Also included in this column:
• Whittier Shoot Out race report
• Jedburg, South Carolina, race
report
• Houston NMPRA
Championship race report
The state of Pylon Racing
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Pylon Racing Kurt Bozarth
The 2005 West Coast Racing Series champions in the Q-500 and Q-40 categories show their weapons of choice.
MUCH HAS BEEN posted on the Web
lately about the status of Pylon Racing.
These discussions have attempted to identify
solutions to the big question: How do we
attract new Pylon racers?
Those of us who are currently knee-deep
in Pylon Racing are concerned that potential
racers may be overwhelmed by the
numerous challenges (actual and perceived)
associated with the event and might
eventually make the unfortunate decision
not to join us. Most experienced racers feel
that the “perceived” challenges have been
exaggerated and the “actual” challenges are
far less difficult to overcome than one might
initially believe.
Many excellent ideas have surfaced.
Most are aimed at providing accurate
information to clubs, hobby shops, and
ultimately to the potential racer. Many other
areas of the model-aviation community have
faced similar challenges at one time or
another: it’s too expensive, it’s too fast, it’s
too competitive, it’s too far to drive, etc.
plunge.” Is it the lack of racing in your area?
Perhaps it’s your unfamiliarity with the
course and the equipment. Is cost a factor?
Please E-mail me your comments or log
on to one of the popular Web site forums
(www.nmpra.org or www.rcuniverse.com)
and post your comments. The RC Pylon
Racing community would greatly appreciate
your perspective.
If and when you make the jump into this
event, I can guarantee that you will not be
disappointed. The racing is always intense,
regardless of level, and is every bit as fun. A
bad day at a Pylon race is better than a good
day at work.
You will not find a friendlier or more
helpful group of pilots. World-class racers
such as Randy Bridge and Travis Flynn
never hesitate to answer the most basic
questions, and engine-man Mike Del Ponte
will let you in on a few secrets (but not all
of them).
You will also enjoy the sport-flying after
the races. Yes, Pylon racers can turn right
Unfortunately the only ones involved in
the recent discussions have been those who
are already immersed in the hobby.
Although many active Pylon racers can
reflect on what issues delayed their own
participation in the event, they can only
guess what is preventing a new racer from
joining us. We need to hear from those who
are currently “on the fence.”
With that in mind, I ask potential Pylon
racers to send me your comments. I would
like to know specifically what challenges
have prevented you from “taking the
132 MODEL AVIATION
February 2006 133
Gale Enstad (R) holds his Q-500 racer The Force designed by Lee
Ulinger (L). The traditional model has a balsa-sheeted foam-core
wing and balsa-and-plywood fuselage.
too; just watch Lee Ulinger fly his electric-powered foamies!
Barry Leavengood sent me a great write-up about the Whittier
Shoot Out held just outside of Los Angeles, California, October 15-
16. This race is part of the West Coast Racing Series, consisting of
AMA Sport Quickie, Quickie 500 (Q-500), and Quarter 40 (Q-40).
I’ll turn it over to Barry.
“The Whittier Shoot Out, ninth in the Western Pylon Series, is
history. After some initial difficulties due to problems getting the
Pylon equipment to the field, racing got underway with a bang.
“Q-40 was particularly intense, with Fred Burgdorf turning a
1:00.29 with his black-propped Nelson-powered Mike DelPonte
Proud Bird and Bruce Coffey turning a 1:00.52 with his Jett-powered
Jerry Small Sidewinder using one of Bruce’s own wood props.
“I was in that heat and ran 1:04.50 and almost got lapped. Quite a
race! Overall, Fred Burgdorf won, with Jim Womack second and
myself third.
“The competition in Q-500 was fierce, with Jim Allen taking the
win with his Nelson-powered Fly Fast Composites Neme-Q + with a
104.39. As fast as Jim was, Fred Burgdorf set fast time with his
Nelson-powered Chuck Bridge Vortex with a 104.10 and finished
second. Gary Schmidt was third with his Nelson-powered Neme-Q +
turning a 107.16.”
“Arizona Pylon Racing Association [APRA] Sport Quickie had a
low turnout, but good racing ensued nonetheless with Gale Enstad
taking first with the fast time of 1:37.90, Don Schelling taking
second with a 1:39.03, and new racer Jim Padelt taking third with a
1:45.23.
“I don’t know which airframes the APRA Sport Quickie guys
were flying, but I think there was a Lanier Predator along with a
couple of Bill Vargas Racer IIs in the mix.”
Don Stegal was kind enough to send me a report on the first Pylon
race held in Jedburg, South Carolina, which is just northeast of North
Charleston. He wrote:
“The first ever Pylon race in Jedburg, South Carolina, was held
on October 29, 2005. Marcus Blanchard was the race organizer. This
was Marcus’s first race as an organizer. He was well prepared, and
the race went very smoothly, especially for a first event at a club
where no one had even seen a Pylon race.
“Bill Johanson provided a lot of support
at the race and provided the turn light
system. Marcus and Bill worked nonstop
during the race. Both were flying, and they
had to do a lot of trading of responsibilities.
“Marcus’s dad and his son Brian were
constantly busy helping run the race, and
Brian had to take care of keeping Marcus’s
airplane fueled and in position. So he was
one busy boy.
“I played a small part in the preparation
for the race. I sent Marcus an Ultra Portable
Pylon and he built new ones using my plans
and the sample. RC Pro sponsored the race
with trophies made by the AMA engraving
service.
“There were 18 entries in Sport Quickie
and five entries in ‘Race What You Brung.’
Racers came from all over: Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, and possibly
Alabama.
“The Jedburg race featured a ‘Race What
You Brung’ event. RWYB was run at most
of the Can-Am Pylon Society races this year.
It gives potential Pylon racers a chance to
participate with airplanes they already have.
Sure there is some disparity among the
airplanes, but pilots get to experience flying
on the racecourse at the same time other
SpeedWorld R/C Flyers President Randy Dauer stands still long enough for a snapshot.
He and his support team put on world-class events throughout the year.
134 MODEL AVIATION
airplanes are being flown on the course.
“There were five pilots who entered
RWYB. The airplanes included a Harrier
3D, a Hangar 9 Aresti, a low-wing
Quickie, a World Models P-51, and a 46-
size Ultra Stick converted to electric
power using a Hacker C-50 [motor]. None
of the pilots had ever flown on a threepole
course or in a race of any kind.
“RWYB was flown after a couple of
rounds of Sport Quickie. Some of the
pilots worked the course for Sport
Quickie, so they got a double initiation.
“I spoke to most of the RWYB pilots
after their first round. All were exhilarated
with the experience. They couldn’t wait to
get back on the course.
“The wide range of airplanes created
some entertaining moments for the crowd.
Since the airplanes were not set up for
minimal control throws, the pilots really
had to fly the airplanes. A 3-D aerobatic
airplane on a three-pole course is a sight to
see.
“Bob Bennett, the pilot of the Harrier,
decided he needed a little more speed and
changed to a new prop. Even though his
airplane was not the fastest, he won the
event. And he had a ball doing it.
“All of the members from the Jedburg
club that I met were very enthusiastic
about the race. There did not seem to be
any question about whether or not another
race would be held. The good turnout and
Marcus’s excellent preparation really
impressed the club members.
“In Sport Quickie the Great Planes
Viper was the predominant airplane. The
Viper still has incidence issues. Almost
every Viper I saw had shims at the rear of
the stabilizer saddle. On my latest Viper I
made a firewall shim and shimmed the tail
up. I still needed some up-trim. So check
your Viper if you have the tools to
measure the incidences.
“If you are putting a Viper together, it
is a good idea to search the Pylon forums
on www.rcuniverse.com or the forums at
www.nmpra.org forums. You can also find
information by clicking on ‘Articles’ at
www.rcpro.org (aka www.rcpylon.com).
“Bill Johanson was the big winner in
Sport Quickie, taking first place, Fast
Time, and winning the Dash for Cash.”
Thanks for the report, Don. I love
hearing about first-time races. According
to Marcus Blanchard, the Jedburg Flyers
will be hosting two races in 2006: a oneday
event March 25 and a two-day contest
October 28-29.
AMA’s SIG the National Miniature Pylon
Racing Association (NMPRA) held its
championship race in Houston, Texas,
October 29-30. Q-40 was the only event
flown. Lee LaValley provided the
following report.
“It was by far the most fun I’ve had
racing, and if anyone’s ever been up for a
race at the NCPL you know that’s saying
something. This was the first ‘national’
event I’ve attended, and it was a great
experience for me and I learned a lot.
“I finished 18th out of 36 racers, which
was way above my expectations for the
trip. Besides that, I took home my airplane
in one piece for the most part despite a
midair in the last heat.
“In all it was a great time, and I can’t
wait for Phoenix in February. Thanks
again to Dennis C. for putting on a great
show and to everyone else who took the
time to help me out in my first Q-40 race.”
Randy Bridge was the big winner and
pocketed $1,000. Dan Kane was second
and received $500, and Travis Flynn won
$250 for his third-place finish.
Dave Norman provided some
interesting details about the speeds he
observed during practice. He wrote:
“At Friday during practice, they had a
radar gun set up about 300 feet back of
Pylon Two with a large digital display
that would catch the speed of an airplane
coming into Pylon Two. The display was
large enough for everyone on the line to
see.
“I watched and flew a lot of airplanes
on Friday, and the fastest airplanes I saw
were Rich Beers’ in the 192-194 mph
range, Dubb Jett’s in the 190-192 range,
and Norm Johnson’s with speeds in the
upper 180s to the lower 190s (all were
Jetts). Most of the Nelsons I saw were in
the low to mid-180s with a few in the
upper 180s.
“The radar worked pretty well, except
when there were multiple airplanes in the
sky. It takes about two seconds to reset
after a pass. It’s a great tool to measure
racecourse speeds.”
The West Coast Racing Series
Championship was held at the
SpeedWorld Motorplex in Phoenix,
Arizona, November 5-6. It was hosted by
the SpeedWorld R/C Flyers and CDed by
Jim Allen. Club President Randy Dauer
and his team of local workers did an
outstanding job and proved again why
they are the premier racing hosts in the
country.
Two one-day races were held for
Sport Quickie, Q-500, and Q-40. This
was the last weekend of competition for
the West Coast Racing Series.
An incredible list of prizes was
posted for all to see throughout the
weekend. It included a Q-500 Vortex
donated by Chuck Bridge, a Q-40 Proud
Bird donated by Jim Allen, and a Neme-
Q + Q-500 donated by Terence
Palaschuk. All are fully composite
painted-in-the-mold models, and Terence
promised to deliver his with a custom
paint job that is unique to the West Coast
Racing Series.
Performance Specialties donated a Q-
500 and a Q-40 engine along with several
additional mufflers. The list goes on; there
were too many items to mention.
The 2005 West Coast APRA Sport
Quickie Champion is Gale Enstad. He has
dominated this event throughout the year
and took first place and set the fast time
both days. It has been said that Gale, who
won the Vortex by the way, will be flying
Q-500 next year. Congratulations, Gale.
Fred Burgdorf, whose name is
frequently seen in this column, was the Q-
500 and Q-40 champion. Congratulations,
Fred.
I’m out of space. Be back in the April
issue. MA
02sig5.QXD 12/22/05 12:37 PM Page 134
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 132,133,134
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 132,133,134
Also included in this column:
• Whittier Shoot Out race report
• Jedburg, South Carolina, race
report
• Houston NMPRA
Championship race report
The state of Pylon Racing
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Pylon Racing Kurt Bozarth
The 2005 West Coast Racing Series champions in the Q-500 and Q-40 categories show their weapons of choice.
MUCH HAS BEEN posted on the Web
lately about the status of Pylon Racing.
These discussions have attempted to identify
solutions to the big question: How do we
attract new Pylon racers?
Those of us who are currently knee-deep
in Pylon Racing are concerned that potential
racers may be overwhelmed by the
numerous challenges (actual and perceived)
associated with the event and might
eventually make the unfortunate decision
not to join us. Most experienced racers feel
that the “perceived” challenges have been
exaggerated and the “actual” challenges are
far less difficult to overcome than one might
initially believe.
Many excellent ideas have surfaced.
Most are aimed at providing accurate
information to clubs, hobby shops, and
ultimately to the potential racer. Many other
areas of the model-aviation community have
faced similar challenges at one time or
another: it’s too expensive, it’s too fast, it’s
too competitive, it’s too far to drive, etc.
plunge.” Is it the lack of racing in your area?
Perhaps it’s your unfamiliarity with the
course and the equipment. Is cost a factor?
Please E-mail me your comments or log
on to one of the popular Web site forums
(www.nmpra.org or www.rcuniverse.com)
and post your comments. The RC Pylon
Racing community would greatly appreciate
your perspective.
If and when you make the jump into this
event, I can guarantee that you will not be
disappointed. The racing is always intense,
regardless of level, and is every bit as fun. A
bad day at a Pylon race is better than a good
day at work.
You will not find a friendlier or more
helpful group of pilots. World-class racers
such as Randy Bridge and Travis Flynn
never hesitate to answer the most basic
questions, and engine-man Mike Del Ponte
will let you in on a few secrets (but not all
of them).
You will also enjoy the sport-flying after
the races. Yes, Pylon racers can turn right
Unfortunately the only ones involved in
the recent discussions have been those who
are already immersed in the hobby.
Although many active Pylon racers can
reflect on what issues delayed their own
participation in the event, they can only
guess what is preventing a new racer from
joining us. We need to hear from those who
are currently “on the fence.”
With that in mind, I ask potential Pylon
racers to send me your comments. I would
like to know specifically what challenges
have prevented you from “taking the
132 MODEL AVIATION
February 2006 133
Gale Enstad (R) holds his Q-500 racer The Force designed by Lee
Ulinger (L). The traditional model has a balsa-sheeted foam-core
wing and balsa-and-plywood fuselage.
too; just watch Lee Ulinger fly his electric-powered foamies!
Barry Leavengood sent me a great write-up about the Whittier
Shoot Out held just outside of Los Angeles, California, October 15-
16. This race is part of the West Coast Racing Series, consisting of
AMA Sport Quickie, Quickie 500 (Q-500), and Quarter 40 (Q-40).
I’ll turn it over to Barry.
“The Whittier Shoot Out, ninth in the Western Pylon Series, is
history. After some initial difficulties due to problems getting the
Pylon equipment to the field, racing got underway with a bang.
“Q-40 was particularly intense, with Fred Burgdorf turning a
1:00.29 with his black-propped Nelson-powered Mike DelPonte
Proud Bird and Bruce Coffey turning a 1:00.52 with his Jett-powered
Jerry Small Sidewinder using one of Bruce’s own wood props.
“I was in that heat and ran 1:04.50 and almost got lapped. Quite a
race! Overall, Fred Burgdorf won, with Jim Womack second and
myself third.
“The competition in Q-500 was fierce, with Jim Allen taking the
win with his Nelson-powered Fly Fast Composites Neme-Q + with a
104.39. As fast as Jim was, Fred Burgdorf set fast time with his
Nelson-powered Chuck Bridge Vortex with a 104.10 and finished
second. Gary Schmidt was third with his Nelson-powered Neme-Q +
turning a 107.16.”
“Arizona Pylon Racing Association [APRA] Sport Quickie had a
low turnout, but good racing ensued nonetheless with Gale Enstad
taking first with the fast time of 1:37.90, Don Schelling taking
second with a 1:39.03, and new racer Jim Padelt taking third with a
1:45.23.
“I don’t know which airframes the APRA Sport Quickie guys
were flying, but I think there was a Lanier Predator along with a
couple of Bill Vargas Racer IIs in the mix.”
Don Stegal was kind enough to send me a report on the first Pylon
race held in Jedburg, South Carolina, which is just northeast of North
Charleston. He wrote:
“The first ever Pylon race in Jedburg, South Carolina, was held
on October 29, 2005. Marcus Blanchard was the race organizer. This
was Marcus’s first race as an organizer. He was well prepared, and
the race went very smoothly, especially for a first event at a club
where no one had even seen a Pylon race.
“Bill Johanson provided a lot of support
at the race and provided the turn light
system. Marcus and Bill worked nonstop
during the race. Both were flying, and they
had to do a lot of trading of responsibilities.
“Marcus’s dad and his son Brian were
constantly busy helping run the race, and
Brian had to take care of keeping Marcus’s
airplane fueled and in position. So he was
one busy boy.
“I played a small part in the preparation
for the race. I sent Marcus an Ultra Portable
Pylon and he built new ones using my plans
and the sample. RC Pro sponsored the race
with trophies made by the AMA engraving
service.
“There were 18 entries in Sport Quickie
and five entries in ‘Race What You Brung.’
Racers came from all over: Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, and possibly
Alabama.
“The Jedburg race featured a ‘Race What
You Brung’ event. RWYB was run at most
of the Can-Am Pylon Society races this year.
It gives potential Pylon racers a chance to
participate with airplanes they already have.
Sure there is some disparity among the
airplanes, but pilots get to experience flying
on the racecourse at the same time other
SpeedWorld R/C Flyers President Randy Dauer stands still long enough for a snapshot.
He and his support team put on world-class events throughout the year.
134 MODEL AVIATION
airplanes are being flown on the course.
“There were five pilots who entered
RWYB. The airplanes included a Harrier
3D, a Hangar 9 Aresti, a low-wing
Quickie, a World Models P-51, and a 46-
size Ultra Stick converted to electric
power using a Hacker C-50 [motor]. None
of the pilots had ever flown on a threepole
course or in a race of any kind.
“RWYB was flown after a couple of
rounds of Sport Quickie. Some of the
pilots worked the course for Sport
Quickie, so they got a double initiation.
“I spoke to most of the RWYB pilots
after their first round. All were exhilarated
with the experience. They couldn’t wait to
get back on the course.
“The wide range of airplanes created
some entertaining moments for the crowd.
Since the airplanes were not set up for
minimal control throws, the pilots really
had to fly the airplanes. A 3-D aerobatic
airplane on a three-pole course is a sight to
see.
“Bob Bennett, the pilot of the Harrier,
decided he needed a little more speed and
changed to a new prop. Even though his
airplane was not the fastest, he won the
event. And he had a ball doing it.
“All of the members from the Jedburg
club that I met were very enthusiastic
about the race. There did not seem to be
any question about whether or not another
race would be held. The good turnout and
Marcus’s excellent preparation really
impressed the club members.
“In Sport Quickie the Great Planes
Viper was the predominant airplane. The
Viper still has incidence issues. Almost
every Viper I saw had shims at the rear of
the stabilizer saddle. On my latest Viper I
made a firewall shim and shimmed the tail
up. I still needed some up-trim. So check
your Viper if you have the tools to
measure the incidences.
“If you are putting a Viper together, it
is a good idea to search the Pylon forums
on www.rcuniverse.com or the forums at
www.nmpra.org forums. You can also find
information by clicking on ‘Articles’ at
www.rcpro.org (aka www.rcpylon.com).
“Bill Johanson was the big winner in
Sport Quickie, taking first place, Fast
Time, and winning the Dash for Cash.”
Thanks for the report, Don. I love
hearing about first-time races. According
to Marcus Blanchard, the Jedburg Flyers
will be hosting two races in 2006: a oneday
event March 25 and a two-day contest
October 28-29.
AMA’s SIG the National Miniature Pylon
Racing Association (NMPRA) held its
championship race in Houston, Texas,
October 29-30. Q-40 was the only event
flown. Lee LaValley provided the
following report.
“It was by far the most fun I’ve had
racing, and if anyone’s ever been up for a
race at the NCPL you know that’s saying
something. This was the first ‘national’
event I’ve attended, and it was a great
experience for me and I learned a lot.
“I finished 18th out of 36 racers, which
was way above my expectations for the
trip. Besides that, I took home my airplane
in one piece for the most part despite a
midair in the last heat.
“In all it was a great time, and I can’t
wait for Phoenix in February. Thanks
again to Dennis C. for putting on a great
show and to everyone else who took the
time to help me out in my first Q-40 race.”
Randy Bridge was the big winner and
pocketed $1,000. Dan Kane was second
and received $500, and Travis Flynn won
$250 for his third-place finish.
Dave Norman provided some
interesting details about the speeds he
observed during practice. He wrote:
“At Friday during practice, they had a
radar gun set up about 300 feet back of
Pylon Two with a large digital display
that would catch the speed of an airplane
coming into Pylon Two. The display was
large enough for everyone on the line to
see.
“I watched and flew a lot of airplanes
on Friday, and the fastest airplanes I saw
were Rich Beers’ in the 192-194 mph
range, Dubb Jett’s in the 190-192 range,
and Norm Johnson’s with speeds in the
upper 180s to the lower 190s (all were
Jetts). Most of the Nelsons I saw were in
the low to mid-180s with a few in the
upper 180s.
“The radar worked pretty well, except
when there were multiple airplanes in the
sky. It takes about two seconds to reset
after a pass. It’s a great tool to measure
racecourse speeds.”
The West Coast Racing Series
Championship was held at the
SpeedWorld Motorplex in Phoenix,
Arizona, November 5-6. It was hosted by
the SpeedWorld R/C Flyers and CDed by
Jim Allen. Club President Randy Dauer
and his team of local workers did an
outstanding job and proved again why
they are the premier racing hosts in the
country.
Two one-day races were held for
Sport Quickie, Q-500, and Q-40. This
was the last weekend of competition for
the West Coast Racing Series.
An incredible list of prizes was
posted for all to see throughout the
weekend. It included a Q-500 Vortex
donated by Chuck Bridge, a Q-40 Proud
Bird donated by Jim Allen, and a Neme-
Q + Q-500 donated by Terence
Palaschuk. All are fully composite
painted-in-the-mold models, and Terence
promised to deliver his with a custom
paint job that is unique to the West Coast
Racing Series.
Performance Specialties donated a Q-
500 and a Q-40 engine along with several
additional mufflers. The list goes on; there
were too many items to mention.
The 2005 West Coast APRA Sport
Quickie Champion is Gale Enstad. He has
dominated this event throughout the year
and took first place and set the fast time
both days. It has been said that Gale, who
won the Vortex by the way, will be flying
Q-500 next year. Congratulations, Gale.
Fred Burgdorf, whose name is
frequently seen in this column, was the Q-
500 and Q-40 champion. Congratulations,
Fred.
I’m out of space. Be back in the April
issue. MA
02sig5.QXD 12/22/05 12:37 PM Page 134
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 132,133,134
Also included in this column:
• Whittier Shoot Out race report
• Jedburg, South Carolina, race
report
• Houston NMPRA
Championship race report
The state of Pylon Racing
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Pylon Racing Kurt Bozarth
The 2005 West Coast Racing Series champions in the Q-500 and Q-40 categories show their weapons of choice.
MUCH HAS BEEN posted on the Web
lately about the status of Pylon Racing.
These discussions have attempted to identify
solutions to the big question: How do we
attract new Pylon racers?
Those of us who are currently knee-deep
in Pylon Racing are concerned that potential
racers may be overwhelmed by the
numerous challenges (actual and perceived)
associated with the event and might
eventually make the unfortunate decision
not to join us. Most experienced racers feel
that the “perceived” challenges have been
exaggerated and the “actual” challenges are
far less difficult to overcome than one might
initially believe.
Many excellent ideas have surfaced.
Most are aimed at providing accurate
information to clubs, hobby shops, and
ultimately to the potential racer. Many other
areas of the model-aviation community have
faced similar challenges at one time or
another: it’s too expensive, it’s too fast, it’s
too competitive, it’s too far to drive, etc.
plunge.” Is it the lack of racing in your area?
Perhaps it’s your unfamiliarity with the
course and the equipment. Is cost a factor?
Please E-mail me your comments or log
on to one of the popular Web site forums
(www.nmpra.org or www.rcuniverse.com)
and post your comments. The RC Pylon
Racing community would greatly appreciate
your perspective.
If and when you make the jump into this
event, I can guarantee that you will not be
disappointed. The racing is always intense,
regardless of level, and is every bit as fun. A
bad day at a Pylon race is better than a good
day at work.
You will not find a friendlier or more
helpful group of pilots. World-class racers
such as Randy Bridge and Travis Flynn
never hesitate to answer the most basic
questions, and engine-man Mike Del Ponte
will let you in on a few secrets (but not all
of them).
You will also enjoy the sport-flying after
the races. Yes, Pylon racers can turn right
Unfortunately the only ones involved in
the recent discussions have been those who
are already immersed in the hobby.
Although many active Pylon racers can
reflect on what issues delayed their own
participation in the event, they can only
guess what is preventing a new racer from
joining us. We need to hear from those who
are currently “on the fence.”
With that in mind, I ask potential Pylon
racers to send me your comments. I would
like to know specifically what challenges
have prevented you from “taking the
132 MODEL AVIATION
February 2006 133
Gale Enstad (R) holds his Q-500 racer The Force designed by Lee
Ulinger (L). The traditional model has a balsa-sheeted foam-core
wing and balsa-and-plywood fuselage.
too; just watch Lee Ulinger fly his electric-powered foamies!
Barry Leavengood sent me a great write-up about the Whittier
Shoot Out held just outside of Los Angeles, California, October 15-
16. This race is part of the West Coast Racing Series, consisting of
AMA Sport Quickie, Quickie 500 (Q-500), and Quarter 40 (Q-40).
I’ll turn it over to Barry.
“The Whittier Shoot Out, ninth in the Western Pylon Series, is
history. After some initial difficulties due to problems getting the
Pylon equipment to the field, racing got underway with a bang.
“Q-40 was particularly intense, with Fred Burgdorf turning a
1:00.29 with his black-propped Nelson-powered Mike DelPonte
Proud Bird and Bruce Coffey turning a 1:00.52 with his Jett-powered
Jerry Small Sidewinder using one of Bruce’s own wood props.
“I was in that heat and ran 1:04.50 and almost got lapped. Quite a
race! Overall, Fred Burgdorf won, with Jim Womack second and
myself third.
“The competition in Q-500 was fierce, with Jim Allen taking the
win with his Nelson-powered Fly Fast Composites Neme-Q + with a
104.39. As fast as Jim was, Fred Burgdorf set fast time with his
Nelson-powered Chuck Bridge Vortex with a 104.10 and finished
second. Gary Schmidt was third with his Nelson-powered Neme-Q +
turning a 107.16.”
“Arizona Pylon Racing Association [APRA] Sport Quickie had a
low turnout, but good racing ensued nonetheless with Gale Enstad
taking first with the fast time of 1:37.90, Don Schelling taking
second with a 1:39.03, and new racer Jim Padelt taking third with a
1:45.23.
“I don’t know which airframes the APRA Sport Quickie guys
were flying, but I think there was a Lanier Predator along with a
couple of Bill Vargas Racer IIs in the mix.”
Don Stegal was kind enough to send me a report on the first Pylon
race held in Jedburg, South Carolina, which is just northeast of North
Charleston. He wrote:
“The first ever Pylon race in Jedburg, South Carolina, was held
on October 29, 2005. Marcus Blanchard was the race organizer. This
was Marcus’s first race as an organizer. He was well prepared, and
the race went very smoothly, especially for a first event at a club
where no one had even seen a Pylon race.
“Bill Johanson provided a lot of support
at the race and provided the turn light
system. Marcus and Bill worked nonstop
during the race. Both were flying, and they
had to do a lot of trading of responsibilities.
“Marcus’s dad and his son Brian were
constantly busy helping run the race, and
Brian had to take care of keeping Marcus’s
airplane fueled and in position. So he was
one busy boy.
“I played a small part in the preparation
for the race. I sent Marcus an Ultra Portable
Pylon and he built new ones using my plans
and the sample. RC Pro sponsored the race
with trophies made by the AMA engraving
service.
“There were 18 entries in Sport Quickie
and five entries in ‘Race What You Brung.’
Racers came from all over: Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, and possibly
Alabama.
“The Jedburg race featured a ‘Race What
You Brung’ event. RWYB was run at most
of the Can-Am Pylon Society races this year.
It gives potential Pylon racers a chance to
participate with airplanes they already have.
Sure there is some disparity among the
airplanes, but pilots get to experience flying
on the racecourse at the same time other
SpeedWorld R/C Flyers President Randy Dauer stands still long enough for a snapshot.
He and his support team put on world-class events throughout the year.
134 MODEL AVIATION
airplanes are being flown on the course.
“There were five pilots who entered
RWYB. The airplanes included a Harrier
3D, a Hangar 9 Aresti, a low-wing
Quickie, a World Models P-51, and a 46-
size Ultra Stick converted to electric
power using a Hacker C-50 [motor]. None
of the pilots had ever flown on a threepole
course or in a race of any kind.
“RWYB was flown after a couple of
rounds of Sport Quickie. Some of the
pilots worked the course for Sport
Quickie, so they got a double initiation.
“I spoke to most of the RWYB pilots
after their first round. All were exhilarated
with the experience. They couldn’t wait to
get back on the course.
“The wide range of airplanes created
some entertaining moments for the crowd.
Since the airplanes were not set up for
minimal control throws, the pilots really
had to fly the airplanes. A 3-D aerobatic
airplane on a three-pole course is a sight to
see.
“Bob Bennett, the pilot of the Harrier,
decided he needed a little more speed and
changed to a new prop. Even though his
airplane was not the fastest, he won the
event. And he had a ball doing it.
“All of the members from the Jedburg
club that I met were very enthusiastic
about the race. There did not seem to be
any question about whether or not another
race would be held. The good turnout and
Marcus’s excellent preparation really
impressed the club members.
“In Sport Quickie the Great Planes
Viper was the predominant airplane. The
Viper still has incidence issues. Almost
every Viper I saw had shims at the rear of
the stabilizer saddle. On my latest Viper I
made a firewall shim and shimmed the tail
up. I still needed some up-trim. So check
your Viper if you have the tools to
measure the incidences.
“If you are putting a Viper together, it
is a good idea to search the Pylon forums
on www.rcuniverse.com or the forums at
www.nmpra.org forums. You can also find
information by clicking on ‘Articles’ at
www.rcpro.org (aka www.rcpylon.com).
“Bill Johanson was the big winner in
Sport Quickie, taking first place, Fast
Time, and winning the Dash for Cash.”
Thanks for the report, Don. I love
hearing about first-time races. According
to Marcus Blanchard, the Jedburg Flyers
will be hosting two races in 2006: a oneday
event March 25 and a two-day contest
October 28-29.
AMA’s SIG the National Miniature Pylon
Racing Association (NMPRA) held its
championship race in Houston, Texas,
October 29-30. Q-40 was the only event
flown. Lee LaValley provided the
following report.
“It was by far the most fun I’ve had
racing, and if anyone’s ever been up for a
race at the NCPL you know that’s saying
something. This was the first ‘national’
event I’ve attended, and it was a great
experience for me and I learned a lot.
“I finished 18th out of 36 racers, which
was way above my expectations for the
trip. Besides that, I took home my airplane
in one piece for the most part despite a
midair in the last heat.
“In all it was a great time, and I can’t
wait for Phoenix in February. Thanks
again to Dennis C. for putting on a great
show and to everyone else who took the
time to help me out in my first Q-40 race.”
Randy Bridge was the big winner and
pocketed $1,000. Dan Kane was second
and received $500, and Travis Flynn won
$250 for his third-place finish.
Dave Norman provided some
interesting details about the speeds he
observed during practice. He wrote:
“At Friday during practice, they had a
radar gun set up about 300 feet back of
Pylon Two with a large digital display
that would catch the speed of an airplane
coming into Pylon Two. The display was
large enough for everyone on the line to
see.
“I watched and flew a lot of airplanes
on Friday, and the fastest airplanes I saw
were Rich Beers’ in the 192-194 mph
range, Dubb Jett’s in the 190-192 range,
and Norm Johnson’s with speeds in the
upper 180s to the lower 190s (all were
Jetts). Most of the Nelsons I saw were in
the low to mid-180s with a few in the
upper 180s.
“The radar worked pretty well, except
when there were multiple airplanes in the
sky. It takes about two seconds to reset
after a pass. It’s a great tool to measure
racecourse speeds.”
The West Coast Racing Series
Championship was held at the
SpeedWorld Motorplex in Phoenix,
Arizona, November 5-6. It was hosted by
the SpeedWorld R/C Flyers and CDed by
Jim Allen. Club President Randy Dauer
and his team of local workers did an
outstanding job and proved again why
they are the premier racing hosts in the
country.
Two one-day races were held for
Sport Quickie, Q-500, and Q-40. This
was the last weekend of competition for
the West Coast Racing Series.
An incredible list of prizes was
posted for all to see throughout the
weekend. It included a Q-500 Vortex
donated by Chuck Bridge, a Q-40 Proud
Bird donated by Jim Allen, and a Neme-
Q + Q-500 donated by Terence
Palaschuk. All are fully composite
painted-in-the-mold models, and Terence
promised to deliver his with a custom
paint job that is unique to the West Coast
Racing Series.
Performance Specialties donated a Q-
500 and a Q-40 engine along with several
additional mufflers. The list goes on; there
were too many items to mention.
The 2005 West Coast APRA Sport
Quickie Champion is Gale Enstad. He has
dominated this event throughout the year
and took first place and set the fast time
both days. It has been said that Gale, who
won the Vortex by the way, will be flying
Q-500 next year. Congratulations, Gale.
Fred Burgdorf, whose name is
frequently seen in this column, was the Q-
500 and Q-40 champion. Congratulations,
Fred.
I’m out of space. Be back in the April
issue. MA
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