I'd like to extended an invitation to everyone for the next Indoor Fly we've got coming up on the 2nd.  Micro Airplanes and Heli's, all levels of flying ability welcome!  Hope to see a good group from the WCF club out for a fun night of flying and socializing.

Jake

I would be interested in giving combat a try as well.  Pick a date and let's give it a go!

Lots of great reading here!

A few things I've taken away from the posts are:

Having classes we're pilots have to "hunt" for long lost airframes doesn't really make sense?

Having classes for airframes you can't get parts or support for really doesn't make sense?

It seems like T-28 is settled (for now).  As well as EF1.  What needs to be settled is what's in between.  Possibilities are:
Reno 450
Dogfighter (as it is now)
Dogfighter (slowed down)
3cell EF1
Parkzone Warbirds
Cosmic Wind (looking for Reno 450 speeds?)
T-28 Expert

Add your thoughts please!

So, what did you guys decide?  When's the first race?  Can I please run in the T-28 class again this year?

Seems like we're back to where we were last year, well almost.

Classes we have now:
The T-28 class is staying, I'm sure.  BUT, the Corsair has been discontinued and I'm wondering if they will also update the T-28 soon (as the gray version is discontinued, leaving only the white one).

Reno-450 is fun, but the planes themselves don't lend well to guys moving up (tough build, unless you have guidance) and they don't hold up well at all (Serious racers have at least 3 planes on hand ...)  Also, these airframes (the Afla's) will be gone very soon.

Dogfighter is a great combo, but no one really got into it?  Too fast for some, too foamie for others ....

EF-1 was awesome!  I must say, I was shocked at how many guys got into this class!  It's super fast, and very competitive.  This one will stay for next year.

Thoughts:
In my opinion, the beginners class has always been great and should make it one more season before needing to be changed (but might only make it mid way as well).  And, the highest level class is fine the way it is.

So this leaves the middle class, or classes, to be figured out?  Like I said last year, it's always worked well with car racing, to have a chassis (airframe) that works in multiple classes, with driver ability and power planet setting them apart.  So, maybe an expert T-28 class?  Or a toned down EF-1 class?

Here are a few observations, just my opinions for whatever they are worth: 
I'm not sure anything much faster than EF-1 is safe for the field? 
I'm not a fan of the long course layout, the diagonal feel is tough for those of us with medium skill levels.  There should be a class to run for those who don't want to be super serious about the racing, but want to come and participate. 
The steps in the ladder system are not conventional at this time, making it hard for racers to move up.
It's tough to please everyone, and I think it's awesome that you guys are trying!

Anyone interested in a ShoeString EF1 pylon racer?  Got the original black nosed version up for sale or trade.  Would sell with or without electronics.  Have some spare parts, wings and fuse and others misc ...  Only been flown a few times, would be a great way for someone to get into the class, or make a great backup plane.

Jake @ Jake's Performance Hobbies jphracing001@aol.com

Well, I guess it is what it is ...  But looking back on it, I would have voted differently at the field meeting, knowing there would be no throw-outs ....  Kind of goes against the intentions of having two short seasons?  Plus, had I known the throw-out would be changed, I would have handled the first race of the season differently ....  But, that's the way the racing goes, there's a curve ball thrown in every now and then!

No throw-Outs??  WOW!   

Thanks to all who showed up to the event!  We had a record turnout of pilots, both airplane and heli!  It was great to see everyone smiling and having such a good time.  Next one is scheduled for March 31st.

Tony:  Sell me a Spitfire or two!  (new ones!!)

I'm not sure what I'll be racing htis season ....  I'm running out of time though, so maybe just Reno 450 with Fury-S and maybe the Dogfighter class?  I have an EF1 built, but need more flights to get it set-up right and to get comfy with it.

T-28/Corsair:
Wylie Walters
Dave Mercer
Brian Young
Jake Boatman
Phil Leech?
John Reade?
John Blum?
Gabe Black?
Mike Kalua

Reno 450:
Jon Stychno- P-39 "Mr. Mennen", F4U Corsair "Big Hummer"
Adam Clement
Brian Young- P-51, La-7
Steve Cole
Wylie Walters
Jake Rosen
Bryan Germone


DogFighter:
Adam Clement
Jon Stychno
Brian Young
Merle McGregor
Chris Wallace
Jake Rosen


EF1:
Red Jensen
Steve Cole
Jon Stychno - Shoestring
Adam Clement  Go POGO!!!!!!!
Tony McDonald               
Jacob McDonald
Jeff Penner?
Bryan Germone?

Ok, so I've seen a lot of you in the shop, getting ready for the 2012 season, but I thought it might be fun to see who's racing what?  Meaning, what class(es) are you planning on racing?  If you know that info for friends, please post it as well .... 

You should be able to highlight the text below, click copy, click reply, then paste, then add your information ...  Hope that makes sense and works on this board!  I'll fill in a couple people, correct it if I'm wrong!

2012 Racing Season

T-28 / Corsair:
Jake McDonald
Dave Mercer


Reno 450:
Jon Stychno
Tony McDonald


DogFighter:
Adam Clement
Jon Stychno

EF1:
Red Jensen
Steve Cole

Just wanted to say again how much fun it was racing around the Pylons with the WC Flyers Club!  I really enjoyed the 2011 season and learned a ton.  Thank you to all those who make these races happen and to all those who attend and make the racing what it is....  Awesome good FUN!

Link to the JPH Report and Photos from the November Race:  http://www.jphracing.com/Airplane_Events.cfm

Ok, I'll take a stab at this one.  I do fully realize this is not a vote, this is a way for the board to gain information on what the racers may want for next season ....  So they can decide on what to offer in the way of classes.

These are just my opinions and what I, myself, would be interested in racing.

I have had a great time with the T-28/Corsair class, but I think I would get bounced out next year.  So, I would like to see a T/28/Corsair "expert" class.

I would also like to see something in between the T-28/Corsair class and the Reno 450 class.  This could be a slowed down version of the current Reno birds, or something different.  I do think the current fast kits in the Reno class will start getting hard to come by ...  So, it might be time for something new and readily available?

But, whatever happens, I'll find a class (or two) to race next year!

The decisions will not be easy, but I think you guys are up to the task.  Once again, thank you to the WCF Club for such a great thing, pylon racing!

Jake @ Jake's Performance Hobbies

Posted photos and a quick report from the October Pylon Race here:  http://www.jphracing.com/Airplane_Events.cfm

Can't wait for the updated points!  I think both classes will come down to the final race of the season to find out who takes the gold!  FUN Stuff!!

Jake @ Jake's Performance Hobbies

* If you were to race, what is the most important thing to get you to participate?
Easy to get into, a level playing field, a chance to develop my skills, and a fun environment.  Yes, that's four things ....

* Would you build a kit if it were available or is arf more your thing?With my time, at the moment, ARF is more my thing.  I would build a kit, but would prefer more time to fly.

* How important is cost to get you to participate? What is the maximum you would be willing to spend for plane/motor/esc combo?Within reason, racing costs some money.  As long as the benefit (fun) versus cost ratio is right, I'm ok with whatever you guys decide.  A max is hard for me to establish.

*Would you prefer that all fly the same airplane (Like T-28/Corsair) or be allowed to "tweak" your ownI really enjoy the T-28/Corsair class cause it's all about the pilot.  The planes are all about the same speed, the pressure is all on the pilot to keep it on course and tight around the pylons.  So far, I appreciate this class more than the Reno 450 class.  In Reno, I enjoy the speed, but overall the racing takes more work and money to go fast.  Those that build a better plane, or build a new plane more often, or know how to shave a prop, go faster than those that don't.  I know "That's racing!" but I prefer a class where the specs are tighter and the pilot skill is what separates the field.  If I had more time, or if Red built all my planes, this might change!

* If you answered "Other", please elaborateOther?  There is no other!  Pylon Racing is awesome and I've really enjoyed my first year at it!  Thank you WCF for a great first year of racing!

Jake @ Jake's Performance Hobbies