CMC15

Central Mass Championships

NEIL SIMPSON AND BRIAN STAS

FINISH ONE-TWO IN SPEED LIMIT SHOOTOUT

AUGUST 9, 2015 – EAST BROOKFIELD, MA – In New England the number of active speed limit flyers has dwindled these last few seasons. At this point in time we have just seven active flyers. On this contest weekend we had one out with an injury, one working and one on vacation in Europe. That left only four of us to carry the combat torch. This prompted a contest day switch from our traditional Formula GX rules to our Shootout rules which are inspired by a rule structure, from the Pacific Northwest, which is the brainchild of Gene Pape. Thank you Gene. The rules are so simple that the pitmen can judge the event. This is necessary because if you only have four guys two are flying, two are pitting and there is no one left over to judge. The contest was flown in triple elimination format. The rule structure is simple, most cuts wins, however if you land or crash, for any reason during the three minute match period you lose. If you both come down you both lose. These rules allow four guys to have a fun and competitive day of combat flying with no need for any additional people to do the judging.

Paul Kubek versus Chris Sarnowski was the first match. A mid-air where both planes came down gave both pilots an early loss. Their tough days continued when both guys lost again in rounds two and three. This left Brian Stas and Neil Simpson, who were both undefeated, to battle it out for the shootout win. In there first match Brian got an early cut and then trapped Neil down low and got two additional quick cuts. At that point Neil was basically willing to sacrifice the win to save equipment, however, with about one minute to go Brian’s engine begun to sputter and then quit. Seems someone had gauged how much fuel he needed just a little too closely. Remember, if you come down you lose. In the next match, Neil believing in fate and inspired by the belief the combat gods were smiling on him, flew much better. It was a barn burner of a match where both pilots flew extremey well Neil just getting the better of it four cuts to three. In the next match Brian got the win two cuts to one making things very interesting in the process. When their fourth match in a row started it looked like it was going to be another war with both guys twisting and turning each looking for an advantage and then the combat gods intervened, yet again, when Brians fuel bladder broke. Those combat gods can be mean. They are always willing to demonstrate that it is far better to be lucky than good.

Later, everyone ate, drank and enjoyed each other’s company at the post contest cookout at Neil and Beth’s house. The food was prepared and the festivities were hosted by the lovely Beth Brennan. No one went home hungry.

Central Mass Championships

Speed Limit Combat

4 contestants (all from MA)

Neil Simpson-East Brookfield, MA