NMPRA Championship Race: For those of you in other areas of the hobby reading this column, welcome! Check out the video of the Encino, California, event created by Bob Tarlau of the Valley Flyers, listed in “Sources.” This video provides an exceptional overview of Pylon Racing and captures the camaraderie, intensity, and all-out fun of the sport. I hope you will come out and join us in 2013.
The San Fernando Valley Radio Control Flyers club, from the Los Angeles area, hosted the 2012 National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA) Championship Race. The Valley Flyers took on the November 3-4 race after it was announced that the Speedworld R/C Flyers club in Phoenix lost its field. Thank you, Valley Flyers.
The race is always hotly contested. There were 18 entries this year, with some of the best pilots in the country vying for top honors. This year, CD Jim Allen, with teammate Gary Schmidt, was crowned the victor after two hard-fought days of racing. Congratulations, Jim and Gary.
Billings Flying Mustangs Pylon Bump and Fly
The Billings Flying Mustangs of Billings, Montana, was my home club growing up. I learned to fly at Chamberlain Field under my father, Earl’s, instruction at the young age of eight, more than 25 years ago. I raced at this field from 10 years old through high school and into the late 1990s. To say it was slightly nostalgic to fly at this location again would be an understatement.
I had a great time teaming up with my father for most of the contest. My wife, Michele, called for me for the first time since our Combat days, during heats that paired my father and me. He used the exceptional calling talents of my brother, Brian, during these match-ups. To have four Seaholms on the line for heats was special and a memory I will carry with me for many years.
The banter and ribbings quickly began as if 10 years of a racing dormancy had never occurred. Daryl Tulberg attended as another welcomed blast from the past. It was great to race and hang out with you again, Daryl.
Thanks to the efforts of event organizer Ed Alves, my father, and substantial support from the Elberts and Cloningers, racing is again a regular event in Big Sky Country. This two-day race featured Q-500 (AMA Event 424) and Electric Formula I (EFI) flown on the 375.5-foot course. The contest drew 12 participants, with eight registered for Q-500 and 11 in EFI.
Billings Flying Mustangs Club members officiated the contest. Helena Flying Tigers club members supplied the Judgeman system, which always improves a contest. Leon Elbert served as starter during the heats he was not flying. When he did fly, the starter was chosen by committee. Thanks, Leon.
Tip of the hat to race winners Mike Bergan and Darrol Cady. It was great to see Darrol atop the leader board once again. Fast time honors went to Bryan Batch and yours truly, in Q-500 and EFI respectively.
Mark your calendars for June 1-2, 2013, because the Billings Flying Mustangs will host the first of two planned races. There are also races being organized for Helena and Missoula, Montana, as well as Spokane, Washington. Pylon in the Northwest is gaining momentum. Make plans now.
EF1: New Products
Great Planes and NitroPlanes.com recently released models to increase the ARF selection for EF1 by two.
In addition to the LR1-A Pogo 15e and Shoestring 15e offered by Horizon Hobby and E-flite, you can now choose a Proud Bird from Great Planes or a Miss Dara ARF from NitroPlanes.com to beef up the arsenal this off season.
The Miss Dara design, built from a kit by Gary Schmidt, was flown to first place at this year’s AMA Nats. The NitroPlanes.com kit comes as an ARF and offers some nice hardware, including an aluminum Nelson-style spinner.
Great Planes recently released the Proud Bird designed by longtime racer, Jim Allen, of Arizona. I received a Proud Bird ARF a week before this article was due in December. After a thorough inspection, the model appeared well built and included nicely designed features. I am a big fan of the Proud Bird design and will provide more details about this model in the future.
For truth in reporting purposes, I must mention I am fortunate to be sponsored by Hobbico and Futaba.
Future of the Nats
Gary Freeman Jr. announced he will be stepping down as the AMA Pylon Racing Nats event director. Taking on a contest of the Nats’ magnitude involves much planning, coordination, and effort to pull it off. I would like to thank him for his dedication and service throughout the years.
Ed Smith has also announced his retirement as the Nats starter. Ed has performed this role for many years and it has been greatly appreciated. Thank you, Ed.
