It seems just like old times .... 

 

Attending my first pylon race of 2013, after missing the first two rounds, I felt more than a little rusty and nervous.  Sure, these guys are a great group, and racing around the pylons is a ton of fun ...  But, I know my stick time has been low and I didn't want to make any "rookie" mistakes!

 

As per the WCF Pylon Racing Manual, section 13w, paragraph 3, the wind was across the runway, changing directions, blowing 10mph minimum, gusting to 20mph.  It was the kind of windy day, that most of us would not fly.  We would have stayed home, or left the airplanes in the car and just visited with the guys.  But, when it's race day, it's time to race!

 

All classes (planes and pilots) struggled with the wind.  T-28's and Corsairs were landing with their noses at almost a 45 degree angle to the runway.  Reno 450's, being so light, really struggled and a bunch did not survive the day.  Dogfighters had an easier time, but were still blown around and without rudders they struggled to land.  Even EF1 had some nervous moments, rough takeoffs, dirty air, challenging landings.

 

Overall, it was a very fun day to watch the airplanes and the piloting skills of those who raced.  Everyone did a great job and really stepped up to the plate.  There was no way to keep up on who finished where in the heats.  We'll have to wait for the final results to be posted on www.wcflyers.com to find out.  I had forgotten how much fun racing in the air can be.  Even though I struggled all day, and crashed a plane, I really enjoyed it all.