The 2025 Phoenix Classic is in the books. Congratulations to Jim Allen for finishing at the top of the heap. Also congratulations to Matias Salar on Fast Time 58:77. Matias has not raced in five years. He has not lost a step. I would like to thank and congratulate the Speed World Flyers on organizing and running a very nice and professional contest. Everything was absolutely first class. Here are a few photos of the people and planes.
Von Der Hey.
Gino DelPonte fueling up for his next heat. Gino finished third.
Matias Salar came back after five years and put on a clinic with Fast Time ( 58:77 ) and a second place finish. Congratulations to you Matias!
Jim Padelt with one of the late Tom Hegland’s racers. Tom was the West Coast NMPRA VP for years. We miss you Tom! And thank you Jim for keeping Tom’s memory in our hearts.
Mark Parker aka Park Marker. Mark is always a top finisher with his calm and cool temperament.
Dan Thordarson with Chuck Andreka. Dan and Chuck have been contributing to Pylon in a big way for years. Thank you Dan and Chuck!
Brian Richmond has been one of the guys to beat for decades. His flying skills never waver.
Tom Dooley is one of my favorite people. He has been competing and involved in Pylon since the beginning. He always lends a helping hand at many contests. Thank you my friend Tom Dooley!
Gerald Meux Sr. Came all the way from Colorado to watch his Son Gerald Meux Jr. run this contest. Gerald Jr. did a fantastic job organizing and running this contest.
Two of the three ladies who prepared and cooked for us over three days. The food was very yummy! Thank you from everybody!
Jimmy Allen. First Place. Bill Blake was the CD, he presented the awards and did a super job running this contest. Thank you Mr. Blake!
Matias Salar. Second Place and Fast Time
Dan Kane and Bob Smith inducting Larry Leonard into the NMPRA Hall of Fame. Larry and Bob have been friends since the beginning of Pylon and Larry is the man who got Bob Smith into his first Pylon Race. Congratulations Larry!
An emotional Bob Smith telling us about everything that Larry did for him as well as everything that Larry did for the Pylon community.
Larry Leonard and Bob Smith. First Class human beings with a friendship that has lasted over sixty years.