RE: EF-1 at Nats
I've spoken with folks that were there - unfortunately I couldn't make it.
Some said it was the most fun they had at the NATS.
It's not all about speed. Sure, there are ways to make faster airplanes. If you want to go faster, fly different events. If you want to scare off any chance of newcomers, make faster airplanes.
I've flown QM15, F1, 424, 426, 428 - and I don't have any problem at all flying the Pogo I've got with NMPRA setup around the poles. I'm not going to quit flying other pylon racers, but plan on having some fun with the EF1, too.