Venus.40 for Pattern? (What plane?)
Paul,
Venus will be fine. Which engine are you going to use?
OS 46, 50SX, YS 63, 53 etc are known to perform well.
Since you are in Seattle (NSRCA District 8), you are in better situation than myself. I am the only guy from Idaho.
There are at least two clubs. Marymoor used to host contest, but not anymore. RAM club hosts pattern contest.
Check out the NSRCA site for contest schedules and contact info.
Find the clubs and members who fly pattern for help.
You can see Busweiser's Miss America in June contest with Dave Villwock (the driver).
Hope this helps,