It's a good thing the FAI went to the larger diameter (.35mm vs. .3mm) lines to slow the models down.
The current heat time record is 3:00.8 set with the .3mm lines.
If the model is doing 17/10 in traffic, the start is likely 2-3 seconds (lean over or kneel down, grab model, and one flick), with total impact of a pit stop being about 5 - 9 seconds (time difference for 10 laps with a pit stop and 10 laps without a pit stop). That points to 1/4 - 1/2 lap shutdown and landing. The mechanic probably has his hands on the model for about 3 - 5 seconds. The pilot barely has time to reset to the proper launch position once the mechanic has the model. Obviously a single flick per pit stop. A single flick costs 1/4 - 1/2 second. Each following flick is something like 1/2 - 3/4 second. Frustration sets in after about the third flick and the time for each flick seems to increase (BTW, you are already out of the race).
100 laps @ 17/10 = 170 seconds
start = 2 seconds
2 pit stops @ 8 seconds = 16 seconds
Total = 188 seconds or 3:08
That is an impressive time.
Newer tank technology allows for starting while still filling. Older tanks would allow the mechanic to start the engine but the window of how long before the mechanic released the valve or the engine shutoff again was very small. Whether the tank directly support starting while filling or the mechanic is timing the flick, timing of the flick is utmost because the pilot is going to take the model as soon as the engine starts. If the tank isn't full when the engine starts, too bad. The model is in the air.
Not only do the times reported reflect very good equipment, it represents excellent teamwork between the pilot and mechanic and an outstanding demonstration of piloting and mechanic skills. The same equipment in the hands of a lessor team can easily turn times in the 3:45 - 4:15 range.
Dave