MACA

The second day of Control Line (CL) Speed had the threat of rain, but everyone still got their flights in. They even flew through lunchtime, just in case. We flew Formula 40, 21 Sport Speed, 21 Profile Proto, and Fox 35 Speed.

The normal Control Line (CL) Combat pace returned for 1/2A Combat on Monday, August 5. Electric starters are permitted, and shutoffs are not required—they're the most common cause of flame outs.

Day one of official racing was greeted by perfect weather and a perfect flying circle facility. It was a day of victories as well. For many, just completing the long and arduous travel was a victory.

Many of the competitors who had flown in the Team Trials or the F2d National Championship headed home, but their ranks were filled with new faces. Many are specialists in the event and fly nothing other than Speed Limit Combat.

After a short pilot’s meeting, the first F2d Fast Combat match started right on time. Arlene Mears was taking the day off and there was a panel of new judges on the scene. There was beautiful weather too, making another perfect day for Combat.

F2d Combat at the AMA Nationals is the most prestigious of any event flown in the USA. The winner is deemed the National Champion, and Austin Minor was destined to take the top spot. He remained undefeated until his final challenger, Andrey Nadein, gave him his first loss. Austin came back from his narrow loss and took the final match. The crowd agreed, Austin was hot!