Race results
by Aaron “AJ” Seaholm
aseaholm@gmail.com
It is again time for my annual race results column, where I give some much-deserved ink to all of the hard-charging Pylon racers across the country. Much preparation, practice, and focus are required to take a top spot at an RC Pylon race. What better way to celebrate than a mention in Model Aviation?
I must also recognize the engines of RC Pylon Racing: the contest directors and race volunteers. Without them, these events would not run. If you’d like your race highlighted in this column, please email me photos and the finish order.
Denis Lyon Memorial Race
The Denis Lyon Memorial Race, held March 25-26, was hosted by the San Gabriel Valley RC League in Whittier, California. This West Coast Championship Series race used the two one-day race format. The top events drew approximately 20 competitors both days, which was a great turnout.
Mario Salazar, Dan Thordarson, Gil Lucero, Paul Timpano, and club volunteers provided the contest’s horsepower.
Saturday Q-500 (AMA Event 424)
Name Time Points
1. Ted Burns 1:23.49 10
2. Larry Stotts 1:25.44 9
3. Jim Padelt 1:28.16 9
Saturday Q-500 (AMA Event 426)
Name Time Points
1. Dan Coe 1:04.34 12
2. Jason Gardner 1:04.82 12
3. Rusty Van Baren 1:06.89 11
Fast time: Robert Holik 1:03.07
Saturday Q-40 (AMA Event 422)
Name Time Points
1. Robert Holik 0:59.86* 11
2. Jeff Robinson 1:01.47 11
3. Tony Lopez 1:02.28 11
*Fast time
Sunday Q-500 (AMA Event 424)
Name Time Points
1. Larry Stotts 1:23.19* 11
2. Benny Elkoub y 1:23.75 10
3. Ted Burns 1:27.00 8
*Fast time
Sunday Q-500 (AMA Event 426)
Name Time Points
1. Jason Gardner 1:06.34 12
2. Rusty Van Baren 1:05.18 11
3. Dave Gardner 1:07.39 11
Fast time: Duane Hulen 1:05.09
Sunday Q-40 (AMA Event 422)
Name Time Points
1. Robert Holik 1:01.13* 12
2. Jeff Robinson 1:01.62 11
3. Travis Flynn 1:01.10 8
*Fast time
Congratulations to all of the top finishers.
Moon Shot in Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club (GCRCC) again hosted the Moon Shot race on June 3-4. The contest drew roughly 20 entries in the faster classes. Tom Scott and the GCRCC club members make this race go.
Saturday Q-500 (AMA Event 424)
Name Time Points
1. Kevin Matney NT 11
2. Brad Clayton 1:22.79 11
3. Rick Vogelsang 1:24.70 10
Fast time: Scott Smithwick 1:22.23
Saturday Q-500 (AMA Event 426)
Name Time Points
1. Ray Brown 1:02.80* 16
2. Richard Beers 1:04.11 14
3. Mike Helsel 1:04.54 14
*Fast time
Saturday EF 1
Name Time Points
1. Mike Helsel 1:20.60* 14
2. Jim Nikodem 1:24.34 14
3. Greg Doe 1:26.81 13
*Fast time
Sunday Q-500 (AMA Event 424)
Name Time Points
1. Jim Nikodem 1:37.16 15
2. Rick Vogelsang 1:48.76 13
3. Mark Feist 1:44.58 12
Fast time: Adam Oswald 1:36.67
Sunday Q-40 (AMA Event 422)
Name Time Points
1. Terry Frazer 1:04.40 13
2. Dub Jett 1:03.27 13
3. Steve Baker 1:06.24 13
Fast time: Ray Brown 1:00.58
Congratulations to all who took home honors from the Moon Shot.
Magic City Pylon Race
The Billings Flying Mustangs (BFM) hosted the Magic City Pylon Race on June 3-4. Shane Elbert, Leon Elbert, Travis Elbert, Allie Russell, and BFM volunteers are the motors that make the Billings race run.
The contest drew 12 pilots in each of the three classes. Newcomer Andy Pinney returned this year to take on Q-500 AMA Event 426, along with the Martins from Sidney, Montana. Both Mark and Neil Martin flew exceptionally well. When they get the equipment gremlins figured out, watch out.
Bryan Batch, Matt Russell, and Mike Bergan made the trip from Spokane, Washington. Bryan and I had a couple of barn-burner heats—the type that keep you coming back. There was great flying by the Washington crew.
Ken Van Tuyl and Duane Gall made the journey from Colorado. It’s always great to have the Mile High state represented. Duane flew lights out in Electric Formula 1 (EF1).
First-time racer Destry Jacobs, from Bozeman, Montana, competed in EF1. It’s great to have you onboard, Destry, and I’m thrilled to see some new blood in the sport.
My father, Earl, competed in all three classes. I enjoyed being teamed up with him, just like when I was a kid! Dick Smith was back this year as well and flew like a boss both days.
Longtime BFM starter and lifelong family friend, Dennis Rollins, returned to start this year. It was great to catch up with Dennis. We used to travel across the country to Pylon races with Dennis—not to mention that he was one of my first employers. Great memories.
Darrol and Rhonda Cady hosted a Saturday night gathering. Rhonda, I am truly sorry for not attending this year.
EF1
Name Time Points
1. Duane Gall 1:35.56 22
2. AJ Seaholm 1:31.65* 21
3. Neil Martin 1:33.73 21
*Fast time
Q-500 (AMA Event 424)
Name Time Points
1. Bryan Batch 1:31.72 17
2. Matt Russell 1:32.98 17
3. Allie Russell 1:30.15 15
Fast time: Mike Bergan 1:25.95
Q-500 (AMA Event 426)
Name Time Points
1. AJ Seaholm 1:11.62* 19
2. Bryan Batch 1:13.05 18
3. Earl Seaholm 1:15.61 17
*Fast time
Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone who attended.
Fly hard, have fun!
SOURCES:
National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA)
www.nmpra.net
NMPRA District 5
www.district5.nmpra.net
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League
www.sgvrcL.org
GCRCC
www.gcrcc.net
Billings Flying Mustangs
www.billingsflyingmustangs.us/bfm
