Glenn Lang (left) and Chris Martin after a good day’s work! Chris is the 2026 EF1 National Champion.
By Tim Lampe
Now hold on a second. You mean to tell me that a virtual rookie who has been flying pylon for only a few years can come out here and win EF1 at the Nats? Well, that’s exactly what Chris Martin did this afternoon. In what I believe is his third year, Chris, a relative rookie in RC Pylon Racing, along with his teammate Glenn Lang, put it together and kept it together through seven rounds, plus a flyoff. We all know that there are elite pilots on the circuit that are certainly faster, but in head-to-head heat racing, the fastest pilot doesn’t always win. The pilot who takes advantage of a possibly favorable matrix, where he may not fly directly against aforementioned elite pilots, and flies consistently, mistake-free, and fast enough, can come out on top. Even if you’re not the fastest, it’s no small feat to be prepared, to get off the ground, to incur absolutely no cuts at all, and be fast enough each and every round – this in itself is an accomplishment no matter where you place. So doing all this, and taking first place as well is the icing on the cake.
At the end of seven rounds, it was Chris and Gino Del Ponte tied for first. To make it perfectly clear, Gino Del Ponte is one of the top two, three, or maybe four pilots in the entire world – no exaggeration, no embellishment. Gino is the real deal. So when Gino and his son Dominic, and Chris and his teammate Glenn headed to the flight line for that final flyoff to determine first place, I had my money on Gino. Nonetheless, you never know what will happen, and everyone in the pits was watching to see how this could unfold.
First off, thanks to a fantastic push from Glenn, Chris got the holeshot and came out of the first turn ahead. Okay, maybe we have something here. I think Gino started to pull ahead, but it wasn’t over yet because, well, Chris did have an entirely respectable low time today. So Gino wasn’t going to walk away with this, no matter how it went down. But then on about lap 4, Gino cut pylon 3, I believe it was, which would normally hand the win to the other pilot, but we’re talking about Gino Del Ponte here. The laps counted down and all Chris had to do was not mess up, but still fly fast enough to not get lapped. Again, not so easy when you’re going against Gino Del Ponte. Glenn and Chris held their course, kept it fast, and there was no way Gino was going to be able to lap him.
Time ran out, ten laps went by, and our 2026 EF1 National Champion is Chris Martin with caller Glenn Lang. If you root for the underdog, this is your kind of story. I feel kind of bad for making Gino the subject of Glenn and Chris’ success story, but on the other hand, Gino is a champion, has won many races and championships, and will continue to win more races and championships. But today was Glenn and Chris’ day.
We are greatly indebted to starter Rich and assistant starter Sheri for the long hours they put in every day keeping the races going.
Near to far, Gino Del Ponte, Tom Doe, and Glenn Lang give the “heave ho” to their pilot’s planes for the start.
(Near to far) Augie Haupt, Annabelle Doe, and Dan Kane give the push for their pilot’s planes.
Mitchell Haupt, Tom Doe, and Jack Kane push their pilot’s plane at the start.
Mitchell Haupt, Annabelle Doe, and Corey Paine push their pilot’s planes at the start of another round.
(L to R) Best Junior Dominic Del Ponte, 2nd Place and Fast Time Gino Del Ponte, Glenn Lange caller, 1st Place Chris Martin, 3rd Place Dan Kane, Best Senior Annabelle Doe, Jack Kane holding Best Of Show EF1 by Dan Kane.
