WBSK04

MAY 2 & 3, 2004 - MIDDLEBORO, MA 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 seasonably warm both days, spoiled only slightly by a shower or two on Sunday and a bothersome wind that created some problems on both days.

On Saturday morning the GX event got off to a fast start with Paul Kubek and Brian Stas showing the way with 830 and 725 points respectively. Glenn Simpson, Joe Fustolo, Jeff Vader and Neil Simpson were all in the hunt, as well, with identical 510 point first round scores. In the first match of round two Paul Kubek stayed hot posting a one cut win over Brian Stas. Round two also saw Joe Fustolo get past Glenn Simpson two cuts to one while Neil Simpson was earning a one cut win over Jeff Vader. Going into round three Paul had 1450 points, Joe had 1235 points and Neil had 1130 points. Glenn, Brian and Jim Carpenter were all in the 900 point plus range and well within striking distance. In the first match of round three Joe Fustolo got a two cut win over Paul Kubek in a match that was decided in its' final seconds. In the next match Brian Stas jumped into contention getting past Neil Simpson two cuts to one. Glenn Simpson used a round three airtime win over Jim Carpenter to stay in the hunt. Going into the final round Joe had 1760 points, followed by Paul with 1750 points, Brian with 1550 points, Neil with 1530 points and Glenn with 1430 points.

The last three matches of the final round would determine the trophy winners. In the first of these matches Glenn Simpson earned a three cut win over Shaylene Vader. In the semi-final match Neil Simpson got a two cut win over Paul Kubek in a match that had some good action. In the final match Joe Fustolo got a 520 point airtime win over Brian Stas, in a match that also had some good action, despite the low score. The final order of finish was Joe ( 2280pts ), Glenn ( 2260pts ), Neil ( 2255pts ), and Paul

( 1950pts ). On this day, Shaylene Vader earned the Sportsman "gold" with some strong consistent flying.

On Sunday, we were back to fly F2D Combat. As the day unfolded there were some good matches, as well as a fair share of line tangle crashes as we all make the adjustment to the tighter turning ships and the faster closing speeds. In the final match Neil Simpson got past Brian Stas in a well flown closely contested match. Matt Stas finished third taking home the final trophy spot. Thanks must go out to Mark Rudner who has turned us on to this event and patiently tutored us through the intricacies of both the equipment and the rule structure.

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

10 contestants ( 7 from MA )( 3 from NH )

20 matches ( 2 mid-airs )

(E) Joe Fustolo-Stoughton, MA