H9 80" Cap or GP PW Extra??
Yes, I think you can use the $50 rebate at the time of purchase on the plane.
I wouldn't pay much attention to what the TOC pilots are flying this or any year. Any of them could win with any good plane -what they fly has more to do with whats popular or what they like or what the sponsors provide more than how it flies. The Extra is in this year who knows what will be hot next year.