New Officer Elections 2012

First, I want to thank all the people that wanted to help the USRA for 2012-2013 seasons as officers. The USRA would not be here if it wasn’t for members signing up to be an officer. Also I want to thank Kelley Hartranft for all that she does in keeping the Web site in order and for all of the money and membership items that she does. We have Tony Husak, Dennis and Joann running both races this year!

New Officers for the 2012- 2013 season:
  Jeff Powell, President
  Peter Goldsmith, Vice President
  Martin Treat, West Coast Rep
  Tom Keating, East Coast Rep
  Randy Ritch, Central Rep
  Marty Flood, West Coast Race Promoter

2012 Race Schedule

This year we have decided to do only 2 races for the season. Because of the money it takes and the low turn out we had at the first 2 races, we the board thought this would be the best thing to do for this year and want to get some feed back from the members of how they liked it. So please let any board members know what your thoughts are for the races this year so for next year we can evaluate and make a decision.

Wings over Eldorado
  El Dorado, KS
  June 21st thru June 24th

USRA Race of Champions
  Rabbit Dry Lake Bed, CA
  October 25th thru 28th

Trade Shows

The USRA had a booth at the AMA Expo this year. I have never done a trade show but thought it was good to let people know that we are still out there racing. The USRA is also going to do the Toledo show in April with the help of those guys that live in that area. If you want to help, contact any board member and we will get you to the correct person. I want to thank Horizon Hobbies and Desert Aircraft for the donations for the raffle that we did at the AMA show and will carry over to the Toledo show. The USRA cannot do these shows if it’s not for the support of the members.

New Timing System

At the AMA EXPO, Denny Baker set up a presentation of a new timing system developed by Cal Bryant to make just about everything electronic; starts, lap speeds, time in the turn and most of all turn cuts; removing the human factor out of the equation. Cal was a pylon boss at last years Rabbit race and thought there has to be a better way. Well, Cal has taken on the design and development at his cost to try and help us come up with a better system. This system will also tie into Martin Treat’s computer system so all the data can be printed out. Let’s be clear, it is in development work at this time. It sounds very promising but will have to be tested with an actual model airplane to see if it will work. I will keep you posted as things develop. The system will cost members a small cost for the transmitters in there airplane. The Antennas we need for the pylons and start finish line are expensive for this system.

In Conclusion:

This year, we as the board and the promoters doing the 2 races are going to take the delays between rounds and minimizes as much as possible. There is no reason not to get more than 3 rounds per day. If we announce 9:00 am start we will start at that time period. If you are not ready you will get a zero. We all know that there are delays that will happen. We know that and will take everything into consideration. We have to get more rounds in. Everybody spends a lot of money and time to come to these events. So lets all work together to make this happen so we can fly and race because that is why we do this. Also, I would like every member to bring one person with them to see what we do at an event. This will build our membership and therefore have bigger and better turn out at the races. So what we will do, if you bring someone new that has never actually raced at a USRA event, your next year membership fee will be waived. This is a one time offer per member. Board members not allowed. I know there are a lot of spare airplanes around that are not being flown. Let someone fly that airplane to get them started in the USRA. We are also going to change the Sundowner Class to Sport Formula One and add some aircraft that meet the specs as close as possible to the Sundowner to keep this class going. Let’s have a great year! There’s nothing better than Giant Scale Racing.

Jeff Powell
USRA President