I have been to 8 IMAC contests in the past two years. I do not remember any plane under 27% competing above the Basic class (and then only a few 50cc planes in Sportsman). I don't think anyone will argue that general observation no matter what division there in. Regardless of what anyone else thinks is the reason , I went to a 33% plane because I felt that would make me more competitive (some thread contributors have missed the fact that I had moved up to Sportsman from Basic). I took third place at the NC regionals in 2003 in the Basic class using a 1/4 scale Lanier Extra 300 with a 32CC gas engine (heavy!). I had maybe $800 in that plane (but a lot of hours building from the kit).
For the 2004 season I bought a 33% Extra 260 ARF and a ZDZ80 engine, as well as expensive servos. Although I practiced a lot I just couldn't overcome the nervousness I had at the contests. I happened to believe it is because of the investment in money, and time, that I have such a hard time holding my composure at a contest. The "pull" instead of "push" that cost me this plane is a primary example of nerves going awry.
I just happen to think that there are a lot of people out there like me that don't want to put a large amount into a fun hobby but would still like to compete.I just think that flying 1/4 scale fits into that area. More and more guys at our club are getting into the 1/4 scale scene because good ones can be had for under $400. Put a $150 Super Tigre 2300 on the front and you have a good, inexpensive combination. I won't argue the difference in competitiveness between a 1/4 scale plane and a .60 size; that was never my point here. It is strictly a "bang for the buck" and have more fun by not having to explain to your family how you just trashed a $4000 airplane at a silly contest where the winner gets a $5 plaque.
Like I said before, I am submitting a rule change request to IMAC (they will forward to the AMA) to change .60 size engine to a 20" propeller limitation. Also, I will push to get this in as a provisional class at some of our NC contests. I haven't heard back from our new Director yet, so I have no idea what he thinks. Thanks for all of the inputs on this subject.
Richard Fast