2019 IMPBA FE Nats Atl.Ga. feeler thread

[RaceMechaniX]

It looks like on average guys who race FE try and cram as many classes as they can for an event and the events are generally shorter compared to the larger nitro and gas races. Some of these classes use the same hull for both like P-cat and P-offshore, but that does not diminish the amount of work. In my humble opinion it takes the most work in between rounds to run FE compared to Nitro and Gas. Gas is usually just a matter of filling the tank and greasing a shaft every now and then. Other than the post race bickering over who jumped it's not too stressful. There also tend to be more heats for each class so back to back running is reduced. Nitro is not too different than gas you fill the tank, check the plug and bench race with your competitors over how fat your needle was and you could have squeezed her down two clicks to have a 100mph heat race boat. In FE we have to untape, pull the batteries, let them cool, charge them, install them and retape. Add back to back classes and more pit duties for your buddies and it's a pain. I also see there are generally more volunteers for Nitro and gas races who just manage the event without racing whereas most FE organizers still want to participate. It's not a ding on them, who wouldn't want to race at your own race.

I would rather skip a year or two if necessary to allow recovery between major FE races then force one every year.
I really liked the idea of the last NAMBA nats of running a super nationals with all power types. The top popular classes from each power division run. It does make for a long event, but the mix is nice.
Will this ever happen in IMPBA? I doubt it, but I would certainly be willing to assist nitro/gas organizers to make it happen.

[Doug Smock]

Actually Chris did not re-write the procedure, the 3 Nitro Nats format options (old US-1, new US-1 and heat race only) were around before him.

Right you are Don, I remember those conversations too.lol
Chris re-wrote the procedure to include all power sources. It went out to membership vote Dec.2017. FE had this format that you'd read and say WHAT!?!?!?!? Now all fuel sources have the same options available.

https://nebula.wsimg.com/b31f8dfe716011fa821c1bc4c8838c81?AccessKeyId=ACA7381D2BFC72351748&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

[don ferrette]

Right you are Don, I remember those conversations too.lol
Chris re-wrote the procedure to include all power sources. It went out to membership vote Dec.2017. FE had this format that you'd read and say WHAT!?!?!?!? Now all fuel sources have the same options available.

https://nebula.wsimg.com/b31f8dfe716...&alloworigin=1

LOL! Tell the AMB gang I said thanks for at least considering hosting the FE Nats.

[T.S.Davis]

I also see there are generally more volunteers for Nitro and gas races who just manage the event without racing whereas most FE organizers still want to participate. It's not a ding on them, who wouldn't want to race at your own race.

This is accurate. How many FE events are there to even attend? If they just volunteer and barely race they get to race at exactly zero FE only events. It's tough.

Tyler is right about the pace too. It's different. I guess it does come down to frequency. If ya know you'll only get a handful of opportunities to race FE you go completely insane when you get to. "17 classes!?!? HECK YEAH!!! Put me down for all of them!" Wears out everyone around you when you fall into this trap.

[rayzerdesigns]

It looks like on average guys who race FE try and cram as many classes as they can for an event and the events are generally shorter compared to the larger nitro and gas races. Some of these classes use the same hull for both like P-cat and P-offshore, but that does not diminish the amount of work. In my humble opinion it takes the most work in between rounds to run FE compared to Nitro and Gas. Gas is usually just a matter of filling the tank and greasing a shaft every now and then. Other than the post race bickering over who jumped it's not too stressful. There also tend to be more heats for each class so back to back running is reduced. Nitro is not too different than gas you fill the tank, check the plug and bench race with your competitors over how fat your needle was and you could have squeezed her down two clicks to have a 100mph heat race boat. In FE we have to untape, pull the batteries, let them cool, charge them, install them and retape. Add back to back classes and more pit duties for your buddies and it's a pain. I also see there are generally more volunteers for Nitro and gas races who just manage the event without racing whereas most FE organizers still want to participate. It's not a ding on them, who wouldn't want to race at your own race.

I would rather skip a year or two if necessary to allow recovery between major FE races then force one every year.
I really liked the idea of the last NAMBA nats of running a super nationals with all power types. The top popular classes from each power division run. It does make for a long event, but the mix is nice.
Will this ever happen in IMPBA? I doubt it, but I would certainly be willing to assist nitro/gas organizers to make it happen.

The last 2 nats now combined have been long.. but def fun.. 2019 in Utah should be a blast..yes miss out on a few classes.. but I run gas and fe.. and really can’t do two separate races..

[T.S.Davis]

Wouldn't this make a nice nats location? Turn one might be tough on props.

[TRUCKPULL]

Wouldn't this make a nice nats location? Turn one might be tough on props.

Lilly pads - I say what Lilly Pads. (sharpen your props)

Larry

[T.S.Davis]

Turn one is ice right now Larry.

[TRUCKPULL]

Turn one is ice right now Larry.

Sorry Terry - hard to tell in the picture - looks like real flat water - should of had snow on the lawn.

And YES that would be very hard on Props and Rudders.

Larry