The 2009 Love-Air IMAC Championship was a tremendous success that left pilots eager for more. With the financial backing of AeroWorks that paid for the great food and trophies, we were able to put on a first-class event at low cost to the pilots. Hats off to AeroWorks owner Rocco Mariani for his forward-thinking and all-out support of the hobby in this downturned economy.
Two things stand out about the pilots in this year's contest. 33 entries is the greatest number ever at an IMAC at Love-Air, and the greatest in many years for any IMAC event in Colorado. The second is the depth of skill in this field of competitors.
This year's event began with a new addition. Following the advice of SW Regional Director Tim Attaway, we held a short judging school to unify the thinking of judging criteria. First, we talked through the Basic figures, illustrating the standard downgrades with a stick plane. Then Mark Dennis flew the Sportsman pattern (I had to tell him to make more mistakes) while long-time judge Bert Sutton called out the deductions for all to hear. The entire clinic ran only 1/2 an hour and met with wide approval. I recommend this activity to all CDs.
The Basic class was hot from start to finish with several changes in the lead and the top three finishing just 68 points apart and all three winning rounds. Newcomer Garret Hultgren nosed out Matt Thompson and Jim Ziegler in this hard-fought battle.
Only 95 points separated the top three in Sportsman even though Dominic Grasso won most of the rounds. Mike Soilepp, 2nd place and Andrew Taylor in third were both right with him.
Intermediate was notable for the outstanding skills of young Spencer Nordquist who won every round, outdistancing 2nd place finisher Tyler Hawker and 3rd place Russel Stohr.
Advanced was another nail-biter with Nick Radle outpointing 2nd place Bill Adams and 3rd place Dan Underkofler with less than a 100 point margin. All won at least 2 rounds each and showed how the pattern should be flown.
Jason Noll, our new national IMAC champion, put on an exhibition in Unlimited with Adam Bry close on his heels. Third place, Dan Rathbun, flew well enough that few could see the difference between first and third. These fine pilots were not only a credit to IMAC for their skills but an example of sportsmanship, sharing Adam's plane and advising other competitors on how to improve.
Freestyle was won by Spencer Nordquist with Dominic Grasso 2nd, and Kim Quenette 3rd. Each wowed the crowd with daring routines.
Flying concluded by 2:30 and competitors were on the road by 3:30. I can't wait 'til next year.
Jim Brink