Don Jacques, Mike Garrity and Norman McMullen (last year's racing champion)
showed up for NOVA's first airborne race. The threesome started at the
northern TV tower. Norman had the pole at an attitude of 150 feet. Don
started at 75 feet and Mike held the high ground at 300 feet. Being the
first aerial race held by NOVA, an attitude restriction of 300 feet was
imposed.
Everyone was at 100mph when the race started. Immediately,
Mike dove to 225 feet and accelerated to 115mph when he reached the first
pylon. Norman took the lead over Don while Mike brought up the rear. Accelerating,
Mike dove 15 feet and gained on Don and Norman. Near the middle TV tower
Mike dove another 30 feet and took the lead the lead from Norman.
All three copters continued to accelerate. Thanks
to the speed increase from the dives, Mike reached his top speed before
everyone else. Now at 180mph, Mike extended his lead in the second lap.
It took Norman and Don two more laps before reaching their top speeds.
Near the end of the fourth lap Don passed Norman. Time was called, thus
ending the first club racing championship involving helicopters.
The race lacked the normal combat after the first
lap, even with weapons unlocked. This can be attributed to the heights,
speeds, and ranges involved. Being a totally new event of for NOVA also
contributed to the absence of combat. Regardless, NOVA looks forward to
more helicopter races in the future.
Finishing Positions:
1st - Mike Garrity w/5 laps
2nd - Don Jacques w/5 laps
3rd - Norman McMullen w/5 laps
Number of Turns: 35
Vehicles:
Speedbug (Mike Garrity): one-man helicopter, mini power plant
w/PCs, Pilot, MG front, SWC, streamlining: F10, L10, R10, B20, T5, U7.
Accel. 5, top speed 180, HC 3; 3,846 lbs., $29,992.
Eggbeater 202 (Don Jacques): one-man helicopter, mini power plant w/SCs, CACR, pilot, one pair of maneuvering foils. Armor: F10, L12, R12, B14, T6, U6. Accel. 5, top speed 202.5, HC 4/5 above 60; 4,230 lbs., $28,860.
Shockwave 1F (Norman McMullen): one-man helicopter, mini power plant, CACR, pilot, MG front, one pair of maneuvering foils, improved tail assembly, HRSWC. Armor: F10, L10, R10, B10, T8, U10. Accel. 5. Top speed 192.5, HC 4/5; 4,344 lbs., $29,328.