The WCF 2012 pylon season is under way and it looks to be a great one already. Something new this year, the season is split into two smaller series, hoping to keep attendance up and giving everyone two chances at top honors. The racing is off to a great start and with the addition of the faster classes, Dogfighter and EF1, the thrill of speed is definitely in the air!
What a contrast in weather, from round 1 to round 2 in the 2012 WCF Pylon Series! Last round had some of the worst conditions we've ever raced in, but during round 2 it was blue skies, light winds, and t-shirts temps.
T28/Corsair continues to have a great turnout. This class always has competitive, close racing. The heats were stacked this round, seeing 4 or 5 planes on course each heat race. I believe that new comer Mike Kalua, flying for the JPH Team, took the overall win.
Reno 450 saw a solid entry list, and even some new blood. There is a wide range of Speeds between planes in this class, making it fun to pass and get passed (in my case!). It also seems like there are many new planes showing up, as pilots try to find the speed needed to be competitive. I’m not sure who won, but a sure bet would be Steve Cole. On a side note: Adam's Rare Bear was retired during the final heat, going out in a blaze of glory with a pylon strike at wide open throttle.
Dogfighter had a good field this round. A couple of new entries even took some heat wins! Which is a good sign that speeds are equal and it's coming down to pilot skills and pilot consistency (mistakes). I'd venture to guess that Jon Stychno took the overall win. He’s got his “Silver Bullet” entry dialed in already and flies it with a steady hand.
EF1, wow these planes are fast! Blink and the race is over so quickly! Racing is not yet been dicey between planes, but the field is showing signs of closing up. So far, everyone appears to be hanging on for dear life and getting used to the speeds! Rob Jensen's flew to 3 heat wins, It would be a good guess he took the overall as well.
JPH Team Report:
Mike Kalua flew great all day with the T-28. Unofficially taking 3 heat wins and I think the overall win for the day. Great flying and racing, in only his 2nd event!
As for myself, well … let's just say I've got some room for improvement. In Reno 450, my ol' bird, "Fury~s", is tired and not on pace with the lighter airframes, or the factory race teams (G&C!). So, in hopes of being more competitive, it's time for an upgrade before the next race.
In the Dogfighter class, lack of flying time and plane set up showed itself to be a factor. Changes will get made in both these areas before the next round. Trim troubles and throws kept the plane from being really comfortable to fly (lacked that “locked in” feeling a race a plane needs). And lack of stick time kept the pilot's heart rate at the red line and the brain a little behind the airplane, neither are a good thing!
But, I'm looking forward to the next round! Air Racing is truly one of the most challenging forms of racing I've ever been a part of, and I am enjoying it! As always, a big thank you goes out to all the WCF Club members who work hard at hosting these great events. These guys are competitive, yet friendly and inviting to all who come to the events. I highly suggest that any pilot give pylon racing a try!
Check out www.wcflyers.com for the official results and info on the next race day!
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