Smokn, It will run with a straight mini pipe, but it will require high pressure, like crankcase pressure, or bladder pressure. Muffler pressure won't be sufficient. And yes that is how they were run in the Formula 1 event. The mini pipe is good for a small boost, but very loud, so if you are required to run some sort of a muffler where you fly, a tuned pipe can be used, and if everything is set up just right, you can expect only a small boost. Also keep in mind that in the formula one days NITRO was king. We typically used 50, 60, and 70% nitro, but we also burned up a lot of "iron", or aluminum. You can probably have all the fun you can stand with 40% nitro, and you are only giving up less the 1000 rpm's. Good luck, Greg