If anyone is interested here are the 2007 electric A speed and B speed rules. I posted them in the electric forum also, but you might miss them because they are buried in a thread.

3. Control Line.
3.1. General Specifications. The use of gear boxes and multiple motors
is permitted. Folding props are not permitted. No electrical power may
be transmitted through the control lines. The use of radio control is
not permitted. All applicable sections of Control Line General and
Control Line Speed shall govern model and line construction and the
timing of flights. There shall be no loading requirements for Electric
Speed models.
3.2. Class A Control Line Speed
For event 606.
Any motor(s) allowed but the battery pack is limited to a maximum of 8.4
volts nominal of any battery type.
The model must successfully pass a 25G pull test prior to flight.
The flight speed will be calculated based on the ten (10) laps of the
circuit following three complete laps in the pylon.
Two (2) control lines, solid steel, shall be used and they shall be 42
feet long. Multistrand lines are not permitted. The minimum diameter of
each line shall be .012 inches.
The CD will determine whether hand launches are permitted.
3.3. Class B Control Line Speed
For event 607.
Any motor(s) allowed with the battery pack limited to a maximum of 42
volts nominal of any battery type.
The model must successfully pass a 25G pull test prior to flight.
The pair of solid steel control lines must be at least .018 inches in
diameter and not shorter than 60 feet in length. Multistrand lines are
not permitted. Maximum weight shall be 60 oz.
Flight speed will be calculated based on seven (7) laps of the circuit
following three (3) complete laps in the pylon.
The CD will determine whether hand launches are permitted.

Will, Here is my response from the electric forum.

   Since I'm toying with the idea of building a speed ship, I contacted the AMA about any future rule changes so I don't build an obsolete airplane/power system. Steve Kaluf replied with the following rules for 2007. He said the AMA web site should be updated by the 18th or 19th of January, but I guess they are a little behind.
 

   If you want some suggestions on batteries I would be glad to help. NiCd's are ancient technology in the R/C world. NiMH cells are still pretty hot and new cells are being developed about every 6months. For the best performance (see most expensive) you can use Li-Poly cells.

   For me it's a toss up between NiMH cells and Li-Poly cells. I haven't flown enough speed events to know what saving a few ounces will do for performance. Also, the fact that I would only fly the airplane a few times a year makes me want to stick with NiMH cells. At least for now......

   Thanks for the info on your power system. BTW did you get my PM?

Hey Will,
   I think you will see a performance increase by switching to NiMH cells, especially if your cells are getting old. NiMH cells will also offer a few other advantages like little to no memory, slightly higher energy density and the fact that they are still available...... I don't think 1000mah SCR NiCds are made anymore?

   To give you an idea of what is available in your weight range I will list a few.

1) GP2200 2200mah 1.62oz and measure 1.32" long x .89" dia.

2) GP2000AFHR 2000mah 1.23oz and measure 1.68" long x .66" dia

3) Elite1500A 1500mah .81oz and measure 1.13" long x .66" dia.

   I also listed them in order of performance. As a rule of thumb the larger the cell the higher the voltage will be under load. I couldn't find any specs on the 1100SCR cells so I couldn't directly compare them to the NiMH cells I listed. I would imagine the 1100mah cells you are using now, must be taking a beating (80C discharge). The voltage drop under load must be pretty high. How many cycles do you have on them? How do you feel the performance is compared to when new? 

   You can always go with what you have (batteries) and upgrade later if you are not satisfied with the changes you already made.

   

   This vendor will probably be your best bet http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/main.asp?sid=689986&pgid=loosecells. They have always had great service. I would give the Elite1500A's a shot.

   When you start talking about 60-80+ amps there really isn't any NiCd or NiMH cell on the market that will handle the current. People have honestly pushed NiMH cells of the 2600mah capacity or more to current levels of 100-200amps. At those levels they try to limit the run time to 60 seconds. It's no longer a matter of what cell will handle the current, it's what cell will survive the longest.

   I know you are working with what you have, but in the future use a lower Kv motor with more cells (smaller lighter cells) to keep the power output the same and weight the same, but the amp draw more reasonable. The only advantage to this is battery life.

   At a recent world championship pylon event the setups ranged from 7cells @200amps to 18cells@40amps. Personal preference I guess. 

   
 

John,
   Your right on about cell resistance. The NiMH cells took over the NiCd market like wildfire. NiMH cells are still some of the best for todays high amperage events. It was only in the past 6months or so that Li-poly batteries have had the capability of handling the current.

   If 100-200amps isn't enough check out Castle Creations new 300A ESC.  It will handle 20 round cells or 6S Li-Po @ 180amps constant or 300amps for short bursts!!!!!! Thats roughly 5000watts underload. 6.5HP in any speed ship would fun don't you think?