Here in Texas we are running two classes that have caught on very well. I know they are still running some 424 & 428, but the club 40 and Q25's are a blast. There have been 20 to 25 entrants in every race. Running a 400 foot course, and a WM Skyraider II or L.A. Racer with TT 40 in the advanced class and a ST 40 with an 11 X 4 prop in the novas class keeps the speed down. This has allowed us to obtain an AMA waver on the set back, which has allowed us to fly at smaller fields. We have a full schedule and a different field every race. The Q25's ( Q500 with OS 25 FX) run so close to the club 40's that we are having a grudge match in Waco on June 14 with the Q25 & club 40 groups have selected team captains and are putting together teams to compete. The club 40 events have come about due to a lot of hard (fun) work by Chuck W (Gunfighter), Jim Rice, & others. A special thanks to Chuck Ech of Sanaloma Laser for providing some great looking trophies for the races winners. The ability to go to other clubs and race against other members helps keep it going, I know the price of gas is high, but 2 or 3 can car pool and share the expenses to help keep it down. The more clubs that get involved the more contestants there are. I can see this becoming a clubs biggest event in only a short time. As far as a spectator event lets face it viewing a pattern contest is nice for a few minutes but one quickly losses interest after seeing several planes doing the same thing. Where racing is exciting from the first heat until the final main. Rarely do you see anyone leave until the end. Spectators are encouraged to check out the planes and talk to the contestants. A Skyraider II sells for $85.00 and a ST 40 for $50.00. I know of no other event that one can fly in and be completive with this kind of price tag.
For those of you who think this is kid's play and not fast enough for you I suggest you come to the next event, you just might see "Fast Freddie French with his unlimited racer on exhibit. He has competed in the last two events with his club 40 Skyraider II. What better way to stay in form than to practice as much as possible.


“IF IT AIN'T SCARY YOU AINT GOING FAST ENOUGH”