Wingbuster Spring Kick Off

NEIL SIMPSON, RICK CLARK, GLENN SIMPSON &
JEFF VADER ARE THE TOP FOUR IN FORMULA GX
“LIL SHERM” WINS SPORTSMAN

GREG WORNELL, NEIL SIMPSON & KEN HARGREAVES
TAKE THE TROPHY SPOTS IN F2D

MAY 5 & 6, 2007 - MIDDLEBORO, MA – Again, this year, the Wingbuster Spring Kick Off was a two day affair featuring Formula GX combat on Saturday and F2D combat on Sunday. The weather was warm and sunny on Saturday turning cool and cloudy on Sunday. We had a moderate to strong breeze both days that, at times, caused a problem or two. 

On Saturday morning the GX event got off to a fast start with Joe Fustolo and Rick Clark showing the way with 830 and 620 points respectively. Glenn Simpson, Neil Simpson, Dick Sherman and Paul Kubek were in the hunt, as well, with 500 plus point first round scores. In the first match of round two Rick Clark stayed hot posting a three cut to one win over Joe Fustolo. Round two also saw Glenn get past Dick and Neil get past Paul with one cut victories. In the first match of round three Rick and Glenn flew to one cut apiece draw that left both pilots very much in contention. Next, Neil Simpson earned a one cut win over Joe Fusolo. The match had action buzzer to buzzer. Going into the final round Rick had 1960 points, followed by Neil with 1750 points, Glenn with 1640 and Joe with 1530. 

The last two matches of the final round would determine the trophy winners. In the first of these matches Glenn earned a one cut victory over Joe.  In the final match Neil Simpson got a big cut just past the halfway point, Rick then chased him like a cornered rabbit, however, Neil made it hold up to earn the contest win. Neil accumulated 2370 points while Rick and Glenn ended up tied for second, with 2260 points apiece. They decided the issue, via a coin flip with Rick getting the nod. Jeff Vader edged out Joe for fourth posting an 1835 point total. Young Richard Sherman took home the Sportsman “gold” accumulating 1300 points in route to his win.

On Sunday, we were back to fly F2D Combat. Seven contestants were on hand. As the day unfolded there were very few good matches, as many of us were showing signs of rust, from the long winter layoff. Mark Rudner, who was certainly, the class of the field flew very well and, while there were some other good moments for some of us, it was by and large an ugly day with very few airplanes being landed. Greg Wornell took home the gold followed by Neil Simpson and Ken Hargreaves

Thank You to Rick Clark who cd’ed this contest and did a lot of work behind the scenes to bring it to fruition. Thank You to the Wingbuster Model Airplane Club for the use of their great facility.

Wingbuster Spring Kick Off
Formula GX Combat
9 contestants ( 8 from MA )( 1 from NH )
18 matches ( 3 mid-airs )

(E) Neil Simpson-E.Brookfield, MA2370pts
(A) Rick Clark-Hingham, MA         2260pts     * won coin flip
(E) Glenn Simpson-Worcester, MA      2260pts
(A) Jeff Vader-Franklin, NH           1835pts
(E) Joe Fustolo-Stoughton, MA     1830pts
(A) Paul Kubek-Brockton, MA       1740pts
(E) Dick Sherman-Andover, MA     1520pts
(A) Joey Fustolo-Taunton, MA       1425pts
(S) Lil Sherm-Andover, Ma            1300pts

F2D Combat
7 contestants ( 6 from MA ) ( 1 from NH )
13 matches

1. Greg Wornell-Wellesley, MA    5 wins / 1 loss
2. Neil Simpson-E.Brookfieild, MA3 wins / 2 losses
3. Ken Hargreaves-Worcester, MA3 wins / 2 losses
4. Mark Rudner-Cambridge, MA    2 wins / 2 losses
5. Jeff Vader-Franklin, NH             0 wins / 2 losses
6. Rick Clark, Hingham, MA         0 wins / 2 losses
7. Brian Stas, Kingston, MA         0 wins / 2 losses

The GX trophy winners were Neil Simpson (1st), Rick Clark (2nd), Glenn Simpson (3rd),
Jeff Vader (4th) and Richard Sherman (1st Sportsman)
The F2D trophy winners were Greg Wornell (1st), Neil Simpson (2nd) and Ken Hargreaves (3rd)
The Wingbuster Field must be what "Combat Heaven" is like
Photos below coutesy of Jeff Vader