April Propwash 2018 web.pub

racing. I proudly fly our NAMBA and RCU (Radio Control Unlimiteds) and UNW (Unlimiteds Northwest) colors on the cowling. I could never turn my back on the very people that have dedicated their lives to bring the sport of scale hydroplane racing to such a high level of competition, sportsmanship and fun. Everything that I now apply to what I do in the driver’s seat is a direct result of everything that I have learned, practiced, Perfected, and enjoyed while racing with the greatest RC racers of all times. I could never be as good as them. I am however, blessed to be a part of a great group of enthusiasts. There have been times in the past where I have had opportunities to drive and own a hydroplane but I didn’t fit in the capsule or my budget was too small. My last lost opportunity was when I tried to wheel a deal to buy a race ready Unlimited Light. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise to not get that race package because it was only a couple seasons later that the UL league folded. So this time there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity. Not only did I find a race ready, championship capable race boat with extras, I also fit in the capsule. So with the support of my beautiful wife, we entered the world of 5 litre inboard hydroplane racing. After a weekend of driving the APBA Inboard School Boat, we closed the deal on our new race boat and headed for the next race just a few weeks later. By the way. Don’t miss out on driving the school boat. You will love every moment and take the memory with you for the rest of your life. Maybe I will get the opportunity to do a write up on my school boat experience. To be in the driver’s seat is as much fun as being on the drivers stand. Well, maybe a little more fun than that. The best I can describe it at this point is to tell you while writing this, I am sitting in a Boeing 737, enjoying an inflight beverage on my way home from Chicago grinning from ear to ear because I just received a 3rd place APBA National High-Points Trophy. I am a 56 year old Rookie that had nothing but fun with my new racer all summer and my Rookie season has ended way beyond my imagination of how much fun hydroplane racing is from the driver’s seat! We are Fully Loaded Racing #E226. “Pin It to Win It!” “OK , , , let’s do it.” Remember that moment when you were piloting your RC plane, car or boat and things were not so perfect and it’s like being in the cockpit or driver’s seat? You know, when flying inverted, or the boat or car is coming at you and up is down and right is left but no matter what, it’s like you are in the seat and every command is precise and smooth. My RCing started when the Futaba and Airtronics boxes were heavy metal things with four channels and maybe had reverse switching. The old timers that came into our hobby shop would brag about how many U Control aircraft they could fly at one time and how their tether cars and boats would be the best in the region. We are enthused about that kind of thing because it’s our dream to be in the seat like others but for whatever the reason we can only dream and drive from the side. We think, “maybe someday.” I dream of such things too. All I ever wanted was to be part of those lucky and talented people that are on top of the world because of the fun they were having. I don’t have to be the best. I just want to have fun. Scale unlimited hydroplane racing is one of those groups that I have had the privilege of racing with. What I have been enjoying from the drivers stand, I am now feeling through the seat of my pants. APBA Inboard Hydroplane Racing. From the view inside of a capsule, I am living a dream. I haven’t given up on the wonderful world of scale unlimited hydroplane racing at all. It’s in my blood forever. It’s now my privilege to promote scale hydroplane racing through my 5 litre PROPWASH Page 6 April 2018 From the Drivers Stand To The Drivers Seat By John Reifel District 8 Scale Unlimited Model Boater “Fully Loaded” with the soon to be added NAMBA sponsor graphic. Photo courtesy of Chris Denslow