Not long now until we go racing for the first time in 2012 and I think we’re all itching to go. First up is the VMPRA Trophy at Camperdown on the weekend of Feb 18-19. See the calendar for details.
Note the course restrictions and details of the VMPRA meeting.
There has been some minor changes to the calendar so make sure your diaries are all up to date so you don’t miss any of the action.
See you at Camperdown.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Hughan, who finally lost his battle with cancer on the morning of Jan 30, 2012.
John, a member at LDMFA for many year, started pylon racing back in 1969, and was an active participant until recent years.
He was present at the formation of The Australian Miniature Pylon Racing Association (AMPRA) and was elected to the position of President. A position that he held for some 23 years. He was chairman of the MAAA pylon technical sub committee, was involved at the state level through (VMPRA) and had also been a contributor to the Australian Airborne Model Magazine for 15 years – writing a regular pylon articles.
Our thoughts go out to his family at this most difficult time.
The first event of the year will be held at Camperdown on the weekend of 18/19 February. Camperdown is always a great event with a good field, welcoming club members and a nice town to spend the weekend. On top of that, it’s the start of a new year of pylon racing.
Course RestrictionsAs per usual with the Camperdown field being in the middle of a horse race course, there are some restrictions we need to be award of.
On Saturday the “Trackwatch” Turf club Rep. will allow access to the flying site in between horse movements until 10.00am from when we are OK to start flying. We can set up inside the course prior to 10.00am but there is not to be any flying.
From 10.00am onwards it is obviously open entry. Also, if anybody turns up on Friday, they must NOT enter the field before 11.00am. Anytime after that will be ok.
There is no horse activity on Sunday.
There will be a VMPRA meeting at the Commercial Hotel, 115 Manifolf Street, Camperdown. A room has been reserved. Dinner from 1900. Meeting starts at 2015.
Note: The event schedule will be followed for this weekend. Also there has been some minor changes made to the event calender.
The Preliminary calendar for 2012 is now on-line, see calendar >. August and September details are still to be finalised. There is also a schedule of how events will be run for the 2012 calendar. Events schedule >>>
Our thanks go out to Mick Kellett for coordinating with all the clubs and for putting all of this together.
Have a Merry Christmas and Safe Holidays and we look forward to another year full of pylon racing.
Quickies on the line before going on time
This was our last event for the year. We had 8 x Q500 & 4 x Sports entries including an EF-1 flown Alan Swift and Andrew Davies bought down a new EF-1 for a test flight during the day.
Alan Swift & Andrew Davies with their EF1 models
Also in the sport class was the battle of the Boomerangs between Matt Young in his 2nd event & David Axon.
David Axon doing some last minute tuning
It was windy as usual, the rain stayed away & it was a good day of flying with Some good close battles.
Toni Axon carrying out the starter's duties
Thanks to Joe Finocchiaro for the photo taken on the day.
Our next event is Q500/Sport/Trainer pylon at Bacchus Marsh on November 20 . Not only do we get a good number of Quickie pilots at these events, there is the opportunity to come along and have a go at flying pylon using your typical 40 size sports or trainer model.
So dig out your Q500 or sports model for a great day of fun compeditive pylon racing. If you know of someone at your club who is interested in flying pylon, bring them along.
Want to try flying pylon? This is a great event to give it a go with plenty of people on hand if you need assistance.
The results for the Hamilton VMPRA State Championships have been posted.
See Results>>>
Now on this site are the rules for the 3 currently raced classesin Victoria.
The results for the munro weekend have now been added. See Results >>>
VMPRA members were well represented at this year’s F3D World Championships. Not only was 2 of the 3 senior Australia team members and their callers from Victoria, but members of other national teams are members & regular flyers at VMPRA events.
Igor Buchler & Rick Townsend (Team Brazil) and Tom Wetherill & Jim Orenshaw (Team New Zealand)
Jim Orenshaw (caller), Tom Wetherill (pilot) & Andrew Davies (supporter) - Part of team New Zealand
Igor Buchler (pilot), Rick Townsend (caller) & Vern Gibson (team manager) - Team Brazil
Igor Buchler (pilot) & Rick Townsend (caller) - Team Brazil
Among the faces in the photo below, are many VMPRA members who spent the week helping in the many official tasks that needed to be carried out for the smooth running and the success of this event. From my point of view, it was well worth making the trip to take part in this terrific event. - John Schmidli
Helpers at the F3D World Champs in Bunderberg