That was pretty amazing.  Here is a direct link to the youtube.
[youtube=425,350]g9fum7PDmt0[/youtube]

That certainly is something.

From what I read on the web site referred - flying on 60 foot lines (approx) and weight is in the neighborhood of 40 ounces (1.2 to 1.3 kg).

Looks like a real handful and it would pretty expensive to fly if you where burning up a speed controller each time.

If you look closely at the photos of the plane you will see a trailing wire - it looks like it is currently set up to use a RC transmitter to start and control the motor remotely. I am sure that will be eventually replaced with a stand alone timer onboard before too long.

Good quality 8s and 9s battery packs as he is using are in the $250 to $300 price range (each) and with good care you might get a season out of pack.

cheers, Graham

That's exactly the speed I estimated they would do when the event was announced.   No real challenge if you don't mind burning down a system to prove a point.

Maybe it would be more interesting if the made 'em do two or three runs with the same equipment with a set time to recharge the battery.

Sort of like Bonneville Lakesters that have to make two runs so they can't blow the engine until late in the second run.