My learning curve continues and was a steep one today. It reminds me that I've got a long way to go in this sport, and while it was a semi-frustrating day, it's great fun learning to be good at something new. My day started off great. I flew the 1st round for both classes (T-28 and Reno 450) and won them both, but that's when the poop hit the fan (or prop, as it were!)
In T-28, I had been running a BEC and it turns out this is not allowed. Dang it! So, after a little discussion, I promptly removed it and all was well. At least, I hope all is well. I do owe the Board Members and everyone in the T-28 / Corsair class a big apology for my mistake. I had checked with a few people early in the season who all said ok, but the mistake falls on my shoulders and I'm sincerely sorry. After the BEC was removed, I did win both my next heats in that class ... But I'm waiting to find out if I'll be assessed a penalty for the infraction.
In the Reno 450 class, Adam Clemente and I had some GREAT racing in the 1st heat! But, my mind was not on the race, and at 11 laps I stopped racing ... Until Steve Cole reminded me we race for 15+1 laps! Duh!! As it turns out, Adam cut one pylon so I ended up taking the win in that heat. But, while landing Tony McDonald and I had contact. His prop and my stabilzer. We got stacked up on the approach, Coming in like it was SFO, and as I touched down my plane skipped off the ground and came up a foot or two ... Right into Tony's prop! Yes, that's how close we were landing! Tony's plane was fine, mine needed some surgery to continue the day ...
Rob Jensen was flown in on the Medi-Heli, he quickly scrubbed up, looked at the x-rays and after muttering "I can fix this" he got to work. Glue, kicker, tape, jigsaw puzzle parts, 10 minutes later Fury~S was ready to race ... The pilot wasn't, but the plane was! I didn't do well the next two heats, not fully trusting the airframe. It was hard to get in a groove and focus, wondering if / when it might fail. Although it flew a little strange, it held and finished the day. Thank you Rob!
So, I learned about rules. Something I take very serously from all my years of racing r/c cars. Thinking about it, running a BEC (even for safety) is grey area on the class rules. I should not have done it. Know the rules and stick with them.
I also learned that it's not over until there's too many pieces to tape and glue back together! Take a deep breath, take a good look at the situation (and part, make the needed repairs, make sure it's safe, and grab some points. This is a series and it's all about the points. Somedays go great and you get a bunch, some days go bad and all you can do is damage control and make the best of it to gain what ever you can or break even with the competition.
All in all, it was a beautiful day of air racing. Blue skies, light winds, great competition with a bunch of great guys. The season is past the half way point and I guess I'm done with my beginners luck and things are starting to toughen up for me. There's plenty more to learn and I'm looking forward to it!
JPH's unofficial August Pylon Racing Report:
Well, it seems the Nitro Class is dwindled to the point of no racing ... Steve Cole brought a plane, but everyone else was either a no show, or didn't have a plane ready. We hope to see this class have a stronger field at the next race.
The Reno 450 class had some great racing as usual, fast and furious! Adam Clement came into this event leading Steve Cole by 5 points. Both had a rough day of racing. Adam had painted up his Rear Bear, it looked beautiful but for some reason wasn't the same in flight. A loose motor was the culprit, but Adam struggle with the plane most of the day. Steve had a brand new Air Cobra, from Alfa, out and shredded it, and Pylon #2, during the 1st heat. What a bummer to see a fast plane go down during it's 1st race!
I think Tony McDonald came out the winner for the day in this class? Everyone seemed to get a few points here and there, but Tony was consistent. I'm sure he made up some ground in the points battle as well, and stretched out his 3rd place over Jake Rosen and Jon Stychno (4th and 5th).
The T-28 / Corsair class had 10 entries, a nice field for this class! The racing was close and exciting, as usual. Jake Rosen was leading by 1 point over Tony McDonald at the start of the day. Wylie Walters and Jason Deloach were tied for 3rd! and Dave Mercer was only a few point behind them in 5th.
It was a great day of racing and with 3 heats, flying 3 rounds, everyone seemed to get points. Jake won his 3 heats, so he might have come away with the win, but only by a point or two I'm sure! Everyone is trying very hard, flying really well, as they know the point series has only 3 more races left.
Keep an eye out for the official results on www.wcfliers.com And, as a always, no matter what it says here, it's not official until it's posted there! Thanks again for another GREAT day of Air Racing!
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