Glen Van Sant ready to launch his Formula 40 plane while his Son James is all set to fly it for him.
By John Moll
On day 3 of the Control Line Speed Nats, we flew Formula 40 Speed, 21 Profile Proto Speed, and Fox 35 Stunt Speed. There were a total of four flyers in 21 Proto, three entered Formula 40, and 11 flew Fox 35 Speed. All three of these events are a standing start event. Each plane has to accelerate up to speed, so the first one or two laps really slow the average speed down. The really fast laps start around lap three or four, until the end of the flight. All three events go a total of 14 laps.
Formula 40 uses a .40 ci-size motor. Most contestants run Nelson motors because they really develop the most power for that size motor. 21 Profile Proto Speed uses a .21 ci-size motor. Fox 35 Stunt Speed can only use a Fox 35 Stunt motor.
When Duke Fox designed the Fox 35 in the ’50s, it was never intended to be a speed motor. But back in 2014, our attendance at local speed contests was starting to fall off. So I (John Moll) came up with this event. I figured most control-line flyers had at least one plane which had that motor. So I decided to start a new event and run it like we do Perky Speed. In this event, however, we use 60-foot lines and fly 14 laps from a standing start. It was a great success. Now this event is being flown all around the country.
The motors were intended to be great stunt motors, but not at the RPM we are getting. We get upwards of 13,000 rpm. It’s a great starter event if you are looking to get involved in Control Line Speed. The motors have not been made for several years, but they can be found at swap meets, or online auctions. So give this event a try.
21 Profile Proto Speed is a good step up from Fox Speed. It is a bit faster, but you have to fly it while resting your hand in a pylon that sits in the center of the circle. Flying this way takes some getting used to, but once you can do it, you can start to go faster and faster! That’s what speed is about. Give it a try!
Formula 40 is a really much faster event. They reach speeds sometimes doing laps around 160 mph! So, a bit more flying experience will be needed here.
On Thursday, we will be flying A Speed, B Speed, and Sport Jet. Come by Site 2 and watch some speed. Ask any flyer about how to get started in flying these events. It will get a bit noisy with the jets!
21 Profile Proto Winners
Glen Van Sant - 1st place - 115.52 mph
Dave Rigotti - 2nd place - 113.85 mph
Bill Hughes - 3rd place - 106.44 mph
Formula 40 Winners
Glen Van Sant - 1st place - 153.63 mph
James Van Sant - 2nd Place - 153.31 mph
Jeff Gitchel - 3rd place - 142.64 mph
Fox 35 Stunt Speed winners
Henry Nelson - 2nd place - 107.2 mph
Dave Rigotti - 1st place - 107.2 mph
Bill Hughes - 3rd place - 104.52 mph
John Moll - Best Average speed
Glen Van Sant holding Henry Nelson’s 21 Proto so it can be fueled for another try at going faster!
Formula 40 Winners James Van Sant (L), Glen Van Sant (C), and Jeff Gitchel (R).
21 Profile Proto Speed winners Dave Rigotti (L), Glen Van Sant (C), and Bill Hughes (R).
Fox 35 Stunt Speed winners (L to R) Henry Nelson, Dave Rigotti, Bill Hughes, and John Moll.
