North Texas
Pylon Racing Organization
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North TexasPylon Racing Organization |
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NTx-PRO HOME PAGEWelcome to the home of the North Texas Pylon Racing Organization (NTx-PRO). Our primary interest is to continue to promote Club-40, AMA class and EF-1 racing at clubs in the DFW area and introduce new racers to the sport. We think it would be selfish not to share all the fun ... Ever thought about trying racing but just never took the plunge? FANTASTIC! We are what just you are looking for. We are about fun and fellowship. We are not about politics or "winning at all costs". We don't have any secrets. Every one of us will help you in any way possible to make your participation a successful and enjoyable experience. You will go home at the end of the day thinking that the next race day can't come soon enough. More than one pilot has commented that this is the most fun they have had since getting involved in radio control. Try and spot anybody in this photo that has a frown on their face.
You might be thinking it is too hard? NONSENSE! These airplanes fly like they are on rails and probably better than a lot of airplanes you may have flown. Sure, they are a bit faster than a trainer but then that's what the left stick is for. With an OS 25FX up front, the finished airplane may be 1/2 lb lighter than when equipped with a 40 and this lighter wing loading makes for relatively easy landings. And, since it always seems to be windy on race days in Texas, the takeoffs and landings are easier still. Furthermore, our pilot's are of widely varying skill levels yet everybody has a good chance of getting a spot on the winner's podium. This is because our event has a couple "features" that tend to level the playing field. First off, the equipment to be used is restricted which precludes any one competitor from "buying his way in". No one racer has a significant advantage over the other. Sure, there are things you can do to squeeze out a couple extra MPH but by in large it is piloting ability and consistency that will be the difference. Flying the course is not the big challenge and any sport pilot has the abilities to do so easily. However, to "go fast and turn left" for 10 laps with 3 other airplanes in the same airspace and stay on the course while turning tight to the pylons is more challenging than you might think. This is the differentiator. It's not the size of your wallet! The other thing we do that tends to give everybody a chance is that we run a 2-pole course. There are judges in line with each pylon but they don't help the pilots with their turns. Instead, the pilots caller's, who are located right behind them, have to try to judge that the distance has been made for the turn while looking towards the pylon at about 45 degrees. This can tend to make pilots be just a bit more conservative and can also lead to some unexpected cuts that can really shake up the finish. If you are ready for a bit more speed or electrics are your passion, then Electric Formula 1 (EF-1) is for you. This class was conceived by Texas modeler Jerry Small. Jerry worked with Horizon Hobbies to develop an EF-1 legal ARF kit. They are now in production and available at a very reasonable cost. Depending on the motor and battery combination, the airplane can be flown for sport or at 100mph for some very fast and exciting pylon racing. For further information on NTx-PRO or Q-25 racing contact Jim Pope, Darrell Barabash or Verne "Sarge" Bell. For comments or information about this website contact our webmaster Darrell Barabash |
