Author: Scott Causey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 130,131
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Radio Control Pylon Racing

Scott Causey [[email protected]]

Racing is addictive, and that's a good thing

The pursuit: The desire to win is inherent in all of us. For some, it begins as a simple desire to compete. For others, it is much more powerful and manifests itself as a deep-seated compulsion not only to compete, but also to excel.

For the dedicated RC pylon competitor, it’s also the pursuit of the thrill—that heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping sensation of head-to-head competition. It’s difficult to explain this to someone who hasn’t experienced the excitement.

About the Author

I consider myself a dedicated RC pylon competitor. My wife may use the word “consumed,” but that’s for another column. In the last two seasons, RC pylon racing has become an exciting part of my life—nearly as exciting as the birth of my 1-year-old twin boys.

The pylon community welcomed me and has been eager to lend a hand to make sure I’m successful. I have experienced a great sense of camaraderie and inclusion. Fellow pilots have been willing to give advice about everything from choosing the right airplane-and-engine combination to helping with the building process. They have aided me in every other facet of the sport, from getting around the poles tightly to bringing my racer back in one piece.

I think back on my first Sport Quickie race as a nerve-racking experience. I recall walking toward the start line, my fingers tingling as I grasped my airplane and radio. I had butterflies in my stomach and my heart pounded in my chest. The excitement grew with every step. I set my racer on the line, and my hands started to shake as the starter approached. My aircraft and radio were turned on and ready to roll. The clock started: 60, 59, 58… down to zero. I was ready as my caller positioned for launch. The race was a blur and I finished last, but I was undeniably hooked.

Even now, after a couple of seasons, I get that same rush every time I head toward the start line. I have no regrets about taking the leap and becoming an active pylon racer. The atmosphere at a race is exciting, competitive, and an experience I cherish.

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to spread my excitement for RC pylon racing in this column. In this first piece, I’ll introduce the RC pylon classes that exist for everyone—not just the die-hard competitors like me.

Club 40 Racing

This event has been on the rise as an entry-level pylon racing class. Like most pylon categories, Club 40 is a "spec" class: rules are specified to maintain equality in design and speed.

There are currently two designs allowed in the Club 40 rules template: the World Models LA Racer and the Sky Raider Mach II. Both fly extremely well and have little performance difference. These models are available as ARFs, so you can be ready to race in a few short hours.

Whichever airplane you choose, you are likely to get a winner. They fly similarly to sport models and use standard radio equipment, which are two appealing aspects of Club 40.

The engine of choice for this class in many regions is the Thunder Tiger Pro .40, an economical and reliable power plant for Club 40. In addition, the Pro .40 can be used to progress to the next pylon class.

Sport Quickie (AMA Event 424)

This is the next level of pylon racing and the first of the AMA events. The rules were designed to keep costs lower, even excluding the more costly molded-composite models. All airplanes in this class must meet standard specifications.

The Viper, distributed by Great Planes, is a popular choice. It is available as an ARF and can be race-ready with a small investment of shop time. As with Club 40, standard servos can be used for control in Sport Quickie.

The only engine currently approved by the AMA rules is the Thunder Tiger Pro .40. It propels a Sport Quickie racer to approximately 110 mph; that may sound quick, but it is comfortable for most pilots with a little stick time. The minimum empty-tank weight for a model in this class is 3.75 pounds.

This class is making a comeback across the country, fueled in large part by the Viper ARF, with many new pilots stepping up to the starting line. This influx of new competition has drawn out many dormant pylon enthusiasts.

Quickie 500 (AMA Event 428)

This class steps it up a notch. The "500" specifies the number of square inches allowed for wing area. Quickie 500 (Q-500) uses the same airframe specifications as Sport Quickie but allows molded-composite wings and tail surfaces.

Engine options in this class include:

  • Jett
  • Nelson
  • Profi .40

With these engines, racers reach speeds ranging from about 150 mph to 170 mph.

Those speeds may seem intimidating, but the appeal of this level grows after honing your skills in Sport Quickie. Both events are flown annually at the Nats at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana.

Quarter 40 (AMA Event 422)

If 170 mph doesn't blow your hair back, perhaps 190 mph will. Quarter 40 (Q-40) models pull more than 26 Gs in the turns, spin a propeller at more than 25,000 rpm on the ground, and fly as smoothly as a high-end pattern (RC aerobatics) aircraft.

Q-40 is the current "top fuel" event in the U.S. and the pinnacle for many pylon adrenaline junkies. The models are designed to resemble the full-scale racers that compete at the Reno Air Races in Nevada. There are many Q-40 manufacturers and a variety of competitive airplanes in this class.

Q-40 is not for newcomers. Experience in the slower categories is highly recommended before entering Q-40.

Team Sport

Believe it or not, RC pylon racing is not purely an individual sport. Each flier needs a caller, or teammate, to help judge the distance required to get around the pylons without flying too far past the pins.

Much like a caddy in golf, the caller keeps the pilot informed and helps maintain focus on the task at hand: staying ahead of the competition. The caller is the pilot's second set of eyes, assists with midair avoidance, informs the flier of race status in terms of laps completed, helps with pilot placement, and allows the competitor to concentrate on flying quickly and smoothly. The caller is as important as the pilot when it comes to excelling in RC pylon racing.

Race Basics

AMA rulebook competition events (424, 428, and 422) are flown on a three-pylon course. Races are commonly run on the AMA long course for a duration of 10 laps. Each lap is 1/4 mile, so 10 laps equals 2.5 miles if you fly right on the poles.

A race starts with three to four teams (pilot and caller). At the line, the starter checks to make sure the pilot's radio is turned on and functioning. The clock starts, and each team has 60 seconds to get the engine running and tuned.

When the clock reaches zero, the starter drops the flag to signal a staggered start. The first two pilots launch their models; a second flag drop, a half-second later, signals the launch of the remaining competitors. This staggered start helps prevent collisions during takeoff and reduces congestion at the pylons.

For more information about AMA rulebook events and Club 40, visit the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association website.

This column aims to appeal to both casual and die-hard RC competitors. If you have suggestions or ideas for column topics, please send me a note.

Fly hard and have fun. SC

Sources:

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.