We added 1/2A Speed and Racing to our Rouge Park Contest this May.  This was the first pass at a new lounge act.   Simple rules:

Black Widow .049, 35-foot lines, any sport plane.

Speed is 12 laps, from a running start.  Unlimited attempts, time permitting.

Racing was dependant on getting at least three successful qualifiers, which didn't happen this time.  But we won't give up.  We lost a little time due to some drizzle on our two-day contest, 1/2 A (correctly) took the hit on this weather issue.

First Place - Paul Smith, Golden Hawk, 62.8 MPH.
Second Place - John Brzys, Streaker, 60.2 MPH.

It proves out my therory, it's all in the engine.  I selected my Black Widow from several I had.  John only had one.

At 62 MPH, the difference between 40 and 74 square inches of wing area is nil.

Furthermore, with too small of a wing, the AOA goes up and the speed is actually slower.

This is not the first speed event that the Golden Hawk has won, they seem to do quite well in them. As a matter of fact it holds several trophies for speed and stunt at the Musciano contest. I feel that there are other planes in this line that could give her a run for her money.
Larry
Captain Blackhawk