Most of the activity going on this last month has been related to people building airplanes for this year's races. A few people have had questions about where to get parts or kits, and a few were looking for more info on how to join USRA. As we've mentioned before, there is a new section on our website www.usrainfo.org where kit manufacturers are listed with their contact information which is a great place to get started when you're looking for parts or a full kit. It's also important to pay attention to our sponsors that are listed on the website. These companies have committed to help our racing series with product and cash donations, so please take the time to send them a thank you note and buy, use and recommend their products whenever possible.
Formula-1 Sponsor CRT
Speaking of sponsors, I spoke with our Formula-1 sponsor Tom Easterday at California Research Tabulations (CRT), and he has decided to up the ante even more in the Formula-1 class this year. We've already told you about the $7500 that will be awarded at the three races this year, but here's some more info you'll be interested in. Each race will start with $2500 to award in the F-1 class for prize money. If any race gets between 20 and 25 entries in F-1, the purse will increase to $3000! To add even more incentive, if a race gets over 25 entries the purse will go up to $3500!!! Now before any of you start to think that 20 or more entries isn't realistic, it's important to realize that Kansas had 15 entries last year and there were 24 entries over the course of the year. Nearly every entry that raced last year is planning on racing this year and there are many more new entries in F-1 planning to race in 2003. The key to hit 20 or more entries and a bigger payday will be coordination among the racers. We all need to work together to make sure our fellow competitors has what they need to come out and race, be it an engine part, wheel pant, or transportation for their airplane. Many people need just a little encouragement to get off the fence and go race, and a phone call or email from a fellow racer can make the difference. Take the time and call some members in your area and keep them enthused about racing. Now is the time when an encouraging word can make the difference, when there is still enough time to fix an airplane or make arrangements to attend. Let's do our best to beat the bushes and get a big turnout at the races…and get as much money as we can from Tom Easterday and CRT !!!
Sponsored by Zenoah!
More sponsor news. As we've reported, Pete Bergstrom and Zenoah have committed to over $14,000 in prizes for this year's races. To show our appreciation and to help justify this huge donation, I'm asking everyone who is running a Zenoah engine in their racer to display a Zenoah decal on their airplane. If we can get enough coverage in the big magazines of our races with plenty of pictures of airplanes with Zenoah decals, we might be able to do this again next year. Here's your chance to make a difference in your sport, don't let us down! While you're at it, do the same for JR and all of our other sponsors too!! Here is the rundown on the prizes for the Kansas race for the Zenoah and JR products. From Zenoah: To the participants of the Biplane, Unlimited and Experimental classes in total = 1 GT80 to be awarded. The winner of the engine will be determined by raffle with the tickets awarded to contestants relative to their placing in the race, with each participant receiving raffle tickets at each event corresponding to the number of people that they beat in their class +1. (Last place will receive 1 ticket; next to last will receive 2 tickets, etc). To the participants of the F1 Class = 1 GT-80 will be awarded by raffle. To the participants of the F1GT Class = 2 GT-80's, one to the winner and 1 will be awarded by raffle. To the participants of the T6 Class = 1 GT80 and1 G62 will be awarded as the contest organizer sees fit. To the participants of the Dominator Class = 1 G62 will be awarded by raffle (Approximate Street Value $4,850. per event - $14,450 Total)
From JR Radio:
1 - 10X radio system for the new F1GT Class. This will be awarded by raffle at the end of the year, with each participant receiving raffle tickets at each event corresponding to the number of people that they beat at that race +1. 12 - 8411 servos for the Season Champion. 4 servos in each of the following 3 classes: T-6, Formula 1 and Unlimited. These items are to be handed out at the seasons end. 9 - Matchboxes & 9 Servos. 1 Matchbox and 1 servo for the winner of each of the following 3 classes at each event; T-6 Formula 1 and Unlimited. (Approximate Total Street Value of $4,500)
Kansas!!!! Race #1
There's a good number of people getting ready for the season already, and there's just a few weeks left before Planes Over El Dorado kicks off in late June. Don't put off making your plans to go race any longer…Race information is up on the USRA website. Loren and Martha Tregellas are putting together a great event for us, so let's show up in big numbers and have some fun!
Parker AZ. Race
Just talked with Denny Baker, and it looks like we are set to go to Parker, Arizona for the last race of the year. The date has been approved and we will be racing October 23-26. I'm sure we'll have more info in the coming months, but make your plans for the Blue Water River Run now!
See you all soon!
Ken McSpadden