Event

When it comes to the Nats, you always want to be prepared for severe weather. The weather on Saturday, July 11, was no exception. We had almost completed round 2 of flying when a large thunderstorm came through the area and dumped a large amount of rain. Everything was soaked.

Muncie had the last word on Saturday. The contest was in the middle of the first round of the morning when a large storm rolled over the site and simply took the day away.

Now that the 100th NATS has wrapped up, it is time to put down some final thoughts. During the days of competition, the weather was pretty good all week… a rarity.

The second day of the Nats began with the Unlimited Catapult-Launch Glider (CLG) and F1N events. Paul Polischuk established an F1N Junior record with 16.4 and 16.3, for a combined total of 32.7 seconds.

We got a slow start this morning with the static judging, but eventually got all of the models judged. The Sport, Profile, Team, 1/2A, and Authentic scale classes were done the same way we have done it in the past, where the judges were given a binder with information about the full-size aircraft that was copied.

The Indoor Free Flight (FF) events of the 100th AMA Nats will be contested at the Reimagine Recreation sports complex in Pontiac. Michigan.

By Bob Mears

Today was Crazy-Fast, Fast Combat. It is only for the ballsy. First place went to Bill Maywald, Chuck Rudner took second and Neil Simpson was third. These guys had some amazing matches! This was the last combat event at the Nats. We will see everyone next year.

Speed Limit Combat started Tuesday. We had really nice weather. It was great to fly in.

There are multiple angles from which to approach this final issue of NatsNews for the 2026 AMA RC Pylon Racing National Championships. I wish there was a way to convey the intensity, nerve, skill and aggression on display during the actual laps of competition – especially in the Quarter 40 class.

The unofficial Carrier events were run today. These events are usually completed by noon, so I made plans to be somewhere else later in the day. However, Murphy raised his head and said “Not today.”