NeuCastle Cup - Open Race Day 2

We finished the NeuCastle Cup open competition today.  This part is over but things have not yet begun...

Today was hot !   30+ degrees and humid with no wind.  We cleaned out Walmart last night by buying the last few electric fans they had on the shelf.  These were great to have on the tables in our pit area today.  I think some teams were jealous.  Some moving air, lots of Gatorade, ice in the cooler and a spray bottle make it tolerable for me.   The large tents for each team were great to at least provide shade.   I don't know how Ed Smith (Starter) and Mike Deneve (Starter's Helper) could stand out on the pavement starting area all day.   Props to them.

Team Canuckistan and the "Fan Club"

We flew five rounds today for a total of nine rounds total over two days.  We were allowed to drop our two highest scores (time in seconds) to earn a seven round total score.  First place was Marcel Schlage of Switzerland.  He is the fellow that is flying the incredible Tubercle propellor (saw tooth).  Marcel flew nine rounds without one cut.  His fastest time was a 57.65.  Second place was Gunther Mayr of Austria.  Third place was Nick Vaes of Belgium.

For Canada, I finished in 8th place with no cuts in nine rounds.  My best time was a 60.48.   With nothing to lose going into the last round, I tried to fly my best flight ever.   I turned as close to the poles as I dared without cutting but still could not find the elusive 59 second time.  I am pleased with my performance however.  Delbert placed 9th just behind me by three points.  Delbert's fastest race was 60.72.   Roy had a rough open competition taking three 200 scores early yesterday.  Roy came back today and put up some good flights with only one cut in five races today.  Roy's fastest time was 63.42 and he finished 27th.

Final Results F5D NeuCastle Cup

Troy Peterson from Team USA showed up today, in recovery mode from his hernia operation.  Troy put up a few flights today to get his setup dialled in.  Troy posted a 59.68 for his fastest time today.  Danny Kane placed 11th overall and had two races today with cuts.  Danny's fastest time was 59.79 in his last race yesterday.  Travis Flynn placed 25th and had a rough day today.  Three races with cuts and two with double cuts today.  I think Travis is just playing with us.  He will be on his game during the "real" competition.   Complete results posted in the photo.

I am well practiced now for the world championships that begin on Saturday.  Tomorrow is the day when all team must have their models and equipment inspected and certified to meet the international rules.  We will do some more practicing tomorrow and try to find that propellor setup that will get us under 60 seconds.  To be sure, if you are not flying in the high '50s and doing it consistently you are not world class.  The competition is very tough and these are the best in the F5D world.  It's a lot of fun to be here.  Everyone is very friendly.  We have even learned a few Austrian swear words !!!

Team Great Britain discussing strategy

Team Switzerland checking out flight data on the computer

Tomorrow we get to sleep in !!!   Yeah !   We will visit the model aviation museum on site here and have our models processed.  A better sleep tonight as I pack it in early.   My next blog entry will be Saturday evening after day one of the world competition.



Randy