New England Championships

BRIAN STAS, NEIL SIMPSON,
JOE FUSTOLO & DICK SHERMAN
ARE THE TOP FOUR
SHAYLENE VADER IS THE SPORTSMAN WINNER

SEPTEMBER 4, 2006-WORCESTER, MA -This year’s New England Championships attracted ten pilots for the seventeenth annual running of this very successful Formula GX happening. The location was Boynton Park in Worcester, Massachusetts. The weather, after a rainout Sunday, was near perfect, on Monday, except for a strong breeze that was pesky at times.

Jeff Vader got off to the best start posting a three cut win. Brian Stas, Paul Kubek and Neil Simpson were close each posting two cut wins. In round two Jeff and Brian flew to a one cut apiece draw while Neil got a three cut win over Paul to take over the contest lead. Joe Fustolo and Shaylene Vader each used good round two wins to move into contention. Round three started with Jeff and Neil mid-airing early in their match to sink back towards the field. Brian got a three cut win over Shay while Joe got a two cut win over Paul to take over first and second place at the three quarter point.  Dick Sherman took over third with a three cut round three win while Neil and Jeff were clinging to fourth and fifth. Going into the final round it was Brian (2065pts), Joe (1855pts), Dick (1850pts), Neil (1650pts) and Jeff (1440pts). The final two flights of the contest would prove meaningful. In the first of these Neil Simpson got a two cut win over Dick Sherman to put pressure on the leaders. In the final Joe faced off against Brian. Joe got a cut early but Brian came back with a cut of his own to get a draw in the match and the contest win in the process. When it all shook out the top four were Brian (2575pts), Neil (2380pts), Joe (2365pts) and Dick (2250pts). Shaylene Vader took home the Sportsman “gold” finishing with 1730 points.                        

The top four flyers plus the sportsman winner received beautiful awards. Every competitor received a T-shirt to commemorate their participation in this annual GX happening. In addition, every pilot also received a raffle prize which included a OS Max engine, ready to fly airplanes, fuel, props, GRW tanks and T-Shirts. GRW Model Products, J&J Sales, The Corehouse, Hog Heaven Hobbies and the Connecticut Ringer Model Airplane Club all made serious cash or merchandise contributions. Thank You to all these great sponsors from all of us. A special thank you to Ken Hargreaves who donated a beautiful brand new GX foamy as a raffle prize.

New England Championships
Formula GX Combat
10 contestants ( 8 from MA) (2 from NH)
20 matches - 2 mid-airs

(A)Brian Stas-Kingston, MA2575pts
(E)Neil Simpson-E.Brookfield, MA      2380pts
(E)Joe Fustolo-Stoughton, MA    2365pts
(E)Dick Sherman-Andover, MA   2250pts
(A)Ken Hargreaves-Worcester, MA     2040pts
(A)Paul Kubek-Brockton, MA     1945pts
(A)Jeff Vader-Franklin, NH  1840pts
(E)Glenn Simpson-Worcester, MA     1820pts
(S)Shaylene Vader-Franklin, NH 1730pts
(S) “Lil-Sherm”-Andover, MA       1505pts

The trophy winners were Brian Stas (1st), Neil Simpson (2nd), Joe Fustolo (3rd), Dick Sherman (4th) and Shay Vader (1st-sportsman)
Photos courtesy of Jeff Vader
Joe Fustolo and Paul Kubek
"Lil Sherm and Ken Hargreaves
Joe Fustolo and Dick Sherman
"Lil Sherm" and Paul Kubek
Brian Stas, Paul Kubek and Ken Hargreaves
Jeff Vader
Brian Stas and Shay Vader
Jeff Vader and Brian Stas
Hold It !  I need to take this call
Kirk Hargreaves
Dick Sherman and Glenn Simpson
Jeff Vader and Ken Hargreaves
Neil and Ken in a "Battle Royal"
Brian and Dick are set to pit for Shay