Add my vote for one of the best contests in recent history. It was so good to see the old guys, lots of new guys, as well as the regulars and to meet visitors Gayer and Green, RCU guys who we "talk to" all the time. Speaking of old guys, that damn Bob Smith looks like he is about 21. It pays to take care of yourself, boys and girls.

We flew a new format, two rounds about an hour apart on each day. Half of a class flew on one line and half on the other and then the pilots switched lines while the judges stayed in place. I'm still trying to decide if I like it. It would be great if you knew when your class would fly, but if you don't, you still need to be there early and stay late. The bad thing about it was I didn't see any complete flights of the guys I was competing against. I did see some great maneuvers by Kris F who flew just before me and I was impressed by the pace of his Nuance. Leon R also did some very nice maneuvers with his Contra Drive. After watching them, I plan to slow my plane down and slow down all my roll rates if it will stay in the air. I may have to take out all of the extra weight I'm carrying around. I'm also going to figure out how to spin. I had probably done 40 in a row with perfect exits prior to the contest, but on my second flight, it went into a spiral and I got zeros. I decided to set up a Spin condition for Sunday and it spun faster and I never came out on heading. Moral of the story, be prepared and don't make changes you don't get a chance to test before they count.

Thanks Chip, Leon, Tony and all who worked very hard to make it come true.

Jim O