Pilot

By several measures, Cote is the best Formula 1 pilot ever. He won more championships (13), more races (53) and set numerous series and event records. Wrote pilot and aviation author Budd Davisson, “Time was, if you were a pilot flying in Formula 1 races and your name wasn’t Ray Cote or (1994 inductee) Bill Falck, you didn’t race to win, you raced for third.” Established in 1947, Formula 1 is the most popular form of air racing, in part because unlike other classes, it features planes designed specifically for competition. The tiny, 500-lb craft whip around pylons at 250 mph+ at events like the Reno Air Races. Cote won championships into his 70s and the only Unlimited race he entered. Cote served in WWII, the Korean War, and was an advisor for the Vietnam War. He was chosen as the only pilot to fly the “Spirit of St. Louis” replica before it was sent to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Cote’s famed “Shoestring” F1 racer is displayed there as well.