Colorado Aerial Rocket Circus I – April 15, 1989

competition

By Bruce Markielewski

    This was the first
model rockety contest sponsored by C.R.A.S.H., and being
a sanctioned NAR Open competition, was comprised of four
NAR “Pink Book” events. The contest was held at
Challenger Park, just north of Parker. For many
participants, this was their first contest ever. and it
was clear from the start who were the beginners and who
were the seasoned competitors.

    However, this didn’t
mean that those new to competition had no chance, as
Kevin McKinney proved by winning “A” Parachute Duration
in “C” Division with a couple of fine flights. Kevin
Kuczek, flying as part of the “East Meets West” team,
was a close second with the best flight of the day after
a disqualified first flight. Michael Hellmund was a
close third, with the rest of us trailing in the distance.

    In the “A/B” Division,
Bryan Schmidt won easily with his first flight, with Tom
Martin in second place by almost a minute and a half.
Since this was the only event that the “A'” and “B”
Division participants entered, the overall places for the
division were also decided.
Challenger Park left Challenger park right
    In “1/2 A” Boost
Glider Duration, “East Meets West” prevailed again by a
wide margin over Michael Hellmund and Dave Nauer, who
placed second and third, respectively.

    “East Meets West” won easily in “C”
Streamer Duration with a single flight of over three
minutes. Dave Nauer placed second with a pair of nice
flights, and third place was captured by Kevin McKinney
with two nearly identical flights.

Loading the pad Egglofter Liftoff
    “C” Eggloft Duration
was hotly contested, as all three competitors had at
least one flight over 1-1/2 minutes. “East Meets West”
won again, followed by Michael Hellmund and Bruce
Markielewski.

    Overall, Kevin Kuczek’s “East Meets
West” ran away with the contest, which was anticipated by
many from the most experienced competitor. Following in
the distance was Michael Hellmund, the next most seasoned
competitor, with Dave Nauer and Kevin McKinney finishing
third and fourth.

    Those of us who survived their first
model rocketry contest and those who compete on a regular
basis all had a great time and are already looking
forward to the next event, expecting the competition to
be a lot closer the next time!
“1/2A” Boost Glider
Duration (WF 7)
Contestant
Div
Flight 1
Total
PP
TP
1
2
3
4
5
6
x
East Meets West
Michael Hellmund
David Nauer
Bruce Markielewski
Kevin McKinney
John Garnham
Mollie Badger
T
C
C
C
C
C
C
50
18
39
CATO
9
2
DQ
96
54
29
30
DQ
NF
NF
146
72
68
30
9
2
0
10
6
4
2
1
1
0
140
84
56
28
14
14
0
“A” Parachute
Duration (WF 3)
Contestant
Div
Flight 1
Flight 2
Total
PP
TP
1
2
3
4
5
6
x
Kevin McKinney
East Meets West
Michael Hellmund
Larry Weber
John Garnham
Mollie Badger
Bruce Markielewski
C
T
C
C
C
C
C
65
DQ
118
76
57
10
DQ
107
160
20
NF
DQ
DQ
NF
172
160
138
76
57
10
0
10
6
4
2
1
1
0
60
36
24
12
6
6
0
1
2
3
Bryan Schmidt
Tom Martin
Todd Schneider
A
B
A
102
16
19
DQ
18
DQ
102
34
19
10
6
4
60
36
24
“C” Streamer Duration (WF 5)
Contestant
Div
Flight 1
Flight 2
Total
PP
TP
1
2
3
4
5
East Meets West
David Nauer
Kevin McKinney
John Garnham
Michael Hellmund
T
C
C
C
C
193
86
39
DQ
DQ
NF
77
39
48
40
193
153
78
48
40
10
6
4
2
1
100
60
40
20
10
“C” Eggloft Duration (WF 7)
Contestant
Div
Flight 1
Flight 2
Best
PP
TP
1
2
3
East Meets West
Michael Hellmund
Bruce Markielewski
T
C
C
189
DQ
117
NF
142
87
189
142
117
10
6
4
140
84
56
Overall Standings
DIV
1/2A BG
A PD
C SD
C ELD
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
East Meets West
Michael Hellmund
David Nauer
Kevin McKinney
Bruce Markielewski
John Garnham
Larry Weber
Mollie Badger
T
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
140
84
56
14
28
14
—-
0
36
24
—-
60
0
6
12
6
100
10
60
40
—-
20
—-
—-
140
84
—-
—-
56
—-
—-
—-
416
202
116
114
84
40
12
6
1
2
3
Bryan Schmidt
Tom Martin
Todd Schneider
A
B
A
—-
—-
—-
60
36
24
—-
—-
—-
—-
—-
—-
60
36
24
Section
Points
C.R.A.S.H.
Independent
950
160