GETTING STARTED FROM STOCK CAR RACING TO AIR RACING, ULTRALIGHT TO ULTIMATE, OVAL TRACKS TO SALT FLATS...

FABRICATION DESIGNING, REPAIRING, BUILDING, WELDING - WHY CUSTOMERS KEEP COMING BACK TO DAN...

WELDER & FABRICATOR PERFORMER DAD

ENTHUSIASM FOR SPEED PERFORMING, BUILDING, CREATING, AND MAKING DREAMS REALITY...

THE NEW ULTIMATE BIPLANE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS

DREAM ENTHUSIAST

AIR SHOW PILOT LAND SPEED RACER

LIMITED EDITION COPY

STOCK CAR RACING IN NEW ENGLAND RENO AIR RACES

ISSUE #1

DAN

DECEMBER 2014

photo : Wayne S. Tarr

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

I WAS JUST A KID, BUT I WAS GETTING SOME THINGS FIGURED OUT...

Racing Roots

s “track ught wa o th e h race car gether a u o y If ed his ready.” st receiv ju rd a a ly e n h o a e hav y been e had probably e ’d alread ge 16 h u ’r a e o u h y t o h y ll A g a If u t er na ltho ays. know Da cense, a d a waiv racing d driver’s li is neede ou may about his H y o ’t n n . a tw r rs id D o a d “I with r ye story riving fo to race. quainted ormer d c rf a ts e n g p ,” re in k a c te tt tra iona y his p just ge ar to the al this pass signed b get the c n the ov ze that o n li e a v rs e a re ign up c s t to k o a n cg stoc e put e a way ra in v W c a s “ h a ra . w rt e e ta ott t, h said got his s ers Marc car that st. In fac rememb Northea rs at all. t to the x a e c e n th g f n in o v E w s ri RID TO track ont la ere d G FOR A st kids w on my fr o IN K m O t, re O n L fo o behold like Verm ing be Low and mething rthwest o o .” s Y N A l W ra re D ru whe and his SPEE w up in BORNE ffer Dan way from o a IR A t d Dan gre e n a fe t d No stop Simow hundre one did as Allen ersfield. e k w a m n B o o s just a fe in rs e utp me est de. Tha e his ho cing enth dhood b crew a ri r and ra he’s mad their chil to t a a e c ri th lt m b u o y d c a fa can s ld be into a local llen wou neau, a t friends everyone s A e . b lt te s ir A ri e “ fa own an. stead main th tor to D st in his s been n ia a e s h friends re m w d n re s v c nd a ut tho e r so e ut Dan’s long frie ugh abo ge 12 o fe a li la y a d hood, b B o “ o g ol. out still get a de scho nd I were len and I since gra friends a y g m in t v h a h s.” er nig ring, and peed or early day ery summ g, explo eed for s t of in n s o e m e th .m h .. c re s ts e , seems y wh d ten building e m. Dan ard to sa idn’t nee w o h d fr if ’s e , It e W rs m . a ta c res es uch of racing adventu ily with s t under th the love a back in his fam just slep n n e o o st w d rs e e e v p ’s m li only . “It ju the ti Miles at arena y friend to be the house. th M is in . h d ll a n d a h t io in beh pass ybe I slept a big field burning ays, “Ma have s a I a e . d h a re h e ,” t d there out th s jus a road an at ce track be it wa ays been y g ra lw a t in a ir c m d , ra e a t v e pro abou rted a We mad have sta ould tell lls ething to c y a I a m c o s m re s e e ri !” H e sto reek and Jo so many t of fun.” sk his th whole lo with Dere n you a ve over e e a s h e u w W o t h n a . e ’ wh he s th ugh Miles dirt road gacy tho nts to do them a le g e w v in a e d h g in t in a unta m going n wh Dan. W ect plies, “I’ ollow Mo ar old so rf e re H e y p y ld tl d o p n C a m And pro tice the local s to prac s up he college!” re ie w e it to w ro n r g u e a rt c W o “ ce . pp rew ample o a fast ra cing, too s? His C to drive rcycle ra od friend to o o h . d m il h d a c a h . mec nic off-ro Dan’s to be a Marcotte what of s n y o a s t le n th c !” e u y s mo torc fearles erek, w 1972 Ply shed mo Chief, D accompli nt ar was a c n re a k c e a State to to m h e s a t enoug becam es bec il ld e M h o Dan’s firs , s ll a e w I hard way, d Joe, w “Before orked so my drive racer...an Duster. d they w e cars in in c k h it ra e w t th il n r, u s Da ffice , I b Police O ent!” say a garage and ut as I w o ls o it to g as kids! n f e ri o ndful to elud a just figu h a t m s ble With ju atural pro a laugh. sed his n u e ut toh p r e eld ities to il b a l an old w a ic an nd mech solving a

7 lessons

learned

1. ALWAYS VISUALIZE THE END RESULT. IF YOU CAN SEE IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT. 2. PICTURE YOURSELF FROM THE FAN PERSPECTIVE. 3. DON’T BE ENVIOUS OF OTHER PEOPLE’S EQUIPMENT. BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

I BUILT RACE CARS IN MY DRIVEWAY, JUST FIGURING IT OUT AS I WENT!

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DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

4. DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MACHINE. LET IT HAVE A PERSONALITY.

DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

5. FALL SEVEN TIMES, GET UP EIGHT. 6. LISTEN AND BE RESPECTFUL OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE AT THE LEVEL YOU ARE STRIVING FOR. 7. BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN IS A GREAT WOMAN. FIND A PARTNER WHO COMPLIMENTS YOUR STRENGTHS AND MAKES UP FOR YOUR SHORTCOMINGS.

03

taking to the

DAN MAGAZINE

NOT HAVING A WAY TO GET THE RACE CAR TO THE TRACK AT AGE 16 DIDN’T STOP HIM. HE PUT A SIGN ON HIS LAWN AND SOMEONE DID STOP AND OFFER A RIDE. THAT PERSON BECAME A LIFELONG FRIEND AND MENTOR.

SKY

E LD MIRAG O N A IN TO FLY ED HOW N R COPY OF A E N L R O W DA N L A WEL T, WITH H IG ATCHFUL L W A E H T ULTR R NDE ER”, ALL U D D OTS. U R & ONED PIL S “STICK A E S F ION O D DIREC T N A S E Y E

DRIVEN to

succeed

Dan raced the oval tracks of New England

at 3AM. I’d finish up in time to head back

for the decade that spanned the 1990’s.

to school and do it all over again.” One

“Stock car racing was different then,” he

thing is for sure, no one could ever ac-

recalls. “There were fewer regulations.

cuse Marcotte of being lazy or unmoti-

Drivers had more freedom to set up cars

vated.

in creative ways. That reality is what allowed to me to be a consistent force on

He quickly built a reputation on the track

the circuit. I never had the best car, or

for being a driven, no-nonsense com-

the fastest car, but I could set up my cars

petitor. “I was doing cross country ski

and I could drive them, hard.” Dan esti-

racing in the winter to get in shape for

mates he built nearly twenty stock cars

boxing. Then I boxed and raced through

in his racing career going through two or

the spring, summer, and fall,” says Dan.

more in some seasons.

He was young, in shape, and most of all determined to push for personal excel-

For most of the first half of his racing ca-

lence, no matter what. “I had broken

reer he was going to school full time, still

bones and scars to prove it,” he says,

just a kid. “I would go to school, come

“Now, it’s mostly arthritis that reminds

home, work on my car until the wee

me of those days out on the track, beat-

hours of the morning and then head off

ing my way through the lineup.”

04to stock produce at a local supermarket

DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

THOSE WERE THE MOST CAREFREE DAYS. THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FREEDOM YOU EXPERIENCE FLYING ULTRA-LIGHTS.

first year ft in that ra c ir a l enta ompany experim in the c , rs 0 u 0 o 0 h 2 indnd ying whose w ed, arou before fl r id e c e rt a d c u D an little om str at certain When D hange fr plane, a to cave in at e career c th n a ro e g p k in a s a officially to m ometh shield w n’t even re g to s d e n in a w ld p e x e e w “W to alls Sartural speeds. a chance ink,” rec th im e ’t h h n e o ls il d iv take et, I on sk would g he could dating y fabricati if d d n It e a k . s g a O in ver FB “Dan his weld t a local rter up o ah Jo. yment a ht k the Da g lo o u p o to m ing e e th d W d n n foun d Da urrou me out. home an nd the s ra o to p in p e la o s p e lo e am rienc in be th was c Lake Ch rst expe rove to fi p re y t lo h m p ig s x a e w cular. her it just m areas. It as specta d to furt w e d It y e . M e “ e n n dusk, tion. airpla tunity he st in avia a small irport at a re e te s th in y a g s in t,” back to at the air his budd ilian pilo We got ok down y was a civ lo m r t e to u d th b e e h , fa m d him watc gran Dan told ’t know e field. I e. I didn remind ircled th I c t e a h lights lit th s a Marcott y y port runwa s all sa le e c lu n b u d e s th aunts an in awe a eart.” him.” f o on my h e m w e th e th t H a t. r p a u ang n to “ou an old h g for Da d n e lo s lo a e y h k tl rc a ta p n’t prom on to ir Dan pu It would d move n eld and a fi d a ts e re h th g I ig “ in ltra-l end of ra-light. f perform grow” u irage Ult nd I apable o M c a r a the e re t d o d n d m e u cate e sp &R planes ed of. H of Stick chm y a a p . o o re c c d k d e s ld n h his ills an o ce a the way honing f guidan ,” rs o a ld e e ty y n fi n l u le F e ra e th ‘N had p nds on next sev at Sun pilot frie r being gs just e in b th m ros like e e e m ing from h “I re g my e. Som in tt h ly o k tc rc a ic a u w e q r tear and recalls M it becam D. Tucke in 2010 n d a n e a s S l a d ra w n tu of an ulian a come na at level e that D Mike Go inking th everyon th to d r n t a n fo , re y y k awa appa up the s the sky. ll so far ti in s e b is g e to g c an Bo s free meant perform r Wayne st care te o la m rs a e e oy e Fun line were th me.” Tw ite like th e Sun ‘N u th q “Those in g jo in oth ston an to here’s n g ultraw the Bo invited D days. T ar he fle ence flyin e y ri t e ide x p e x n g e you g up t alon s up. The “Growin freedom how righ S . ir n a A D th u cker. ind recalls Portsmo an D. Tu d the w lights,” n and Se at wante a li th u n o id fa G k u e Mike ted a I was th that if yo . I wan to know d my face te id n k r in a u ry w g o e I y in v e pay blow night. “I want , e work, to y bed at w th o m o d d is to in t g w to x in g car on ne kes, noth are willin out the what it ta rcycle my head o to d o d m n a . y , to stick e ott dues on m ays Marc pen e visor in the o reach,” s f lift up th re o e t u th o t eing ou .” helmet--b very way right in e lt fe t s light air ju hts and l ultra-lig ra e v e s DAN MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Dan flew

05

HAT CAR T D E L L I IW MAYBE . H P M 0 OVER 20 HAVE D L U O H S IT NE VER , BUT T S A F T A GONE TH D I, N A E N I H C THAT MA MENT E E R G A AN WE HAD ED UP V I L H T O B AND WE TO IT.

DAN MAGAZINE

200 MPH Reality

SPECIAL EDITION

GOING 200MPH IN A VEHICLE THAT HE BUILT WAS A CHILDHOOD DREAM FOR DAN.

ovalintrack the sky

As a young boy growing up in rural,

ment) and had just completed his open-

The officials had a lot of concerns. If

Northwest Vermont Dan always had a

wheeled Lakester. “I pieced it together

you’ve watched “The World’s Fastest In-

penchant for speed.

Whether racing

with whatever materials and parts I

dian” you’ll have some idea about how

dirt bikes, motorcycles, or old cars for

could rummage up. Looking back it was

it all played out. The officials gave Dan

the sheer fun of it, he was always on a

kind of laughable, but I was so proud of

the chance to prove himself, and the car,

Shortly after returning from Bonneville

later with only eighty hours on a pri-

personal quest on the speed frontier.

that car, I still am,” muses Dan.

on the short track, hesitantly clearing

Dan took a job as a mechanic at a local

vate pilot’s license (earned that year),

him for a 140MPH run and limiting his

State Airport. “I had started to become

Dan arrived at the Pylon Racing Semi-

By sixteen he was racing stock cars and began nurturing a personal dream to

Without access to an enclosed trailer,

top speed for the meet to 175MPH. Dan

intrigued with the idea of flying,” says

nar. The officials sent him home with

build a car that would go 200 MPH. In

Dan and his two long-time friends,

blew through that at 178MPH. By the

Dan. Never one to let obstacles stand in

orders to get as many flying hours in

the world of speed this is a modest

brothers Ben and Baxter Weed, shrink-

end of the week even the officials were

his way he started reading an old copy

as possible before the competition. “I

and grit,” says

goal at best, but for a kid it seemed like

wrapped the entire car and loaded it up

pulling for Dan and his quest to break

of Stick & Rudder and began looking for

may have only had eighty hours of fly-

chuckle. Rumor has it, as a re-

a paramount achievement. “It always

on Dan’s race car trailer. The 3,000 mile

200MPH. “By the end the tires were lift-

something to fly. His first plane with a

ing time, but most of those hours were

sult, some of the rules may have

seems like I’m two generations behind

trek across the county pulling the car

ing off the ground,” recalls Dan. “I didn’t

Mirage Ultra-light. “I flew that thing ev-

spent in my Cassutt, so in many ways

changed after that year.

my time,” reflects Marcotte. “I’m setting

with an old Chevy van was an adventure,

know if there was anything else I could

erywhere,” says Marcotte. “Being out in

I was more prepared than other more

out to accomplish things that have long

to say the least. Ben tinkered and tuned

do, but I’ve always had a unique rela-

the open air like that, with no barriers, it

experienced pilots who only flew their

For Marcotte it was a once in a life-

been accomplished before.” This fact has

the van’s engine most of the way there.

tionship with my machines. I had some

was absolutely exhilarating.”

Formula One planes once a season. “

time opportunity. By age thirty

never deterred him from pursuing his

The guys

had reservations that they

quiet time with the car and we decided

goals with fervor.

could even clear the Rocky Mountains in

to give it everything we had.” On the last

It didn’t take long for Dan to start look-

The rookie proved himself in short

world’s most prestigious race are-

Wyoming, even discussing the possibil-

run of the last day of racing Dan not only

ing for ways to parlay his racing abilities

order, taking home 4th place in the

nas, and in both cases had done so

In the fall of 2001 Dan had just finished

ity of pulling the van with the Lakester...

achieved his goal, he broke it. The timing

and desire for speed into his new found

Formula One Bronze Class.

successfully.

building his shop, was sleeping on a cot

and only half joking about that. They ar-

slip read 202.987. “It remains the biggest

love of flight. The National Champion-

at Reno like I raced stock cars at Air-

in the corner next to an old wood stove

rived just in time to set up their pit and

and most important accomplishment of

ship Air Races in Reno, Nevada seemed

borne Speedway, compensating for

(until he finished the upstairs apart-

meet with the tech team.

my racing career,” says Marcotte.

like the ideal destination. Just two years

limited

06

DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

Marcotte with a

he had competed in two of the

DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

equipment

with

“I raced

strategy

07

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

fulfilling DREAMS on the historic

BONNEVILLE salt flats Dan achieved his personal goal of building and driving

That last week on the Salt Flats was one of learning for

a car to go 300 MPH on the Bonneville Salt Flats in

Dan and his crew. Subsequent runs down the 8 mile

Wendover, Utah in October 2010. Dan and his crew

course couldn’t top the 300 MPH run. The new speeds

made the 3,000 mile trip to the historic Salt Flats for

put him in a new arena where every adjustment made

the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA)

to gain more speed took the crew into territory they’ve

World Finals. The annual event draws land speed en-

yet to explore. Every little change to the supercharged

thusiasts from all over the world to witness the fast-

engine set up is an experiment from here on out.

est motor sport on earth. This was Dan’s fifth trip to

S, A N E W R A E Y 9 IT TOOK ODIFICA M F O T CAR, A LO R MORE U O F D N T I O N, A LT, BUT A S E H T TRIPS TO H WAS P M 0 0 3 T. WE DID I COMC A L U F A POWER E AND M R O F T N PLISHME HE JE T T E B Y A .M MY TEAM ES US TO K A T L L I CAR W OA L ? G T X E N THE

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DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

the Salt Flats. In 2001 he achieved a personal goal of

Only two other cars completed runs faster than Dan’s

200 MPH when he raced an open-wheeled Lakester

8270 A/BG Streamliner at the World Finals event that

that he designed and built to 202.987 MPH. Over the

year, a testament to his sheer determination and dedi-

next six years Dan built and modified a supercharged

cation to making his dreams reality. Over the course

streamliner to run in the A/BGS class. A stands for the

of the week Dan’s pit was visited by some “Salt Leg-

engine size (up to 500 cubic inches), BG for type of fuel

ends” including Skip Hedrich and Tom Burkland who

(blown gas), and S for body type (streamliner). Dan

stopped by to see the beautiful streamliner topping

left his 2009 top speed of 276.9 MPH in a trail of salt

300 MPH, built and driven by “a kid from Vermont.”

achieving 294 MPH on his first run. The aerodynamic

Their sincere feedback and interest was a special gift

changes made to the car over the course of the previ-

of validation for the countless hours of hard work that

ous year really paid off gaining him over 20MPH using

Dan has put into this project. Thanks to Dan’s inter-

the same engine set up. On the second run made on

view on The Story with Dick Gordon an even wider au-

Thursday, October 7th Dan’s exit speed through the

dience of people have had the chance to be inspired

5th mile marker topped 300.104MPH- another person-

by Dan’s dream. “I just wanted you to know that all

al goal achieved for the man from Bakersfield whose

four sections of my 8th Grade English and Literature

life plays out in the fulfillment of dreams that most of

class are listening to Dan Marcotte¹s story in class to-

us can’t even imagine bringing to fruition. Prior to Au-

day and tomorrow. They just did some short writing

gust 15, 2010 these first two runs would have brought

assignments on the line Forgetting dreams is easy

a long-standing land speed record back to Vermont in

from William Kamkwamba’s The Boy Who Harnessed

the A/BGS class. That 286 MPH record was broken by

the Wind, and it is a fun break for them to hear about

the Spectre Performance team during the Speed Week

someone who did not so easily forget his dream,” a

Event at the Bonneville Salt Flats a month earlier when

junior high teacher responded to Dan’s interview.

they went 356 MPH. Was Dan deterred? “My goal was pure and was never clouded by dreams of re-

Where has this dream taken him? In the nine years

cord runs or anything...it was the dream of building

from that first trip remarks from the SCTA Officials went

a car that would go 300 MPH,” Dan told Dick Gor-

from a reserved “lets see if you can control this thing

don during an interview the aired on American Public

at 140MPH” to an excited “next on the line the 8270

Media’s THE STORY with DICK GORDON on Friday,

A/BG Streamliner driven by Dan Marcotte...watch out

October 1, 2010. And so he did!

folks...FAST car!”

DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

9

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

I FLE W

MY FI RST IA C COM T T IIIM PE TITI O ON IN N MY RENO MY W AY BA AIR RA CK FR CES IN OM TH AIR SH 2003. E OWS I I F LE W M N THA Y FIRS T CAS ING TO T SUT T A SMI B E T F H O M R E MOV INI PL AC R O SPOR T A N E, T HEN A AND F 200 B INALL SUPER IPLAN Y THE E. ULTIM ATE 10 CASSU

On his way home from Reno and the National Championship Air Races in the fall of 2003 Dan competed in his first IAC Competition with his Cassutt IIIM Formula One plane. Without an

Dan’s unique background in racing and aviation, his infectious

inverted fuel system, Dan had to be creative in the way he

enthusiasm, and his innate ability to become “one” with his

flew the little orange plane, focusing, as all competitors do, on

machine captivates audiences everywhere he performs.

energy management. Although Dan found value in compet-

photo: Wayne S. Tarr

dan marcotte

ing his goal was always to perform at air shows. He actually

Dan takes great pride in the industry relationships and reputa-

flew the Cassutt for a few of those first shows including an air

tion he has built over the past decade. Promoters have easy

show at Saranac Lake, NY. Dan quickly sought out a plane that

access to all required paperwork, documentation, and market-

would keep up with his style of flying and showmanship. A

ing materials through the promoter page at danmarcotteair-

chat with fellow air show pilot, Rob Holland, introduced Dan to

shows.com

a Super AcroSport that had been collecting dust in a hangar in

AIRSHOWS

southern New Hampshire. Dan fell in love with the AcroSport.

Dan Marcotte’s air show has now become a highly antici-

What could be better that flying open cockpit in a friendly bi-

pated feature of our July 3rd Independence Day Celebra-

plane, right? After a couple of years Dan’s skills had outgrown

tion in Burlington Vermont. Approximately 100,000 attend

the AcroSport. After much consideration and looking, he set-

this one day event across the city and Dan’s air show is

tled on the Ultimate 10-200 Biplane, and couldn’t be happier!

now a tradition. The show always receives outstanding re-

{Now he fulfills his need for open cockpit flying with a spiffy

views from the public.

little Baby Lakes}. With the complexity of incorporating an air show on the

I ALWAYS STOP TO WATCH DAN’S HIGH-ENERGY AEROBAT-

“ ICS. BUT WHAT MAKES DAN STAND OUT IS HIS HIGH-ENERGY

Designed by Gordon Price, the Ultimate is a unique biplane.

waterfront, Dan Marcotte and his crew are always very or-

It’s four, full span ailerons provide a 400 degree per second roll

ganized and followed every strict regulation.

rate. It also utilizes an aileron/elevator interconnect system that produces unique low speed flight characteristics.

highly recommend Dan Marcotte AirShows.

PERSONALITY. DAN’S ALWAYS UP, ALWAYS READY, AND EASY TO WORK WITH. THE AUDIENCE QUICKLY CONNECTS.” -GREG KOONTZ, THE ALABAMA BOYS | 2014 BILL BARBER AWARD

If you are in the market for an air show performer I would

Dan enters his maneuvers at speeds of up to 250 MPH. Stressed for +/- 10 Gs, Dan operates the airplane at G loads of up to plus 9 and minus 6 G’s. With just the right balance of

Maggie Leugers, CPRP

classic aerobatics, unique tumbles, tail slides, spins, and signa-

Recreation Superintendent

ture maneuvers, Dan’s show keeps the audience riveted from

Burlington Parks & Recreation

take-off to landing.

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DECEMBER 2014

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DECEMBER 2014

11

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

E. IT ’S R A H S O A GIFT T S A YOUR H G E N N I P O Y O R L E VE P DE VE E E K O T THE B H T O I J W R U M E YO HARE TH S D N A SKILLS W O R L D!

photo: Wayne S. Tarr

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DECEMBER 2014

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DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

13

SPECIAL EDITION

THE ULTIMATE BIPLANE WAS DESIGNED BY CANADIAN PILOT, GORDON PRICE. DAN AND GORDON OFTEN PERFORM AT THE SAME SHOWS.

U LT I M AT E

entertaining

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN THE GUY WHO “COULD MAKE LIMITED EQUIPMENT PERFORM IN AMAZING WAYS. THE ULTIMATE IS THE PERFECT PLANE FOR ME!”

an with t the m nders u o b a patrons d suspe s lane ha laugh an upip t B a e r 0 g 0 precise, 10-2 the a s te y h a a c s u im s lt ,” me hem “The U ding low lane for giving t or a art-poun perfect p e e ts h it th P d n n e a a e b ’t regret ered front, You won e consid high v r . I’ e “ e c th n . o a n Da irShows ozen perform cotte A e of a d ep r n e a k o M t r s o n ju r a I D Lase es and ster. adding nce plan ormer ro f . We’re r te e a p r im performa lt u the U to yo show back to the air coming n o re Harkin a e featu r -Thorne ltimate is U a uniqu e h ordinato T how Co ’s true. uilt. S It b ir re A .” e it w u ing, PA circ few st, Read . Very at e e n F g la in ir p k A o e uniqu ey are lo Reading

photo (L&R): Wayne S. Tarr

th n e knows rent whe Everyon little diffe a t f s o ju t g lo ot a somethin se. It’s g lo c t p n u o fr it well “ they see ts really n e s re p nd energy a r.” te n e and c your

tte n Marco make Da rs o s n a o p fans nd Several s for the ty li a re s a ay thank AirShow roud to s p is n a g Enrs. D rs, Stron spectato e ll t e n p a ro w P lo ly f you to: Catto ss, Veda absolute edge o r Harne e k e o h If you e t o n H O n ises, tion, o be o nt, Dan terpr , CJ Avia e s ic m e m crowd t a it d n c o x Dy Go airs in e Air LLC, there. HD, Sky t o m o e c h S t their ch , et ers in Avine to g ying Off Build Mounta o fl n e e n h e re t e G b , is es as - year Aviation ro Servic rcotte h e begin hern Ae h t t r o Dan Ma e N c o d in and utt onics, an show s support, the bes d e n u e n in our e ti n b co s. d it has n the for their d service ning, an made o ducts an ro e p v a g h in e re stand cision w I have f

de er. perform m our use of a iries fro u q in d a h quently

On April 18, 2014, Dan experienced a cata-

and rebuild another Ultimate 10-200. Just six

strophic mechanical failure when his prop and

weeks after the incident he was back in the air.

hub departed causing a chain of events that re-

DAN MAGAZINE

sulted in the engine detaching from the fire wall.

Dan completed a successful 2014 season and

At about 1,000 feet Dan was able to success-

wowed hundreds of thousands of fans in the

fully complete his egress procedure and depart

sporty new black & yellow Ultimate.

the plane as it destructed in air. Dan’s parachute

love to see the biplane perform. It’s hard to be-

by Strong Enterprises deployed effortlessly and

lieve the Ultimate is just a four cylinder, 200HP

Dan “landed” with barely a scratch in the top

machine. “I’ve always been the guy who could

of a lone tree. The Ultimate Biplane was a total

make limited equipment perform in amazing

loss. With the support of many industry friends

ways. The Ultimate is the perfect plane for

and sponsors Dan was able to locate, purchase

me,” says Marcotte.

DECEMBER 2014

People

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DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

BE ABLE O T T F I G WHAT A ! D BEST O E O H G T S F I O E LIF SOME R O F M HAT R O W F G R E N I P V O O T ORLD. L W E MORE H T H N C I U S M N FA LIFE SO S E K A M YOU DO F U N!

photo: Wayne S. Tarr

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DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

On Augu st 15, 20 11 Dan a comed th nd Sarah Jo weleir little “ co-pilot” “Having Will Alve in a child to th e ry Marco world. has add tt e to ed a dim c h life that a rmed his from mo ension I couldn ment on D a d d ’t have im y e! Strug si b le,” says a g a name, gling to in e d Dan. “W posDan sele choose ill is such cted “W Will sure a cool kid and his ill” beca is a Dad childhoo !” u se dy’s boy, he d friend in the sh spending s used to mine if o o p , ti w m pponents o e rking rig deterht along (race cars and the dirt bike side Dan , motorc guys on s, fellow y w c h le a s, te ver proje Golden to be in ct happe had “the Gloves b the work ns will” (we oxers) s. He’s a re so th clever pro lver and ey a wo nent?). T has his D rthy opp blem he name oad’s sense seemed of humo first-born fitting fo r. r Dan’s baby bo y. Alvery w a middle a s c h o name in sen as honor of ther, Alv Dan’s gra ery Marc ndfaotte, the in Dan’s only oth family. er pilot

HAVING “ A CHILD HAS A ED A

DDDIMENSI O N T O LIFE TH COULDN AT I ’ T HAVE I M A GINED PO B L E. W I L L IS A SU SSICH A CO O L K I D!

Rave Review

„

Dan the

Family Man

Dan Marcotte is a superb showman,

performer. Dan’s generous gesture

pilot and all around good guy. We

saved the show not only for the pilot,

really enjoyed hosting Dan, his aircraft

but also ensured we had a complete

and family. Over three days, our fans

program.

very much appreciated his aerobatic skills. His show is punchy, and demon-

Dan’s good humor and always think-

strates his flying skills and what he can

ing of others was one of the high-

Dan’s family focus makes

opportunities to see that

make an airplane do as a performer.

lights of our Air Show. The air show

for an exceptionally positive

you can make your dreams

He believes in safety first and prac-

community in North America has

experience for air show au-

come true with hard work!”

tices this despite aggressive manoeu-

much respect for his flying skills, his

diences. Not only does he

says Dan.

vres.

personality and creative talents in

strive to put on an entertain-

his machine shop. Dan believes the

ing show in the air, he en-

“Thanks so much for the

Dan is not only loved by the crowds

air show community is one big fam-

tertains on the ground, too,

great show today, Dan.

but by his fellow pilots and air

ily and his actions speak louder than

with his infectious laugh,

The kids at Open Doors

show organizers. When one well-

just words. Dan Marcotte is a consum-

his beaming smile, and his

Camp were thrilled. You

known Canadian performer’s aircraft

mate professional. Did I mention he is

friendly

are a great talent and a

suffered a cracked engine-manifold

an all around good guy?

class act!” -Kirsten Brown

exhaust, Dan took one late evening

interactions

with

fans, especially kids. “Kids need positive role models,

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DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

to remove the engine part and drive

Joseph Singerman

down to Vermont from Canada, so he

Director of Air Operations

could weld and repair the part for the

Eastern Townships Airshow

DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

19

R E T S r o t MA a c i r b a f & r e d l we

DAN MAGAZINE

I TAUGHT MYSELF HOW TO WELD AS A KID, BUILT MY SKILLS IN A WELDING BOOTH, AND REFINED THEM WITH PLENTY OF HARD WORK AND COACHING.

AS PART OWNER OF BIPLANE INVESTMENTS LLC HERE IN NORTHERN VERMONT, I CAN PERSONALLY ATTEST TO DAN MARCOTTE’S SUPERIOR WELDING AND FABRICATION SKILLS. WE HAVE USED DAN EXTENSIVELY OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS FOR WELDING OUR AVIATION FUEL TANKS. -JASON GRIEFF

HAVING WELDING AND FABRICATION SKILLS HAS OPENED UP SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES. THE ABILITY TO COME UP WITH A CONCEPT AND THEN BUILD IT IN YOUR OWN SHOP IS INVALUABLE.

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DECEMBER 2014

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SPECIAL EDITION

M a ren his Fac posted o tt a M h ” Dan as cotte! e years th r e v guy for ge. O D a n ’s e go-to th book pa s a n o uction, as a reputati k constr round ained a n g g ta k c l a e b er nal repair, fu valuable is summ professio fuselage ing. Th n to be a ld e e v w ro p d g n s e a uildin desig er cializ welder h t years b and spe ilot, and n p e w p s o h s s a eh him n Price, ow air asset. H at allows when fell e, Gordo th n p la o ip h s B x tion n air ltimate t comple ust at a a fabrica of the U the mos his exha n e in xv e e k v c ti a h le ra c e. T e e s Cre to tack found a indWork the rescu M to e e d h le T m ro il a nc s p d a sk projects. show, Da shop ha m rod an n iu o n ti a ta c ti g ri ab cin uired Metal F on and ra haust req th. ess aviati , tl s n k u n o n had bo ta c l a duced and. D tom fue s h u c kills have g in includ rication s uilds, b b fa re d n d a n projects ing work in pairs a ck “My weld usy with to b elage re s s p , e fu e is k s b s u C cha me to income ng my otorcycle allowed ed ti e m n p e s m m d le to n me cus , supp , and la ffording my shop eet rods ar, and a d worke o y o e w dcars, str a th re t c d u dde me in througho n even a build so custom to a t y il it u to n cars. Da c b ortu stru r has the opp elding in last year, ne in w p la a o p s h A s ro d . g y in ages, hines sah ple, of all ible mac t and ha o a e o p b e r g to mo ncoura at will always e ment th I p . lo s e rk v e o , on the w e skill d ployable focused to pursu more em ve been ly a n h o s t w ts o o h n ig u irSh Lately, n make yo rcotte A s well. Dan Ma -reliant a an e c lf e th u s o g y re in o d n build but m k look a d One quic ckgroun a b ’s jet car. n a fD of fluence o iniscent see the in sis is rem s a h c d e re h e T . . Pow in racing modified t ir d ro p -u orth p a beefed from a N e in g n e J85 g Dan by a GE ar is takin c e th r, his Fighte itory. “T Freedom new terr to in ine w g n re e c jet and his nce with e ri e p x e p t g ex eri is our firs a learnin ’s It g n teri gy. car is en technolo an. The D s ful to y e a p s o ence,” tte is h o rc a M has se and inter. “It test pha ing this w n n at ru d r e a c xcit have the We’re e l. ia t w n o e h t po our s a lot of anding p x e f o pect the pros car!” e the jet d lu c in to build leted a re p m o c n a apis year D Matt Ch Earlier th erformer, p w o ack h b s air me is of fellow Cub fra e h T “ It’s now ub. home... man’s C it is ly ot on to Dan home! N thanks e p a h s ct in perfe

DAN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

LOT OF A D L I U WE B KS AND N A T L E FU E L AG E S U F E T COMPLE UILDS B E R & S R REPAI OMERS T S U C R FOR OU 21

DAN MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

motivation

to keep on pushing

for excellence

GREAT CONNECTION WITH EACH PERSON, IN THE AIR AND ON THE TARMAC - THE GUY YOU WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH! A GREAT INSPIRATION! -DOMINIQUE, FAN

Dan Marcotte is an outstanding performer. Folks who have attended our “Wings & Wheels Spectacular” have been outspoken in their appreciation for his performance. It is always an “edge of your seat” exhibition of flying skill; he has come to us for a number of years and each visit exceeds the last.

Hi Dan, My family and I just met and saw you

Dan will be back for upcoming shows!

at the Keene Air and Car show. I thought it was really decent of you to autograph pic-

Karl Erickson

tures and give them to my kiddos. You are

Owls Head Transportation Museum, Maine

their new hero and I have never seen more insane flying in my life! I am also a Forever

THE FANS KEEP ME COMING BACK! NORTH AMERICAN AIR SHOWS HAVE SOME OF THE BEST FANS IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

Fan! Thank you so much for your time, Ben

22

It’s notes like this from fans, the interactions he has at shows, and the close-knit air show family that keeps Dan focused on performing.

(Dan hangs out with local radio personality, Tara Madison, of Star 92.9 before a show in Burlington)

A performer at heart, Dan has thrived on stages since childhood. Whether that stage was

Dan exceeded all of our expectations, both

a dirt oval track, an eight mile stretch of salt,

in the air and on the ground. His high en-

pylons in the desert, a packed crowd line, or

ergy performance amazed the crowd and

an actual stage lined with fans ready to listen

his personal interaction with the fans was

to him play some rock ‘n roll, Dan is most at

tremendous. His professionalism and coop-

home entertaining fans. His magnetic person-

erative demeanor in working with air show

ality, contagious laugh, unselfish loyalty, and

staff and volunteers was noticed and ap-

endless supply of amazing stories are all rea-

preciated by all. I look forward to working

sons why people just want to be around him,

with him again.

want to be entertained my him, and want to call him “friend.”

-Marty

McMahon,

Air

Show

Director

Great State of Maine Air Show

DECEMBER 2014

DAN MAGAZINE

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www.danmarcotteairshows.com DAN MAGAZINE

Contact Us Today! Dan Marcotte or Sarah Jo Willey PO Box 103 | Bakersfield, Vermont 05441 (802) 827-3297 dan@danmarcotteairshows.com

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photo: Wayne S. Tarr

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DAN MAGAZINE