Well the season finale in Hagerstown, MD is a wrap. The water was low and weeds were a a bit of a problem but we worked through it and the weather was nice. So a good time was had by all.
I ran the JAE, my Woodstuff tunnel and my gas Sniper. John ran his Mean Machine in novice and Dick Loeb brought his FE Woodstuff as well. I had some radio gremlins all weekend. I think it had something to do with the transmitter antenna I replaced on my Futaba 3pm. I had glitching with all my boats if I wasnt on the pins at buoy 4-5.
My JAE wasnt the fastest rigger out there but I nailed every start this weekend and that was the difference. The weeds and radio issues caused two DNF's on Saturday, but I came back strong and won the last two heats. The DNF's hurt but I ended up with 2nd in hydro. I'm still sorting out the Tunnel but I'm getting closer. I finished the last heat and thats about all I'm going to say about that. Getting the setup right on the Woodstuff is a bit frustrating, but I'm having fun with it. I did pretty good with the gas boat finishing second and third on Saturday, but my driving hurt me today. I stuffed it in the third heat while overtaking another boat. I knew what I did wrong so it's all good. Another lesson learned.
Dick ran well with his tunnel I cant remember if he took first or second. Truthfully, he wasnt running it has hard as he could of. John also ran very nice heats and took his first victory ever. I was very proud. He has had a tough year with steering/reciever problems and running with gas boats in novice. I hope he learned that hard work and perseverance pays off. The icing on the cake this weekend was winning a Aeromarine $100 gift certificates during the raffle.
What a great ride it's been! Two years ago I was on the outside looking in at a district with ZERO FE's. This time last year it was just me and my son running novice. But in the last ten months we have had many firsts. We started with the acceptance of the FE rules allowing combined classes in three classes. Then we had Dick Loeb and Mike L. breaking a few SAW records with their tunnel FE's. We then ran the first heats in D12 with combined nitro/ FE classes. Lastly we had a great turnout for the Chesapeake race and ran the first ever all FE heat in the district. Many people took notice at the Chesapeake race. More than we know. They got a peak of what the future holds and admire our enthusiasm. I want to thank our mentor Doug Smock for his guidance in helping us write the FE rules and bringing some star power to the Chesapeake race. Kent (Hotwater) who was my number one cheerleader over the past year. Dick Loeb along with Mike Luszcz who took the incentive to showcase the FE's at the Chesapeake race. Our district director Don Ferette who we now have hooked on FE's like a striper on a treble hook. And lastly the guys that took the time and money to build boats and join us!!!! Chuck, Danny, Jason, it would'nt of happened without you all!!!
I hope we serve as a model and inspiration for individuals and clubs who want to race FE's in areas where it has not yet taken a foothold. My hopes for next year are to possibly allow FE's in a few more classes, have more FE participation at multiple district races and for the IMPBA leadership on a national level to be more in tune with the needs of it's FE members.
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