Well, despite the wind (10mph with 20mph gusts?), a lot of fun was had by all. We had 8 entries for the first race, and it was a good number to get started with. We divided the field into 2 heats, and eventually whittled it down to 1 heat of 5 planes.
We made a few changes as we went, to make it more fun and easier to judge:
We pulled the pylons in to 250', so we could more easily judge the distance, and it didn't take all day to fight upwind to the north pylon.
We decided to use points from each pilots best 3 out of 4 rounds for the final score. Of course this created a tie for the lead, but the Main showed who really dominated
We will throw out 1-2 rounds for a season tally, allowing that some guys won't be able to make every event. The intent is to toss 25%, whatever that works out to be.
We want to try some weekday evenings. Tuesday would be nice, but that's a training night. Perhaps we could try to schedule it right before dusk, or something, though? Maybe Wednesday would be good as well. Certainly an item for discussion.
There was some carnage! Some planes were glued back together in the pits, able to make it for the next round. Some were not so lucky, but we believe all the pieces were found, and can be salvaged. If not, it's only $25 for a new airframe, though.
The Number 3 'Intimidator' lived up to his namesake, scaring rookies and small children with his aggressive manuvering
Al Coleman, as always, had a beautiful scale entry, almost too nice to race... But that didn't stop him from showing he had 'the right stuff' (note: 'the
Wright stuff' is metioned above
)
John Gaiter redefined the 'go ugly - early' theory, bu breaking a wing off, gluing it back on, and dominating his early heats.
Bill Rugenstein ran steady and consistant, despite what it looked like on a few laps.
Eric Gallager flew Ivan's plane, but had radio problems in the 2nd round, and 're-kitted' the plane right behind the flight line. He was doing well up until that point, and will be a force to contend with in future races.
Dan Campbell did well, until he bent his prop shaft ($3), but he will be back!
Col Chuck bowed out before the 1st round and kept score, until it was time for him to retrieve his Commander from the airport.
And me? What can I say...? I had fun!
Overall, a great time was had by all. Based upon feedback, a few things will be adjusted, but overall a success!
We can always use more entries and help. This is good, clean, cheap fun. Even the volunteers and spectators had fun.
We tested a few other planes out on the course for fun. The Easy-Star and Zagi seemed to be fun. Some of the smaller, faster planes I brought were too much
I would love to try a 'Speed 400 - Direct Drive - 8 cell' class as well. It would be similarly cheap and fun.
