Does it really matter. I have seen guys flying around here in one class and never moving up. In the early years didn't it depend on how well you kept scoring as to what class you fly. I know of one individual that if he thinks he is going to win Intermediate he will blow a maneuvr to keep from winning.
Hi Doc,
Curiosity on my part, nothing really personal intended towards Tim.
It's just that after competing at Brodak's, myself, and Aaron having won Classic Intermediate there, the roar was deafening to the tune of "BOOT". Everyone I ever saw win an event there (below Expert) got the same treatment, and were basically told they would not be allowed to fly in that class there, anymore. I can understand that, and agree, but then I haven't had to worry about it. Aaron has, however. It has been a couple years since I have had the pleasure of being there and I guess things change.
My opinion (you can add $1.50 and buy a cup of coffee with that) is once you win a "Large" contest (and Brodak's is "LARGE", I am betting at LEAST as many participants as the NATS) you need to get booted. Win Advanced at the NATS and it is automatic, no discussion, no questions asked. You can bet the farm that once I get my first win in Advanced, I will enter Expert the next time. WHY NOT? If you are competing then the object is to get better. I have seen too many people win at their class level, repeatedly, and yet, they stay there. One "friend" actually stating he would NEVER move up, regardless. One person won Advanced at Huntersville, a couple years in a row, and was told he had to move up to fly there the next time, he didn't........ That, to me as a person who spent their working life in competition, is pretty lame, friendships do not enter the equation, IMHO. Was I highly "upset" that he didn't move up? No, just disappointed. I still consider him a "friend".
Until you get to the very top, then the only way to get better is to face better competition, and winning a LARGE competition is a good judge of the need to move up, "IF"..
If getting better isn't the goal, then why compete?
To each, his own, and what ever makes one happy is the final goal, after all...... I guess! LOL!!
Bill Little