Day 2 report. Glider racing rock'n roll

Welcome back race fans to the day two report!  I’m pretty sure that my reports will get shorter as I get more tired.  Today was a good ‘ol fashioned drag race AST with too many turn points to list,  Since the short Chilhowee ridge was working, it allowed contestants to get down on the ridge for a portion of at least four of the six legs.  A working ridge combined with climbs to over 7,000 feet made for a SCREAMING good day.  Almost everyone landed with huge smiles on their faces and stories of happily chirping pilots abounded after the day was over.  

Daniel “Shazam” Sazhin pulls out the “double you” for the day with a raw speed of 116.8 KpH or 72 MpH RAW!  Remember, these are dry, older gliders folks. For an eastern day, this Moriarty guy must say it was pretty incredible.  Second on the day was Mike Westbrook, and third was Jason Arnold.  Daniel is flying an LS-4 from the early ’80’s.  It truly is incredible to see what this talented group of pilots can do with the gliders. 

I really must re-emphasize that even with the fantastic weather, the true joy of this contest is being back together with friends, talking gliders, racing gliders, and genuinely enjoying each others company.  It’s funny that you just don’t miss, or appreciate the simple things until they are gone.  Tomorrow looks to not be as strong but still fly-able.  So, until next time, I’ll see ‘ya at the airport!

-Triple Alpha