Looks like I may actually get to go to my first race next month.
Any advice for someone brand new?
Looking forward to flying in Montana first weekend in June.
First Race Advice?
Re: First Race Advice?
In your very first heat, try really hard to not crush the Gimbels through the transmitter. I promise you you're going to have a death grip on it! LOL. Don't be afraid to ask an experienced pylon racer for help. Most guys will go out of their way to help a newcomer. Do not become emotionally attached to your aircraft because you will definitly get your feelings hurt!
Re: First Race Advice?
Hello smsazzy.
Welcome to pylon racing! This segment of the hobby can be cruel and unforgiving, but in my opinion the highs, incremental achievements and rewarding moments offset disappointments by a factor of ten!
If you're not already partnered up with somebody, introduce yourself to the contest director and explain that you're new to this. You'll need a caller to hold and launch your plane and to count laps and coach you around the course during the race. Also good just to have someone who can introduce you to pylon racing and show you the ropes a little.
When you have time, be sure to mingle around the pits and ask questions and make friends.
Be as prepared as you can - a spare airplane is a GREAT idea in case you have technical problems with your primary plane. Then you won't be done just because of a bad servo or a leaky fuel tank (or damaged ESC or what have you).
Of course, a complete flight box with tools,glue, etc., though you can always borrow.
If you can, check with the contest director ahead of time to see if it's okay to get to the site a day early (Friday) to get in some practice laps and get your plane set up. Many pylon racers arrive a day early for this purpose so you won't be alone. This practice day is also an opportunity to find a caller and start making friends.
I don't know your level of skill now, but don't be intimidated. Many pylon racers have much time, effort and money invested and are very focused and competitive, but are equally knowledgable, approachable, encouraging and sharing, so you're in with a good group.
Tim
Welcome to pylon racing! This segment of the hobby can be cruel and unforgiving, but in my opinion the highs, incremental achievements and rewarding moments offset disappointments by a factor of ten!
If you're not already partnered up with somebody, introduce yourself to the contest director and explain that you're new to this. You'll need a caller to hold and launch your plane and to count laps and coach you around the course during the race. Also good just to have someone who can introduce you to pylon racing and show you the ropes a little.
When you have time, be sure to mingle around the pits and ask questions and make friends.
Be as prepared as you can - a spare airplane is a GREAT idea in case you have technical problems with your primary plane. Then you won't be done just because of a bad servo or a leaky fuel tank (or damaged ESC or what have you).
Of course, a complete flight box with tools,glue, etc., though you can always borrow.
If you can, check with the contest director ahead of time to see if it's okay to get to the site a day early (Friday) to get in some practice laps and get your plane set up. Many pylon racers arrive a day early for this purpose so you won't be alone. This practice day is also an opportunity to find a caller and start making friends.
I don't know your level of skill now, but don't be intimidated. Many pylon racers have much time, effort and money invested and are very focused and competitive, but are equally knowledgable, approachable, encouraging and sharing, so you're in with a good group.
Tim
Re: First Race Advice?
Practice practice practice... and just when you think your good enough, practice practice practice. And while you are practicing pay attention to the balance and trim of the plane. Ask an experienced pilot to watch it fly an make suggestions to make it fly better. If that fails, post what you don't liek about the way it flys and maybe we can help.
And I said, here am I send me.
Re: First Race Advice?
Smsazzy - Welcome! I thought I would share Dub Jett's pylon philosophy as I refer to it often. However, there is a safety in a multitude of counselors. Hope to meet you in person and see you at a race in the near future.
Best,
Jason Duda
Best,
Jason Duda
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airplanescotty
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Re: First Race Advice?
Mr. Smsazzy,,,, Welcome to our world!!!
My wife & Caller and I flew Formula 1 back in the 70's. We returned just 6 ish years ago!!! Because of the length of absence we returned as Rookies!!!! Me more than her simply because the Pylons still in same place
You will find learning Pylon is an incremental process!!!! So much there!!!! Radio, Motor's, Airframes, and all that entails!!
Like everyone has said,, make friends and ask questions!!!
The really cool fun rewarding part,, is the excitement!! For the length of the heat, there is nothing else in your head, you are 100% focused on what you're doing,, you are 100% focused on how difficult what your trying to do well,, is,,,,, and then when the heats over and you think you can relax,, you realize now you gotta land this sucker Dead Stick without breaking it ~ Holy S&%t 
The Really Really good news is,,,, There is very little else in our world of competitive pursuits that compares to Pylon!!!! After all these years , all of us really old guys continue to compete simply because we have yet to find anything that compares to Pylon!!!!
Finally,,,, We have been crashing Pylon airplanes since 1972,,, to this day,,, it continues to be some of the best Money we have ever spent!!! The only thing we worry about is,,,, am we ready for the next race,,, do we have everything????
If you make it to the Nat's,,, we will look forward to meeting you!!!
Scotty & Maureen ("M")
My wife & Caller and I flew Formula 1 back in the 70's. We returned just 6 ish years ago!!! Because of the length of absence we returned as Rookies!!!! Me more than her simply because the Pylons still in same place
You will find learning Pylon is an incremental process!!!! So much there!!!! Radio, Motor's, Airframes, and all that entails!!
Like everyone has said,, make friends and ask questions!!!
The really cool fun rewarding part,, is the excitement!! For the length of the heat, there is nothing else in your head, you are 100% focused on what you're doing,, you are 100% focused on how difficult what your trying to do well,, is,,,,, and then when the heats over and you think you can relax,, you realize now you gotta land this sucker Dead Stick without breaking it ~ Holy S&%t
The Really Really good news is,,,, There is very little else in our world of competitive pursuits that compares to Pylon!!!! After all these years , all of us really old guys continue to compete simply because we have yet to find anything that compares to Pylon!!!!
Finally,,,, We have been crashing Pylon airplanes since 1972,,, to this day,,, it continues to be some of the best Money we have ever spent!!! The only thing we worry about is,,,, am we ready for the next race,,, do we have everything????
If you make it to the Nat's,,, we will look forward to meeting you!!!
Scotty & Maureen ("M")
QTR ~ Waste Not A Moment!!!!!
Re: First Race Advice?
Thanks for the replies everyone! Great advice. I will try to make sure to keep all these suggestions whispering at me while I work my way through the first event.
My number one objective is to finish each heat. After that, we shall see what happens next. Matt Russell has graciously offered to help me get started. Much appreciated!
Looking forward to meeting people.
Thank you again! I am in the Seattle area by the way if anyone is close.
Stephen Saslow
My number one objective is to finish each heat. After that, we shall see what happens next. Matt Russell has graciously offered to help me get started. Much appreciated!
Looking forward to meeting people.
Thank you again! I am in the Seattle area by the way if anyone is close.
Stephen Saslow