Grossroots

Model Airplane News, Sep 2000 by Luvara, Michael

SILVER STATE UNLIMITED IN JEAN, NV

In their workshops and garages, these modelers worked on building the perfect air racing machines. This past April, after countless hours spent constructing these extravagant models, they were put to the test as 62 of the fastest giantscale RC aircraft in the world competed in the Silver State Unlimited in Jean, NV. Teams traveled from across the country to compete at the World Championship Air Races (WCAR), hoping to take home a cut of the prize money and fame.

Following the guidelines of the Reno Air Races, the field of competitors was divided into six racing classes: Biplane, Formula 1, Experimental, Unlimited, Thompson and AT-6. The Unlimited and Experimental planes were blisteringly fast on the straightaway at more than 220mph, while the AT-6s and Thompsons were clocked at closer to 140mph.

The race began with mandatory tech inspection of the competitors' models. Racing was slated to begin on Thursday afternoon but was delayed until Saturday because of poor weather and 50mph wind gusts. Nevertheless, race promoter Archie Snider and his dedicated race crew managed to complete five rounds of racing plus the trophy races in two daysa testament to how smoothly the event was run.

When the dust settled after the trophy rounds, the victors were awarded with trophies and a portion of the purse. The pilots who competed in Jean accumulated points that count toward the World Championships, and races in Ohio and Texas during the summer will also help to determine who will be the series winners at the end of the year. The racing is close in all of the classes-especially Formula 1, in which the top competitors were separated by mere seconds. The overall champions will not be known until the last lap of the last race in the fall.

SPONSORS

A3 Performance Engines

Aerosport

Airtronics

Bob Smith Industries