Jerry Budd posing with his gorgeous Aurora.
By Jessy Symmes
Pilots got all of their rounds in today with no weather delays, and the schedule held from start to finish. With preliminary flying complete, each pilot dropped their lowest-round score. That drop matters more than it sounds. One bad round in wind does not have to define a pilot’s week, and it tightens the field, because pilots who were flying consistently see less separation from the ones who were flying brilliantly on their best day.
In Sportsman, Samuel Woodard has taken over the top spot at 2994.77, with Kasey Johnson right behind at 2974.15, and John Schmehl third at 2706.43. Woodard and Johnson have traded round wins all week, and 20 points separates them.
Intermediate belongs to Timothy Taylor at 3000. Eric Uptagrafft moved into second at 2745.50 on the strength of a round-four win, with Ron McGrath third at 2722.53.
Lonnie Martin holds 3000 in Advanced. Oscar Cespedes sits second at 2933.88 and Evan Krause is third at 2896.39 after posting a 999.05 in round four.
Gordon Hyde leads Masters at 3000, followed by David Lockhart at 2949.38 and Chuck Edwards at 2884.88.
In F3A, Andrew Jesky leads at 2988.04 over Jason Shulman at 2962.15. Albert Glenn climbed to third at 2900, edging Peter Collinson at 2892.96. It is worth noting that Jesky’s dropped round was a 987.18, a score most pilots never posted at all.
Wednesday evening gave everyone a chance to step away from the flight line. A large portion of the group gathered at Elm Street Brewing Company for dinner, drinks, and entertainment. If you are in town and you have not been to Elm Street, it is a must.
There is also a raffle running at this year’s Nats, and Contest Director Don Ramsey wants to make sure people know about it.
“There are still tickets available for the raffle at the Nats this year,” Ramsey said. “The tickets are $125 for a chance to win a Balance Bipe from Bryan Hebert and the prize includes a motor and stand for that model. Only 100 tickets will be sold so buy a few, support the Nats and NSRCA, and maybe come away with a very expensive setup. You don’t have to be there to win.”
Anyone not on site who wants in can contact NSRCA President Monroe Michaelis. The winner will be drawn at Friday’s banquet.
