Radio Control: Pylon Racing
Bill Hager
As you read this, you will have probably already been to your first race of the year. I will try to write up a few contests this year for this column. I can't do them all, but I think that most of you would like to know what is going on in all parts of the country. If your area has something to offer, please send it in and I will see what I can do.
With today's highly developed engines, some that develop 2 to 3 horsepower, and the many kits that are available, pylon racing seems to have reached its limits. Speeds have been about the same for about the last six years. Terry Prather turned a 1:14 at the 1974 Nats. There are a lot more people going fast now than there were then, but only a few have gone faster. I think that Bill Williamson from Orlando, FL has the record of just under 1:10. Quarter Midget racing is at about the same place, with best times at the low 1:20s.
This should be a good time for someone to get started in racing. Pylon racing people are always helping to promote the sport of model aviation. All of the racing people that I know will go out of their way to help someone get started in racing. All you have to do is ask.
It takes two people to race—a caller and a pilot. No matter how good a pilot you are, you still need a good caller. A good caller will help with setting the engine and will watch for other traffic when launching your plane. At today's speeds, one second lost could mean the difference between first and last place. Also, a shove at the wrong time could mean a ground collision or a mid-air right after takeoff.
While you are flying, a good caller will watch the other planes and keep you informed of your position in the race. He can help keep you lined up on the race course.
When landing, you cannot watch all of the other planes. Your caller is very important when landing. I have been racing for about 10 years now, and I got my start as a caller. So helping out the new guy is a two-way street.
Western District — Sepulveda Basin (report by Mack Moffat)
The first race of the Western District was held March 22 and 23 at Sepulveda Basin and was hosted by the Valley Flyers. Thirty-nine entries showed up, with 14 in the Standard class.
The Basin was not up to its usual excellence. We had our 40 days and 40 nights of rain, and the sewers backed up, flooding Sepulveda Basin. When the waters receded, the runway and pits were covered with mud and one large tree. With the efforts of the Valley Flyers and the city, the field was ready for the race—dusty, but livable.
Eight rounds were flown over the two days, with some real eye-openers. The Standard fliers were pleased since they raced only themselves. Robert Grove took first in the Standard class with the Rickety Rat; Jim Kelly, second with a Stinger. Nice to see different types of airplanes being flown.
The Experts started the first round off, and after the fifth heat everybody had O's. With many words being thrown around, the course was measured and found (oops!) to be 100 feet too long. These heats were reflown with some of us still showing O's. Dave Shadel started the season off by placing first; his best time was 1:17.4. Ed Allen, second, flying a Super LR-1A, had a best time of 1:19.2. Jerry Boyce placed third flying Circus Circus Special, best time 1:17.3. Best time of the race was done by Bob Smith, 1:13.4, using a Polecat with ST power.
Charles Bentz, Sr. was given the best crash trophy. He accomplished this by flying through Bill Grove's wing in a kamikaze fashion; the golf course now has 19 holes. There were other candidates for this award; C. Bentz, Jr. for one. Leonard Walker gave a demonstration on how to trim a Formula I for free flight. Larry Laulom showed us how not to land downwind! Laird Owens had a new Denight Special, a copy of Ron Gilman's, very impressive. Tom Christopher picked up the microphone and did a super job of getting the spectators involved in the heat races. Spectator involvement like this can only help us.
Results of the race
Expert:
- Dave Shadel — 1:17.4
- Ed Allen — 1:19.2
- Jerry Boyce — 1:17.3
- Gary Hover — 1:19.9
- Keith Davidson — 1:19.9
- Bob Smith — 1:13.4
- Tom Christopher — 1:17.2
- Ron Gilman — 1:22.5
- Scott Johnson — 1:23.0
- Russ Kime — 1:23.2
Standard:
- Robert Grove — 1:36.9
- Jim Kelly — 1:38.8
- Ben Witherell — 1:33.4
- Jay Ross — 1:34.7
- Harry Gould — 1:32.5
Remember, send all contest information directly to me. I like 5 x 7 black-and-white photos if you have them.
Bill Hager 4622 Bridgeport Dr. Garland, TX 75043
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
