Phoenix Q-40 Classic
by Aaron “AJ” Sealholm
asealholm@gmail.com
The 2015 Phoenix Q-40 Classic took place February 22-23. This year, a full field of 80 entries started the day on Saturday. Several on the waiting list made the trip, but were unable to participate because no spots opened up.
Jim Allen again took home the top spot and fast time at the Phoenix Q-40 Classic, despite not having his longtime teammate, Gary Schmidt, at his side. Tony Lopez did an exceptional job of calling for Jim through eight perfect rounds, winning every heat. Congratulations, gentlemen!
For a second year in a row, Robert Holik came in a close second, only one point behind Jim. Robert is one of those pilots who does not say much, but rest assured, if he shows up in your heat, you better have your “A game” on. He can put you down a point, smile, shake your hand, and leave you wondering what the heck just happened. “Watch out for the quiet ones,” my father always said. Well, Robert definitely fits that bill.
It was great to see Brian Richmond back in the saddle and not missing a beat. I first met Brian back in the early 1990s, racing Formula 1. He has not lost a step and took home third place. Great to see you back, Brian.
It was also great to see my friend who lives near Kansas City, Missouri, Duane Hulen, take home a top-10 finish. Duane flew on rails all weekend. He had a midair with Rich Beers in a four-way flyoff for sixth place and ended up in ninth overall. Way to go, Duane.
I have to mention teammates Chuck Andraka and Dan Thordarson. Chuck ended up in sixth place, with Dan close behind in seventh. I cannot stress how hard it is to take a top-10 finish at one of these races. It requires a great deal of skill, focus, and teamwork for teammates to both end up in the top 10. Well done, men.
- Phoenix Q-40 Classic
- Name — Time — Points
- 1. Jim Allen — 59.78 — 32
- 2. Robert Holik — 1:03.18 — 31
- 3. Brian Richmond — 1:01.79 — 31
- 4. Gino Del Ponte — 1:01.17 — 29
- 5. Ben Jones — 1:02.39 — 29
- 6. Chuck Andraka — 1:03.25 — 27
- 7. Dan Thordarson — 1:03.02 — 27
- 8. Rich Beers — 1:01.47 — 27
- 9. Duane Hulen — 1:01.48 — 27
- Fast time: Jim Allen — 59.78
Congratulations to all of the the 2015 Phoenix Q-40 Classic winners.
Coast to Coast Coverage
The Southern 500 race was held in Mulberry, Florida, on March 21-22. Here are the race results:
- Southern 500 Q-500 (424 Sat.)
- Name — Time — Points
- 1. Scott Smith — 1:23.86 — 15
- 2. Jack Fehling — 1:36.87 — 15
- 3. Larry Loucks — 1:42.68 — 11
- Fast time: Scott Smith — 1:23.86
- Southern 500 Q-500 (426)
- Name — Time — Points
- 1. Matt Fehling — 1:05.10 — 15
- 2. Mike Helsel — 1:05.08 — 14
- 3. Dub Jett — 1:05.52 — 13
- Fast time: Randy Bridge — 1:03.44
Southern 500 Q-500 (424 Sun.)
- 1. Tony Houde — 1:46.57 — 13
- 2. Scott Smith — 1:40.09 — 12
- 3. Larry Loucks — 1:47.25 — 10
- Fast time: Scott Smith — 1:40.09 — 12
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-500 (424 Sat.)
- 1. Jim Padelt — 1:33.41 — 12
- 2. Gilbert Lucero — 1:27.27 — 10
- 3. Ron Russel — 1:27.91 — 9
- Fast time: Benny Elk ouby — 1:19.59
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-500 (424 Sun.)
- 1. Benny Elk ouby — 1:17.30 — 9
- 2. Gilbert Lucero — 1:23.87 — 9
- 3. Pietro Palumbo — 1:21.88 — 9
- Fast time: Benny Elk ouby — 1:17.30
Southern 500 Q-40
- 1. Adam Grim — 59.73 — 15
- 2. Ray Brown — 1:03.18 — 15
- 3. Craig Korsen — 1:03.34 — 13
- Fast time: Randy Bridge — 59.34
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-500 (426 Sat.)
- 1. Roy Andrassy — 1:05.62 — 12
- 2. Jim Allen — 1:04.89 — 11
- 3. Chuck Andraka — 1:05.00 — 11
- Fast time: Jim Allen — 1:04.89
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-500 (426 Sun.)
- 1. Jim Allen — 1:03.57 — 12
- 2. Roy Andrassy — 1:05.26 — 11
- 3. Dan Coe — 1:05.06 — 11
- Fast time: Jim Allen — 1:03.57
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-40 (Sat.)
- 1. Richard Verano — 1:03.14 — 12
- 2. Chuck Andraka — 1:03.54 — 9
- 3. Jim Allen — 1:00.96 — 9
- Fast time: Jim Allen — 1:00.96
Denis Lyon Memorial Q-40 (Sun.)
- 1. Richard Verano — 1:00.34 — 11
- 2. David Lloyd — 1:00.43 — 11
- 3. Jim Allen — 57.22 — 11
- Fast time: Jim Allen — 57.22 (national record)
The Denis Lyon Memorial Pylon Race was held in Los Angeles County, California, March 21-22. A new Q-40 national record holder was crowned: Jim Allen with a 57.22.
In Memory of Tom Strom Sr.
“It is with great sadness, that I want to let everyone know that my father, Tom Strom Sr., passed away Monday, March 9.”—Tom Strom Jr.
My deepest condolences go out to the Strom family. Tom Strom Sr. will be greatly missed by our Pylon Racing family, some of whom contributed their thoughts:
“Tom was a great Pylon racer and a great person. When our paths crossed, he always made me feel like he was glad to see me.”—Dave Gavin
“Tom Sr. was a great Pylon racer and has influenced the path and direction of Pylon Racing. He is missed already.”—Dan Kane Jr.
“His attention to detail and friendliness made everyone feel at home, newcomer or old-timer. We need more men like Tom!”—Chuck Andraka
“I had the deepest respect for Tom and his contributions to our sport and the model community, and his performance as a competitor—being the current QM record holder. Tom, you will be truly missed.”—Jim Allen
“I can’t say I’ve ever respected anybody in Pylon more than I respected Tom. Definitely one of the best.”—Gary Schmidt
SOURCES:
National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA)
www.nmpra.org
