First let me say that this is my first posting to this forum and I hope I placed it in the correct spot.
The article on the Golden State Stunt Championship in Stunt News was truly outstanding! Great job Brian!! You captured everything with pictures and words for those who missed a fantastic event and brought back the "feeling" of what it was like for those who attended, like the moment when Brett Buck's score was posted.
Back in the late 60's and early 70's I used to compete in control-line events as a member of the Stockton Air Devils and later Escadrille Model Airplane Club in Lodi. Some may recall the annual contest we had in Stockton back in those days at the old Delta College campus.
Anyway, to keep a long story short, I believe it was back in September 2014 that somewhere I heard/read about the GSSC in Madera. So in October 2014 I decided to make the 100 mile trip down to Madera and check it out as a spectator. It had been some +40 years when I attended my last contest. Boy was that trip worth it! Instantly my mind was taken back to those great days as a teenager and competitive flying. I could only watch the Sunday morning flights and had to leave to get back to Stockton for an appointment at 3:00. The last flight I saw was Dave Fitzgerald's. All I can say is WOW!
After GSSC, I sent Dave an email letting him know that I attended the GSSC and was very impressed with everything, his plane, his flight and the entire event. I wanted to know the results and he replied back with the results along with the link to Stunthanger.com for additional information. But what stuck in my mind from Dave's email was this comment, "Next time bring a plane and fly!" So for 2015 it was my goal to "bring a plane and fly" at the GSSC. And I did.
However, to do this required a lot of help and assistance from "strangers" that gave of themselves that I've come to know. Thanks to Dave for telling me to "bring a plane and fly", but also thanks to Lanny Shorts, Brett Buck, Shawn Lenci and Pete Cunha, just to name just a few. Without your assistance I would have never made it. Again, thank you.
But a big "Thank You" must go to Brian Massey and this "crew" who have made the GSSC a first class event. Next time, may I suggest that you go easy on the wind? A little is good, too much is crazy!
I look forward to this years event. If you haven't put the GSSC in your plans and are thinking about it, do what Dave told me, "Bring a plane and fly"!
Attached is a picture of "Circulas" that I flew at last years GSSC.