Radio Control: Pylon Racing
Bill Hager
WHILE WRITING the last column, I noted that the weather over most of the North was very cold. Well, it will do your hearts good to know that here in the sunny South we got ours — we also had record cold weather. So there.
Q500 Rules: the push for standardization
In the February issue I wrote that the NMPRA, which is the special interest group for Pylon Racing, has taken on the task of putting together a unified set of rules for Q500 Racing. Wait a minute before you start to jump up and down. Let's take a closer look. Will this be good or bad for Q500 Racing?
Lots of you are just getting started in Pylon Racing. I receive letters asking about the Q500 rules. What can I tell you? Take your pick, as there are probably as many rules as there are clubs that put on the races. If you are going to only race at the club field under local rules, I guess it doesn't make much difference. But through many years of experience, I find that it usually doesn't work this way.
The individual who gets interested in Pylon Racing usually gets bored and strikes out to test the waters in other areas, flying against other people. This is where the fun begins. You find that any place you go you have a different set of rules. I have seen people drive hundreds of miles only to be disqualified or told they can't race because their planes don't conform to the local rules. What can you do? You could build for each area, but this is bound to be a lot of work — and we are in this activity to have fun. Are you starting to get the picture?
There are other benefits. The kit and engine manufacturing people don't know which way to go. We might get more, better products to use in racing if we had a national set of rules for everyone to conform to.
There has been talk the past few years of having Q500 Racing at the Nationals. Why not?
The wheels are turning. Cliff Telford has been asked to be chairman of the NMPRA committee to unify Q500 rules. The idea is to compile all available Q500 information from around the country. With this we can, hopefully, come up with a set of rules that we can all live by.
I have already started receiving input on this. Here is a letter from Carlos R. Grageda of Pocatello, ID:
"Bill, I think it would be an excellent idea to standardize Quickie 500 Racing. Here in southeast Idaho, Q500 and 1/2A Racing has been the inevitable problem of people wanting to go faster than everyone else. This has led to the usual amount of tweaking of the props, planes, and especially engines.
"I have worked up a set of rules that I hope will equalize the planes and engines so that the pilot's abilities and his consistency will be the deciding factors in the race.
"As you know, it seems that every time a new racing event is offered, it eventually becomes so refined that the event doesn't even resemble what the founders had in mind. If the NMPRA is serious about making Q500 a national event, they should standardize all the variables and stick with them!
"Enclosed, Bill, you'll find a copy of our rules and a letter explaining why we chose this route. If you have any comments or suggestions, we would appreciate them. Thank you for your time."
I have forwarded Pocatello Pylon Association's rules to Cliff Telford. Why don't you do the same with the rules for your area? Now is the time to tell us what you think so your input can be used. Don't wait until it is too late and the new rules are formed. Speak up — be heard.
Anything that I get from column readers will be passed on to Cliff. You can also send your comments directly to:
- Cliff Telford, 7417 Arrowood Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817.
2nd Annual Bill Packah Memorial Formula 1 Race (Sky Corral RC Club)
On September 10 and 11, 1983 the Sky Corral RC Club (Pueblo, CO) put on the 2nd Annual Bill Packah Memorial Formula 1 Race.
The contest marked the second time an F-1 race was held by this club, and it was a big success. C.D. Dewey Osborn ironed out what few bugs were present, and by Sunday the winners were running smoothly. Fliers attended from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and California. They were hoping that the top fliers from Texas would come to challenge the fliers from California at the national location, but only one came.
The contest was kicked off with finish judging Friday night at Pueblo Mall. Ron Schorr's plane was picked for best finish. He also received a silver wine glass set from Mrs. Elsie Packah for first place.
The fliers flew five rounds each day with only one place being totaled. The men of the west were the three top fliers from California and the Samurai Racing Team. Day One had most contestants dialing in their planes and testing at the scales and for the fastest times. On Saturday Mike Atzei was in first place, and he also had the fast time.
Sunday dawned cooler and calmer, with all fliers expecting faster times and closer racing. They were not disappointed. A running battle with his teammates, Mike Atzei turned the fast time of the meet with a 1:17.33. Kent Noyz was the second-day winner. He impressed everyone with the power of his new K&B engine.
Overall winner for the contest was Mike Atzei with one first, one second, and fast time to his credit. Mike went home with $375 and a portable TV for his efforts. The Sky Corral Club wants to thank all who flew, but our greatest thanks go to the guys who helped to run the contest with little or no recognition. No contest can be run without their untiring support. Thanks, also, to Mrs. Elsie Packah for her part in the event.
Race coverage and how you can help
I try to write about racing in different areas of the country, but I can only write what I know about. If you want me to give your race any coverage, you need to send me information and pictures (5 x 7 black & white prints preferred).
Come on gang, I can't go to all the races. How about some help?
Support the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association. It is your voice in racing. Dues are:
- $13 a year for non-flying members
- $18 a year for flying members
To join, send dues to:
- Bev Wisniewski, 9222 Cedar St. #2, Bellflower, CA 90706.
I am going to try to stay right on top of the Q500 happenings this year. Please keep me informed of what's going on in your area.
Bill Hager 706 Glen Haven Dr., Conroe, TX 77385
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
