Race Results

Dear Friends, Family and Fans,
Many of you have been patiently awaiting the results of the race. We have been on the go since the night of the banquet. After the banquet, we went back to Dr. Mike's to pack and leave early the next morning. In Kentucky, where we are presently waiting the fog to lift, the wireless in our hotel was not working. Therefore, we are posting this last. Our apologies.
This year's race was to be different - all planes, regardless of modifications could be raced because each and every plane would run a similar timing run in similar conditions which in turn would be run through a "proprietary program" to decide handicaps. The intention was a fair playing field for all. However, human interaction and intimidation became an issue.
When Anne Marie ran the timing run in Ft. Myer's, after the first 2 of 4 legs at full throttle, the timer, who also happened to be a race official (judge), expressed her discomfort with the CHT readings and the 100 rpm's over red line. So Anne Marie pulled back slightly, still over red line, because of the official's suggestion and discomfort. The timer/judge informed Anne Marie to contact another race official, who thought the engine may have an overheating problem. However, a handicap was given to us of 139.75 kts
At the terminus, we were excited that we received a phone call that the "Tiger" was to be inspected. Being called for inspection means that your team is in the the top twelve. However, there was a caveat. We needed to re-run the timing run in Frederick - a different place with different conditions.
Out to the Frederick airport Anne Marie went to re-run the handicap timing run at full throttle. Once again, she went past red line and left it there the entire timing run, leaving her hand off the throttle, which was locked in, thus suggesting that she was not moving the throttle. The timer on this particular run also commented on the high temperatures and over red line.
Later that day, we were to meet with the official timer to go over our leg times and any penalties. It was finally on our fourth attempt that he was finally prepared for us. (We later found out that 4 or 5 teams had to be re-run and handicaps discussed with the judges, therefore delaying the timer's results.) The timer informed us that neither of our timing runs would be acceptable and it would be up to the judges to determine the final handicap. He suggested that we request permission from the judges to re-run the handicap timing run for the 3rd time. We did ask permission of the judges and were denied. The timer did inform us that our numbers were EXTREMELY good and we had absolutely NO penalties - A CLEAN RACE!
To put things into perspective, a collegiate team was asked to re-run their handicap timing run in Frederick after they had already run on in Ft. Myers. Their handicap was increased by 6 kts. One does wonder how one can fly an entire race with an ever changing handicap???
The ultimatum presented to us by the judges was to either be disqualified (DQ), switch to the Non-Competition Class, or take a 15 kt. penalty derived by the judges. We opted for the penalty as we DID come all this way to race. We knew we raced a great race and a good, clean, fair, fun and safe race! In retrospect, Anne Marie realizes and takes full responsibility for cowtowing to the first judge's concerns and should have never pulled back......Live and learn.
So Friends, Family and Fans, that's how the 3rd place team finishes 42nd. We realize that this year was the first year of the new process and we appear to have been the handicap guinea pigs. In addition to the handicaps, there were also other penalties assessed and adjusted at the judges' discretion that many racers felt unfair - specifically monetary fines. Note to future racers - bring excess cash or, better yet, bring a checkbook because it is tax deductible!
THANK YOU to all of our sponsors! We made you proud! Special thanks to all the friends and family who took care of us on our journey to and from the race - especially in Gaithersburg. Dr. Mike not only hosted us but also hosted racing team #12 - Marie and Susan Carastro. THANK YOU Sauri Family for your WONDERFUL hospitality, your open bar and for chauffering us around town!!!
We are on our way home safely and avoiding weather. We will be home as soon as we can.

Thank you!
Julieann and Anne Marie