashes, so hopefully, we will have a safe race for the pilots.