CLUB 40 PYLON RACE ~ TRI-COUNTY R/C ~ DUNNELLON ~ JUNE 2008

            As is always the case, the members of the Tri-County R/C Club did an outstanding job of hosting the June Club 40 Pylon Race. Twenty-seven pilots were registered by Bob Overlander; a great turnout! One has to wonder if the high turnout was due to the common knowledge that this club always has great events - or could it be that everyone knows of the infamous Belly Busters served at the Rainbow Café?

            While Contest Director Don Adkins and Chief Starter Chris Wieland were holding their final Judges’ Briefing and Pilots’ Meeting, Bob, assisted by Lyman Slack, was working out the matrix. This day would use seven heats of four pilots per round.

            Chris ran the flight line very efficiently, with assistance by runner Richard Lafontaine. Even with a quick relief break for the judges and the lunch break, twenty heats, one flyoff, and the Gold race were completed by about 1:30 PM!

            Yes, there were some mishaps – Tom Marr managed to hit a pylon in Round 1, Jerry Dittmar and Russ Stricker were involved in a spectacular mid-air in Round 2 (Jerry won that one), and Paul McGuckin crashed in Round 3.

            Two racers, Chuck Roedel and Herb Chutter, had perfect scores at the end of three rounds. Bob Longsdorf was one point behind and advanced to the Gold Heat. A fly-off for the coveted fourth slot was flown between Adkins, Craig, and Holbrook; Craig won this race and advanced. The Gold Race was well flown, and when the symbolic checkered flag was waved, Chuck was in the lead, with Craig and Chutter placing 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Once again, the “Yellow Shirt Racers” had prevailed!

            Just as a sign of the times, it’s believed that John Castronover was racing the only OS 40LA against the rest of the field using Super Tigres. John’s LA was quite competitive, winning one heat and missing the fly off (Darn that cut!) by only one point.

            Don Adkins of D & S Hobbies announced that Super Tigre engines and parts are now back in the pipeline and your local Hobby Shop should have them in stock.

            This race was the last of the spring session. After the summer break, racing will resume in September with the venue being moved to Ocala. Very special thanks from Air Boss Russell Stricker and me for making this race a huge success!

Submitted by Lyman