I have been remiss in posting my thoughts about Paul Walker's outstanding performance at the 2013 Nats. He won this one hands down, pulling away in my humble opinion. It reminded me of his dominating 1992 performances - at both the Nats and the World Championships. Paul has set the bar significantly higher with this win, and we will all have to deliver a lot more to be competitive with him in the future. I'll take Paul's win as a wake up call and a personal challenge to do just that.

The scoring at the Nats tends to be tight in the Top- 5 Fly-Off, with very little separation. I believe that Paul won this one by a larger margin than the scores might indicate.

My most heartfelt and sincere congratulations go out to Paul for his achievement. Kudos also to the retiring Nats  Champ, Doug Moon, for his outstanding performance as well. Same goes out to Derek Barry and Kenny Stevens. The Top-5 is rarified atmosphere for a stunt flier and to perform well there can be a challenge. I must admit that all those mentioned here rose to the occasion with outstanding performances. Paul's was just in a league of its own in this respect.  

Later - Bob Hunt

Thanks Bob.
Like Derek, I also think it was my favorite top 5, for the same reasons....Plus the fact that I can still do it!

I had a great time in this years top 5.  It was about as much fun as you can have coming in second.  DANG IT!!!  He beat me by the appearance points!  He had 19 and I had 18!! 

His rig was working well and it showed he has been practicing, a ton!  I was hoping he would bring the kite instead.  Oh well, one can dream right?  I saw some different flying from Paul this past nats that I have not seen in a long time.  I remember thinking all week long how cool I thought the profile on his new plane was! 

Congratulations Paul it was so much fun fighting it out this year!!  I can't wait to do it again!!

Don't feel bad Doug, If I would learn to takeoff and to not bounce my landings I would kick all your butts. 

Derek

HAHAHAAHAHHAHAAAA!!!  True, very true!

Yeah, Derek, but while you are learning to takeoff and land, we will be learning some stuff that we are weak on as well...

Seriously, the standard to make the Top-5, the Top-10, and the Top-20 has certainly gone up. You need to be proficient at performing all the maneuvers to consistently score at or near the top these days.

Later - Bob Hunt

I expect that you guys will and I also expect that we will battle it out again next year. Cant wait...

Derek

With the right coach and practice, just might have some new names in there somewhere to shake you guys up.

Paul, congratulation again ... so you say we should afraid of you next year in Poland? :- ))) ... hm .. I think that is what are predators for 

Igor,
I will not be going to Poland next year. Now, maybe to Australia in 2016!