Unlimited Race Coverage
Small field yields great racing!

Late to get started and only six racers to show up, we gathered for a night of Mustang action. Flatline, WarX, GriffonJET, WTR*755, Tiefighter and GOferBROKE were all wondering if more racers would appear as the official notices were sent at the last minute. Our scheduling will be posted a bit more in advance to all pilots so we can get better participation. West Coast ATC was kind enough to offer the use of their servers for the evening. This not only gives Varo sessions a great server to utilize, but WCATC CEO Erik Thompson can monitor all connections and give feedback on all data collected. The close proximity we race at presents many more problems with a multiplayer session than normal and it has been quite an experience getting a technical de-briefing of the problems that occur. Thanks for all your help and expertise, Erik!

Action began, after a period of hot laps, and Heat 1A was announced. WarX, WTR*755 and GOferBROKE were called to the line with GriffonJET flying pace duties. WarX was having a connection lag and we flew an extra pace lap, curious if our gremlin was making a return. At the start, WTR*755 and GOferBROKE streaked down the course with GOferBROKE able to get the lead. After some close racing, 755 was victim of an untimely(for him) disconnection. GOferBROKE got the win with WarX second. Unfortunately, WarX had to leave, as he lamented his work schedule.

Heat 2B was readied and 755 given the chance to race again, due to the earlier problem. GOferBROKE flew the pace plane and scored the race too, as we were short of officials! After the countdown, spot view was chosen in the pace plane, as the first 2 laps were viewed from a high vantage point. It was a great race with Flatline being pressured by GriffonJET and Tiefighter battling with 755. All planes were very close and the interval was less than 2 seconds for the entire heat! Desperation was evident as GriffonJET tried to gain on Flatline, eventually crashing his plane! 755 and Tiefighter were engaged in a fierce battle the whole 5 laps with 755 making a great move right at the stripe to pass for second place. It was a very exciting heat! Flatline prevailed as the winner, 755 and Tiefighter a very close second & third in almost a photo finish! Tiefighter experienced a slight problem and crashed on landing, only to get a DNF after the fine race with 755.

The Silver Race was decided to be shortened to 5 laps with a runway start, due to time and lack of racers. Tiefighter and GriffonJET squared off, ready to duel for the final spot in the Gold Race. GJ was quick to get the lead and put the earlier crash behind him(despite some good-natured ribbing from fellow racers!). He used his experience and skill to lengthen the lead as Tiefighter trailed. GJs' win moved him into the Gold with Tiefighter accepting pace and scoring duties.

All racers present mentioned the anticipation of a competitive final. Only four planes were to start the Gold: Flatline, GriffonJET, WTR*755 and GOferBROKE. Tiefighter flew a pace lap and as he started the countdown, his connection departed. All landed and regrouped, and when Tiefighter returned we took off again. Nervously, I took a deep breath as we lined up.

We were passing the scatter pylon and almost to the course when the race began. Your reporter dove almost vertically to gain speed and had a brief view of GriffonJET challenging on the outside. GJ had a slim lead which was short lived as GOferBROKE held the inside line. Flatline and 755 were very close behind. I only had a few chances to look for other planes and whenever I looked back, the pack was right on my tail! I couldn't see GJ so I knew he was still very close. As Tiefighter called the race(in fine fashion) it was apparent GJ was still battling me for the lead. I caught an occasional glimpse of his plane as we traded the lead 3-4 times at least, during the 8 laps. Flatline was right behind me when I glanced out my rear view. Around lap 4 or 5, I flew a poor line and GJ was quick to capitalize. He took the lead! We traded the lead twice in that lap alone as I was able to pass again! GriffonJETs' attempts to regain the lead evidently included some moves that enabled Flatline to pass him for second place! These guys were pressing hard, forcing me to focus on flying a good line. 755 was also close behind the entire race.The field was very tight at the finish!

The racers that compete on a regular basis get better everytime we fly together, making it even tougher to be out front. Varo has some excellent pilots and I sure hope more start to come out and race. The absence of a full field was a disappointment, but the action was still fantastic! The excitment was evident as Flatline and GriffonJET offered a great exchange of their perspectives afterwards. Our VP was thrilled at the tight, competitive heat as we were so very close! This was some of the most competitive racing to be held by Varo and it can only get better as we grow.

Gold Heat Results
(1)#19GOferBROKE
(2)#5Flatline
(3)#17GriffonJET
(4)#25WTR*755

Thanks a million to West Coast ATC for the use of the servers and patiently waiting through the delayed schedule.

#19GOferBROKE, over and out!