We now have our first 3 events for 2015 confirmed and added to the Event Calender. Add these to your diary now so as to not miss out. More event conformations to come.
Victorian State Championships – Munro August 2014 – Event Report
The VMPRA State Championships were held at Barry Murphy’s field in Munro, Victoria over the weekend of 2 – 3 August 2014. The event also served as the Victorian Team Trial Qualification round for those that were looking to be on the Australian team for the next F3D World Championships, to be held in Olomouc, Czech Republic in July 2015.
Brian Steele and Andrew Davies
By planning or coincidence – the Queensland-based racers were participating in their equivalent Team Trial event in Rockhampton on the same weekend. There are three places for the Australian Team as well as one for a Junior. Competitors who were going after a position on the team included Leigh Hocken, Beau Murphy and Ranjit Phelan. Thirteen year-old Daniel Arapakis who is chasing an additional position on the team as a Junior.
Due to the importance of the event as a Team Trial, a number of competitors began arriving on the Thursday afternoon – only to be greeted by a major winter storm that was sweeping across the state. Winds were in excess of 100 kph, there was snow in the local hills, trees across the highway and power failures.
Friday was planned to be a practice day, and the field well groomed and was in excellent condition –thanks to the efforts of Ian Ricard. Unfortunately, the winds were still gusting to over 70 km/hr. so not many chose to risk taking flights. By Friday evening, the pit area was full with competitors setting up camp and making sure that adequate supplies of firewood and anti-freeze were available.
Saturday morning dawned a balmy 3 degrees Celsius, but the weather had improved considerably. Racing was to be completed over the standard 10 lap course – so that scores were consistent with the requirements for the Team Trial. It was decided to allow time for practice and then 3 rounds of Q500 Sport were flown to get the workers comfortable with the system, to allow the sun to rise and the weather to warm up.
David Chippendale - His first Q500 event.
Q500 Sport attracted eight entries and by the end of practice and Round1 – Marcus Guss had not only lost his model, but introduced a model loaned from Vern Gibson to pylon #2. Jim Orenshaw’s model did not make it to Pylon #1. After this unfortunate start – no further models were lost or damaged all weekend.
At the end of Round 3, James Hurley had set a very fast pace with a 90.16 and was in first place. John Schmidli was showing good pace with his new Banshee and newcomer David Chippendale was quickly getting a handle on things.
Vern Gibson, Leigh Hocken and Tom Wetherill at the line for test flying.
The main event for the weekend was the F3D FA1 Team Trial. This class attracted 11 entries and the goal was to complete nine rounds. Racing got underway late Saturday morning and the conditions were looking good. After the first Round, Beau Murphy had posted a 57.60, which narrowly edged Leigh Hocken’s 57.75. The txt messages were already being transmitted to/received from Queensland-where fast times were also being posted in their event.
Five rounds of FA1 were flown on Saturday and at the end of the day, Beau Murphy was in the lead and had also posted a fastest time of 55.73. Ranjit Phelan was second with a best time of 56.13 and Glenn Matthews was in third with a best time of 60.45. Daniel Arapakis had posted five scores and was sitting in 6th place overall. Leigh had experienced problems and withdrew at the end of the day.
Next up was F400 VIC and four rounds were flown. This class also attracted 11 entries. The weather conditions were improving and some fast times were being posted. At the end of four Rounds, Ranjit Phelan was in the lead and had set the pace with a best time of 63.39. Brian Steele had posted a best time of 64.87 and a number of other competitors had times in the 65 second range.
After the racing was completed, an eclectic collection of models – ranging from small electrics to old timers – took to the skies. Masterchef, Andrew Arapakis served up a dinner feast that included sashimi and roast pork.
ED – The remarkable thing about pylon racers is as soon as the wind drops at the end of a day’s racing or during the still of a morning, all sorts of models come out to be flown. Many of them are gliders, old timers and fun-flies. This is contrary to what most expect of the pylon racing fraternity. Basically, we all have the fascination with flight.
Andrew Davies with his diesel powered old-timer.
Sunday morning dawned cold and clear, with the temperature at the field being minus three degrees Celsius! Racing was delayed until the temperature increased and four rounds of Q500 Sport were then flown. James Hurley continued his pace from the previous day and finished in first place with a score of 568.5. Arch rival (and teammate) John Schmidli was second with a score of 592.8 and Ian Haigh was third with a score of 633.8.
The last four rounds of FA1 were then flown and times were slower than the previous day. Beau Murphy finished in first place with a score of 410.7 and Ranjit Phelan was second with a score of 413.3. Daniel Arapakis had a strong finish and posted some good scores. He finished in third place with a score of 442.9.
Andrew and Daniel Arapakis. One happy father/son team
For comparison, the results for the Queensland event were in. Chris Callow had blitzed the field with a score of 389.1. The scores for other competitors that were chasing a position on the Australian team were as follows – Tyler Mees 414.7, Stephen Turna 422.6. Joseph Black who was competing as a Junior had a score of 451.9.
The final event on the program was to complete the remaining five rounds of F400 VIC. There was plenty of close and exciting racing -an amazingly, no carnage. After nine rounds, Ranjit Phelan was in first place with a score of 448.9. Along the way he posted a best time of 62.7. Brian Steele was second with a score of 458.8 and his team mate Andrew Davies was third with a score of 461.2.
Another of the father/son teams. Barry and Beau Murphy
A great weekend of racing was able to be completed – despite the initial impacts due to weather. Special thanks to Barry Murphy for making available an excellent flying facility and to Ian Ricard for the hours spent mowing and preparing the field. Thanks to Nerida Matthews who ran the scoring system and to those that helped make the event possible by working as judges, timers and the starter. Notably there were NO reflys!
As usual, there has been intense competition for positions on the Australian team and the final showdown/shoot out for positions will be held at the next competition, which will be held in Cohuna, Victoria in early October.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results
FA1
Places:
1st Beau Murphy
2nd Ranjit Phelan
3rd Daniel Arapakis
Fastest Time: 55.73 – Beau Murphy
No. of competitors: 11
Course – 10 Lap
F400
Places:
1st Ranjit Phelan
2nd Brian Steele
3rd Andrew Davies
Fastest Time: 62.70 – Ranjit Phelan
No. of competitors: 10
Course – 10 Lap
Q500
Places:
1st James Hurley
2nd John Schmidli
3rd Ian Haigh
Fastest Time: 90.16 – James Hurley
No. of competitors: 8
Course – 10 Lap
Season Championship
Two events into the new season championship for 2014-2015 and this is how the positions sit.
FA1
Brian Steele remains at the top and Ranjit Phelan has improved his position and jumped into 2nd place, displacing Tom Wetherill down to 3rd place.
1 – Brian Steele
2 – Ranjit Phelan
3 – Tom Wetherill
F400
Ranjit Phelan stays in 1st place, Brian Steele and Glenn Matthews move up into 2nd & 3rd place respectively.
1 – Ranjit Phelan
2 – Brian Steele
3 – Glen Matthews
Q500
James Hurley has moved up to 1st position as well as John Schmidli up to 2nd position. Tom Wetherill is now in 3rd due to not flying at the Munro event.
1 – James Hurley
2 – John Schmidli
3 – Tom Wetherill
Next Events
Daniel & Beau, 3rd and 1st place in F3D
The next event on the VMPRA calender is the Q500, Sports and EF-1 day at Werribee on August 24. A great event for those flying or wanting to get into racing Q500 class. Even if you don’t have a Q500 aircraft, you can have a go with any sports type aircraft. Ideally a 46 size trainer or sports model would do. Also there is an oppertunity for electric/scale racing with the EF-1 class.
The next full 3 class race event is at Cohuna on October 4-5. This is the last of the 2015 World Championship team trials for F3D class so this is sure to be an exciting event.
Event Report: Tom Wetherill
Additional Post items & photos: John Schmidli
Additional Photos: Andrew and Lydia Arapakis
Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |
Bendigo July 2014 – Event Report
VMPRA returned to the Bendigo Radio Control Aircraft Club (BRCAC) for the annual pylon event that was held at the club’s field in Marong, Victoria on the weekend of 5 – 6 July 2014. This is a very popular event on the VMPRA calendar for many reasons. The club and field are great, the accommodation is very close to the field and the local hotel serves up excellent food, which is very important for getting some extra insulation on the cold winter nights.
While weather can be a factor at this time or year, competitors enjoyed very good overall conditions during practice on Friday and over racing during the weekend. The racing program included Q500 Sport, VIC F400 and FA1, with the objective of flying as many rounds in each class as possible. Per usual VMPRA practice, racing was held over 10 ½ laps to reduce the requirements for the number of course workers.
Friday practice was a somewhat leisurely affair as the weather was good, except for a brief rain shower, and there was plenty of opportunity to get in flights. The field was in excellent condition – and special thanks go out to Rick Townsend spending nine hours with his lawn mower.
Regular competitors came from Victoria and New South Wales as well as a large contingent of racers arrived from South Australia. The host Bendigo club was also well represented with a good number of entries.
Racing got underway on Saturday morning with four founds of VIC F400. There was an impressive 17 entries in this class and it immediately became clear that if Shaun Jacobsen could tame his new DKT powered AR-6, that he would be putting in some good times. Brian Steele had also pried open his wallet and purchased a new Nelson.
By the end of Round 4 he had posted an impressive time of 64.76 seconds, just short of a 64.6 that was posted by Glenn Matthews with his Nelson powered Supercat. Daniel Arapakis and Ranjit Phelan were also fast with times 65 second times.
Next up was Q500 Sport, and this class attracted 13 entries. John Schmidli and Barry Townsend were debuting impressive new Banshee models. Daniel Arapakis “unretired” himself from Q500, as he was saving his FA1 models for the next Team Trial. Three rounds were flown and James Hurley posted the fastest time with a 101.03. Behind him there were many close races. John and Barry were still coming to grips with their new models.
After a brief break, four rounds of FA1 were flown. This class attracted nine entries, including Rick Townsend’s new Veyron and Glenn Matthews new VooDoo. After four rounds, Rick was about 2 seconds ahead of Tom Wetherill, with Bryan Steele in third. Ranjit Phelan had posted the fastest time with a 60.69.
On Saturday evening, most of the competitors met at the Marong Family Hotel for dinner. This was followed by the VMPRA Annual General Meeting, which was held at the caravan park.
Plans for an early start on Sunday morning were thwarted by fog, which did not clear until mid-morning. As a result, the target was re-set at completing seven rounds for each class.
First up was Q500 Sport and times were improving significantly. In the end, James Hurley was in first place with a score of 612.6, Daniel Arapakis was second with a score of 703.4 and John Schmidli was third with a score of 726.6. Tom Wetherill had a score of 606.7, but opted to let the class regulars take the placings. Daniel Arapakis had the fastest time with a 93.95.
The next task was to complete the remaining three rounds of VIC F400 and the pace also improved from the Saturday. In the end, Ranjit Phelan was in first place with a score of 392.3 and the fast time of 62.92…not far behind the pace of the faster FA1’s. Shaun Jacobsen was second with a score of 401.8 and Brian Steele was third with a score of 416.1.
The final class to be flown was FA1 and three additional rounds were completed. Conditions had changed from the prior day and a few 200’s were showing upon the scoreboard. Late in the afternoon the position of the sun became problematic, so starter Mick Kellett would wait for cloud cover to appear before starting the final few heats.
After the seven rounds were completed, Brian Steele was in first place with a score of 391.0, Tom Wetherill was second with a score of 524.6 and Glenn Matthews was third with a score of 526.5. Ranjit Phelan posted the fastest time with a 60.11. Rick Townsend detonated an engine in spectacular fashion.
At the end of the day the awards were handed out to the place getters. VMPRA and the competitors expressed their thanks to the Bendigo club for hosting VMPRA and supplying hot food and drinks, to Rick Townsend for preparing the field, to the people who had worked the course in the cold conditions and to the group from South Australia that had travelled to compete. Tom Jacobson is the ring leader for the SA group and their presence and camaraderie really enhanced the event.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results
FA1
Places:
1st Brian Steele
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd Glenn Matthews
Fastest Time: 60.11 – Ranjit Phelan
No. of competitors: 9
Course – 10.5 Lap
F400
Places:
1st Ranjit Phelan
2nd Shaun Jacobsen
3rd Brian Steele
Fastest Time: 62.92 – Ranjit Phelan
No. of competitors: 14
Course – 10.5 Lap
Q500
Places:
1st James Hurley
2nd Daniel Arapakis
3rd John Schmidli
Fastest Time: 93.95 – Daniel Arapakis
No. of competitors: 13
Course – 10.5 Lap
2014-2015 Season Championship
This was the first event for the new season championship for 2014-2015 and this is how the positions sit.
FA1
1 – Brian Steele
2 – Tom Wetherill
3 – Glenn Matthews
F400
1 – Ranjit Phelan
2 – Shaun Jacobsen
3 – Brian Steele
Q500
1 – Tom Wetherill
2 – James Hurley
3 – Daniel Arapakis
It’s early days for the championship and everybody has a chance to be in the mix for the championship. All you have to do is go racing.
Next Events
The next event is the Victorian State Championships being held on August 2-3, at the fantastic pylon racing field of Barry Murphy’s. Not only is this the State Champs, but it is also another of the F3D 2015 World Championship team trials, so there will be some hotly contested racing in F3D. We will also be flying the 10 lap course and obviously, F3D will take priority due to the importance of this result to selecting the next Australian team. As this is a private field, If you would like to attend this event and don’t know the location, please contact a member of committee for directions. See you all there.
Event Report: Tom Wetherill
Additional Post items & photos: John Schmidli
Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |
AMPRA 2014 – Event Report
The 2014 AMPRA Championship event was held at the Maryborough club’s field, Queensland on the long weekend of 7 to9 June. Five classed were flown including FA1 (FAI – F3D), F400/F3T, F3R and Q500 Sport. FA1 was the first of a series of team trials to represent Australia at the 2015 F3D World Championships that will be held in Olomouc, in the Czech Republic. In addition to the competition for places on the Senior Team, Daniel Arapakis and Joseph Black, were competing for the opportunity to represent Australia as a Junior.
A large contingent from Victoria travelled to the event –either by driving the 4,500 km round trip or flying to Brisbane and renting a car. Most arrived on the Thursday evening and were ready to start practice on Friday morning. The field was in immaculate condition and the club members were on hand to serve up food and drinks throughout the weekend. The weather was also perfect and the forecast was looking good – so everyone was looking forward to the weekend ahead.
(L-R) Tyler & Warren Mees, Leigh Hocken, Vern Gibson and Barry and Beau Murphy
The first event on the program for Saturday was to complete five rounds of FA1. There were 15 entries – 8 from Victoria. Leigh Hocken, Tyler Mees and Beau Murphy all set an impressive pace, each recording 57 second times. There was plenty of close and exciting racing, however, at the end of Round 5, Leigh was just ahead and had posted a best time of 56.86seconds. For the Juniors, Daniel had posted four scores and Joseph had two scores, with three 200’s.
After a leisurely break for lunch, five rounds of Q500 were flown. This class only attracted four entries – half of which were from the Mees family. Two places were awarded to the entry level pilots– with Jack Hickey taking first and Allan Taylor taking second. Tyler Mees posted the fastest time of 106.58 seconds.
The day’s racing had progressed very well and was completed by mid-afternoon. This allowed plenty of time for further tuning of the FA1’s and other models to get ready for the next day of racing.
Andrew & Daniel Arapakis
On Sunday morning, the field was closed at 0830 and the timing equipment was set up. Four more rounds of FAI were scheduled for the morning, and the matrix was changed from the prior day. Leigh, Tyler and Beau continued their pace and finished in the first three positions with scores of 407.1, 409.7 and 414.8, respectively.
Ranjit Phelan finished the event strongly and ended up with a score of 430.0. Tom Wetherill was fifth with a score of 443.5. Daniel Arapakis was sixth and the first Junior home with a score of 450.6 – edging out Brian Steele. A good result for the Victorian-based racers, who took out five of the top seven placings.
In the afternoon, five alternating rounds of F400 and F3T were flown. F400 (no nitro) attracted seven entries from Victoria and New South Wales and F3T (15% nitro) attracted 11 entries from Queensland. There was close racing in both classes. In F400 there was a tie for first place as well as a tie for third place – first time that anyone could remember that happening! In order to break the ties – fly-off’s were held. The first fly-off was between Ranjit Phelan and Daniel Arapakis for first place and both pilots had one cut. However, Ranjit had the lower score and took out first place.
Tom Wetherill and Tony Howse had a fly-off for third place. However, Tony had a cut and Tom Wetherill took third place. The fastest time in F400 was a 65.42 recorded by Ranjit Phelan.
In F3T, Greg Gillies was setting the pace with impressive speed from his Nelson powered AR-6. Joseph Black was not far behind after five rounds, with a best of 62.86. An additional two rounds of F3T was flown on Monday morning for the QLD racers, as the Victorians had to start the trip back home.
On Monday, the weather turned and became quite windy. The remaining two rounds of F3T were flown. Greg Gillies placed first with a score of 390.1, Joseph Black was second with a score of 400.3 and Rod Williams was third with a score of 414.0.
The last event on the program was F3R, which attracted nine entries from Queensland. Five rounds were flown and Bruce DeChastle had a win by a very narrow margin – 298.9 to 299.0 that was posted by Greg Gillies. Rod Williams was third with a score of 318.7.
AMPRA 2014 was very well organised and a great success. The competitors also shared duties working the course and refly’s were a rarity. Most importantly, after four days of flying and racing – no models had been lost. The Victorians enjoyed the event, the weather and the local hospitality from the club and the event organisers.
Report: Tom Wetherill (Thanks fro a great report Tom).
Warrnambool April 2014 – Event Report
With the Friday being ANZAC day, it was a good chance to leave early for the trip to Warrnambool and do some test flights and setting up. The weather on the Friday was quite spectacular. Quite a few of us camped out at the field.
Saturday started off with rain but this dispersed by the time test flights started. After setting up the course, F400 started. With the first round completed, it was decided that the course needed to be re positioned due to a visibility issue with the no. 1 pylon judges. There was long grass obscuring the planes taking off, causing some confusion as to which plane to follow. If you don’t know all the plane very well, it is very easy to end up following the wrong plane if you can’t see the launch.
The course was reset and racing started again having dropped the already raced rounds. It was around 11am by the time we got going again. As a result, the number of rounds ended up being 7 rather than the usual 9 rounds for the weekend.
This was also exacerbated by having to reset the course at the last minute on the Sunday due to the predicted wind direction.
Pylons 2 and 3 judges were in place all week end which was excellent. Again this makes for legitimate results.
Thanks goes out to the members of the Warrnambool Club, Toni Axon, Nerida Matthews and all who helped out with pylon judging.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results
FA1
Place getters in FA1, Tom Wetherill, Leigh Hocken & Frank Cassella (L-R)
It was good to see the team of Leigh Hocken and Frank Cassella back racing at this event and doing well. F3D is getting serious now with the next event at AMPRA being the start of the Australian team trials for the next world champs in 2015.
Places:
1st Leigh Hocken
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd Frank Cassella
Fastest Time: 57.37 – Leigh Hocken
No. of competitors: 11
Course – 10.5 Lap
F400
Places:
1st Glenn Matthews
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd Andrew Davies
Fastest Time: 68.71 – Glenn Matthews
No. of competitors: 10
Course – 10.5 Lap
Q500
Places:
1st Daniel Arapakis
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd John Schmidli
Fastest Time: 96.35 – Daniel Arapakis
No. of competitors: 8
Course – 10.5 Lap
2013-2014 Season Championship
This event marked the end of the 2013-2014 VMPRA Season Championship after a total of 8 events for FA1 & F400 and 9 for Q500. I know from my point of view, it has added an additional element to the competition through-out the year.
FA1
2013-2014 Season Champion for FA1 – Barry Murphy
2nd place – Brian Steele
3rd place – Glenn Matthews
Congratulation to Barry Murphy who won by a huge margin even though having raced in 1 less event than the maximum. Brian Steele also raced in 1 less event and came in 2nd.
F400
2013-2014 Season Champion for F400 – Glenn Matthews
2nd place – Andrew Davies
3rd place – Daniel Arapakis
Congratulations to Glenn Matthews on winning this class. It was very close at the top with Glenn and Andrew on equal points with only 1 event left to run.
Q500
2013-2014 Season Champion for Q500 – John Schmidli
2nd place – Daniel Arapakis
3rd place – Jim Orenshaw
It was a tight battle all season between Daniel and myself and I had not expected to be able to defend my title from the previous year. Daniel announced at Warrnambool that he was going to retire from Q500 and put all his efforts into FA1 & F400. Well done Daniel. He was responsible for many of us cutting our personal bests by a considerable amount. There is nothing like strong competition to sharpening your performance.
New Event
There has been the addition of a Q500, EF-1 & Sport event scheduled for Werribee on August 24, so all those interested, pencil this one in to the calendar. We have been getting quite good size turnouts at these 1 day events, especially being to close to Melbourne.
Next Events
The next event for those wanting to travel to sunny Queensland and to the 1st of the 3, F3D world champ team trials is AMPRA which is being held at Maryborough on the Queen’s birthday week end . Check out the AMPRA schedule and the QMARA website.
The next VMPRA event is at Marong near Bendigo on July 5-6. We intend to run the VMPRA AGM on the Saturday night. Time and location TBC.
Report & Photos: John Schmidli
The written content in this post is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing. It is written from my perspective and reflects how I have experienced this event.Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |
Munro March 2014 – Event Report
Once again a great week end was had down at Barry Murphy’s superb pylon racing field at Munro in Gippsland. The weather forecast was for fairly good conditions. There was a really good turnout with 12 compeditors in FA1, 11 flying F400 and 9 flying Q500. It was great seeing interstate competitors there also in Ranjit Phelan and Tony Howse.
It was a very impressive collection of caravans, trailers and gazebos with the addition of Andrew and Daniel Arapakis’s Basecamp van complete with Dannmann18 livery.
We flew 9 rounds of each class with 4 rounds each for F400 & Q500 and 5 rounds of FA1 on Saturday and the balance made up on the Sunday. This was officially the “John Hughan Trophy” event and trophies were given out at the end of racing on the Sunday. John Hughan was a very big influence on pylon racing in Victoria, Australia and internationally. Most of us flew with John in the past and it is fitting that we remember him with this event.
On Saturday Q500 models were randomly scrutinized checking props, muffler baffles, intake venturis and weight. It was great to see this happen. Also there where cut judges on 2 & 3 all weekend which also kept us honest and the racing very competitive. Thanks to all who volunteered to judged on all the pylons. It’s important for the health of pylon racing to run our races this way.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results
FA1
The Minute Master crew - 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Places:
1st Beau Murphy
2nd Barry Murphy
3rd Daniel Arapakis
Fastest Time: 59.78 – Beau Murphy
No. of competitors: 12
Course – 10.5 Lap
No change in places from Camperdown with The “Minute Master” Crew coming 1,2 and 3 again. Daniel was only 0.1 of a sec behind Barry after 9 rounds.
F400
Places:
1st Ranjit Phelan
2nd Andrew Davies
3rd Glenn Matthews
Fastest Time: 66.04 – Gary Davidson
No. of competitors: 11
Course – 10.5 Lap
Q500
Places:
1st John Schmidli
2nd David Axon
3rd Jim Orenshaw
Fastest Time: 91.89 – Gary Davidson
No. of competitors: 9
Course – 10.5 Lap
2013-2014 Season Championship
Tony Howse and his beautifully presented F3D model
Now with only one event left for the 2013-2014 Season Championship, we are really down the business end. But also it’s time to consider starting a-fresh for your assault on the title for the 2014-2015 Championship.
FA1
No change at the top with Barry Murphy still in 1st and Brian Steele in 2nd, but Glenn Matthews has jumped up to 3rd place displacing Gary Davidson. It’s tight between these two.
F400
A pair of Super Cats
Glenn Matthews and Andrew Davies are drawn on equal points. It’s a very tight battle at the top for these two. Gary Davidson remains in 3rd place.
Q500
Top position is now John Schmidli with Daniel Arapakis in 2nd having been equal after the Camperdown event. Jim Orenshaw remains in 3rd.
Next Event
The next event is at Warrnambool on April 26-27, 2014. FA1, F400 and Q500 classes will be racing. See you there.
Report: John Schmidli
Photos: John Schmidli & Andrew Arapakis
Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |
March Update
Just a quick update to mention that the next pylon racing event coming up at Munro is the John Hughan Trophy. This will mean something to many of us who flew with John in years gone by.
The rules on this website have been updated to link back to the AMPRA rules except for the F400 rules which are VMPRA specific. This mainly effects Q500 as a couple of recent changes at AMPRA had not been reflected in the rules on this site.
See you at Munro.
John Schmidli
Bacchus Marsh, March 2014 – Event Report
Not sure how many people we would get to this event, the good weather and an location that is close to Melbourne, brought out a good number of people. We ended up with 12 Q500, 4 sports and 2 EF-1 pilots. There was a couple of Scanner pilots there but it is a little surprising that with the popularity of this model and the scanner racing program, that there wouldn’t be more interest in going racing more often and trying out flying the international recognized FAI pylon course. Theoretically, I believe the Scanner actually conforms to the Q500 rules, so could be flown as a Q500. A good way to start.
We ran 4 rounds of each class before lunch and another 3 rounds after lunch. There was no helpers for the event so, we took it in turns with Pylon#1 and being starter. I think all who attended had a good time.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results:
Q500
Daniel was blitzing the field again with some fast time. Unforntuneately, a model that Barry Townsend and Tony Curzon were sharing was written off in the first race.
Places:
1st – Daniel Arapakis
2nd – Tom Wetherill
3rd – James Hurley
Fastest Time: 90.37 – Daniel Arapakis
No. of competitors: 12
Course – 10.5 Lap
Sports
There was a bit of a mix of planes in this class, but all where able to work on improving their times. Tony Curzon’s Nemesis was flying very nicely and looked the part going around the course.
Places:
1st – Tony Curzon
2nd – Brian Steele
3rd – Matt Young
Fastest Time: 117.11 – Tony Curzon
No. of competitors: 4
Course – 10.5 Lap
EF-1
Unfortunately Walter Muller’s plane was damages during a take-off incident, so Alan Swift flew 4 round on his own.
2013-2014 Season Championship
With only 2 races left for the championship, the battle at the top has seen Daniel Arapakis catch up to John Schmidli (myself) on equal points with only accumulated times leaving me at the top (for now)!
Next Event
The next full FA1, F400 & Q500 2 day event is at Bazza’s paddock down at Munro on March 22-23, 2014. Sure to be a good turn out as this is a great venue for pylon racing. As this is a private flying field, if you are interested in attending this event and don’t know the location, can contact the committee for the address.
John Schmidli
The written content in this post is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing. It is written from my perspective and reflects how I have experienced this event.Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |
AMPRA Schedule – June 7,8 &9, 2014
From the AMPRA organizers:
Please note the correct schedule showing the meeting on Saturday night:
- Friday 6th June – Free practice and course set up
- Saturday 7th June (09.00 start)
- o AM – F3D (5 Rounds)
- o PM – Q500 (7-9 Rounds)
- o 8.00pm – AMPRA meeting (at the Blue Shades motel conference room)
- Sunday 8th June (09.00 start)
- o AM – F3D (4 Rounds)
- o PM – F3T & F400 alternating rounds (7-9 Rounds)
- Monday 9th June (09.00 start)
- o AM – F3R (7-9 Rounds)
- o PM – Pack up (and GTFO)
Don’t forget to get in early and book your accommodation. There is not a great deal of options in Maryborough and traditionally the QB weekend is a busy time.
Camperdown Feb, 2014 – Event Report
Pylon racing in Victoria was off to a start for the first time this year with a return to Camperdown. As with nearly every race since June, weather had an extraordinary effect on the race. It was hot hot hot!
I’m not sure if it was the predicted hot conditions or the fact that this race was a little early in the year than usual, but numbers were a little down but all who attended seemed to have a good time and the weather actual led to extra socialization after racing finished on the Saturday both at the field and back at the Motel.
Proceedings started on the Saturday with 4 rounds of F400, followed by 3 rounds of Q500. After lunch the day was finished off with 4 rounds of FA1. Sunday started early at 8:30 to try and beat the heat with 3 rounds of FA1, 4 rounds of Q500 and then 3 rounds of F400. Then we had lunch and headed home early. There was some good clean racing and no models went home in a plastic bag. There was only some broken props and under-carts as the ground was a little hard and uneven.
Check out the event photo gallery>>>
Results
FA1
The masters and their apprentice (Beau & Barry Murphy and Daniel Arapakis).
Places:
1st Beau Murphy
2nd Barry Murphy
3rd Daniel Arapakis
Fastest Time: 60.44 – Beau Murphy
No. of competitors: 9
Course – 10.5 Lap
F400
Places:
1st Daniel Arapakis
2nd Gary Davidson
3rd James Hurley
Fastest Time: 67.26 – Gary Davidson
No. of competitors: 9
Course – 10.5 Lap
Q500
There was only 4 people competing this weekend which was really down on recent numbers. Daniel was quick as usual but was finding difficult to get a clean round. James was in form with mostly clean rounds.
Places:
1st James Hurley
2nd John Schmidli
3rd Jim Orenshaw
Fastest Time: 91.14 – Daniel Arapakis
No. of competitors: 4
Course – 10.5 Lap
2013-2014 Season Championship
We are over half way through the 2013 – 2014 VMPRA Championship Year with only Bacchus Marsh (Q500 only), Munro & Warrnambool left to go.
FA1
Barry Murphy is in a very strong position in first place, Brian Steele remains in 2nd and a change in 3rd place of Gary Davidson displacing Glenn Matthews who is now in 4th position.
F400
Glenn Matthews is now in 1st position after displacing Andrew Davies who is now in 2nd place. Gary Davidson remains in 3rd place.
Q500
No change in Q500 for the places with me (John Schmidli) in 1st, Daniel Arapakis in 2nd and Jim Orenshaw in 3rd.
Next Events
For the Q500 pilots, there’s a race at Bacchus Marsh on March 2 which will also include EF-1 & Sports.
The next full FA1, F400 & Q500 2 day event is down at Bazza’s paddock down at Munro on March 22-23, 2014.
Report: John Schmidli
Photos: John Schmidli & Andrew Arapakis
Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. They are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others when time permits.
If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos that are supplied to me provided it is fair and reasonable.
Quick ReferenceEvent Result |