Planning for 2020 and Potential change for Regional Finals

[Brad Davy]

For those of you that might have missed the discussion at Black Dirt, its not clear that we will be able to have the Regional Finals at the end of September there in 2020. There are a number of reasons that I won't elaborate on, but needless to say, I would like to start discussing alternatives. It seems like a long way off, but in reality, its essential for the rest of the 2020 planning.

One option I would like to hear feedback on would be rotating the regional finals to different parts of the region. I know that Pegasus RC in Hagerstown would LOVE to host the regional finals, and the more temperate weather would allow us to push it even further out (possibly October). That would also open up more time in the calendar to hold other regional contests. We could do the regionals in the south one year, and the north the next year.

Another option will take a little more leg work from all of us to identify a more centrally located field that will be IMAC friendly. That option would probably require us to continue ending the points season in September.

I'm open to other options, but I need to hear from you, the pilots.

Brad Davy
NERD

[Dave Dupre]

I'm open for anywhere. I'm just hoping I will be able to practice with the new rules.

Dave

[Ty Lyman]

Not sure if I count, but I'm all for a new location. I mentioned this idea to Tom Dicuirci at Lums Pond this summer, he was interested, so that may also be an option.

[Earle Andrews]

Pegasus or Lums would be good venues for 2020. Both allow for rollers. Motels are more convenient for folks at Pegasus. Would love to see 2 contests at both locations.

[Brad Davy]

Gentlemen - If you want to discuss other topics - start them in new threads. I need to keep this thread on topic about the 2020 Regional Finals location. Off topic posts will be removed.

Brad

[Earle Andrews]

Good point Brad.

[Terry Pellerin]

My first choice would be Pegasus.

[Steve Stanton]

Anything new on this? Seems like Pegasus has more room. They also have bidirectional runways.

[Brad Davy]

I'm still waiting to hear from the northern reaches.

Brad

[Earle Andrews]

Unless someone comes up with a more northern location I think Pegasus would work well. Lots of room, for rollers, RVs and pit area. Convenient motels, etc.

If we also have our traditional season opener there, it would bookend the whole season.

[Skip Messick]

is Black Dirt out of the picture?

[Earle Andrews]

Skip....we've been discussing trying some other venues to put in the mix for the finals. Move it around year to year if we can. Black Dirt is one that will stay in the mix, but for 2020 Pegasus looks promising.

[Skip Messick]

understand but if the northern competitors don't bye in its just another contest in the south so I questioning the availability of the most central venue (in the states).

[Brad Davy]

There are a variety of factors, the most significant of which is that Terry Pellerin won't be available to CD the Black Dirt Contest, and Tony Bonanno doesn't want to do it anymore. I think he's spending all his time flying Jets in Florida. BD Squadron doesn't want a CD from outside the club. Also, the neighbor issues at BD are creating problems for the club. So we find ourselves searching for options.

I'm not making a decision yet because I'm concerned about it just being "another southern contest." Unfortunately, our brethren to the north are silent. I need them to speak up or step up.

Brad

[Dave Dupre]

I'm still game to try and make it from Boston, but I could see losing quite a few from up my area due to the 500+ mile drive to Pegasus. Skip is one of the few that regularly makes the trek all the way up here, but I don't see any far north folks making it down to Maryland on this year's score lists.

I'm still pretty new to IMAC so I haven't been to all the sites yet. The ones I have been to seem a lot lighter on space for multiple flight lines than Black Dirt. I'm glad I was able to make it to one NE Regional at Black Dirt anyway. It was great to have so many pilots.