Formula Four-Star Racing Series

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2008 Race Dates:
May 10, Bloomington
June 21, Washington
July 19, Peoria
August 9, Pekin

Results/Standings

Pictures

Equipment:
Airframe
Engine
Fuel
Prop
Spinner
Wheels
Weight Limit

Pylon Race Course:
Length
Offset
Start/Finish Line
Flight Path

Race Rules:
Competitors/Pilots
Callers
Start Sequence
Laps
Finish Sequence

Scoring:
Pilots
Clubs

Race Officials:
Course Boss
Safety Officer
Lap Counter
Pylon Judges

Miscellaneous:
Safety
Terminology

Race Rules 

Competitors

There must be at least two pilots for an official race.  No more than four pilots will fly per heat race. Each pilot will be assigned to a Pilot’s Station and will remain at that Pilot’s Station during flying operations.

Callers

Each pilot will have a caller. The caller will assist in airplane start, release and retrieval.  In addition, the caller will assist the pilot during the race flight by announcing turns, cuts, position and safety concerns.  The caller will always station himself behind the pilot and not interfere with the general field of view.

Start Sequence

1. Competitors for each heat will have a 1 minute countdown to start engines and move the airplane to the Start/Finish line.  The Course boss will announce the “On the clock – start your engine.”

2.  The Course boss will check each airplanes position relative to the starting line.

3.  Once satisfied that all aircraft are behind the line, the Course boss will raise his flag.

4.  The Course boss will point at each pilot to confirm they are ready.

5.  After the last confirmation the Course boss will raise the other arm and then lower the starting flag to start the race. The callers will launch the aircraft upon flag drop.

Laps

1.  Beginning and ending at the start/finish line, each lap must break the plane of the Pylon Turn Line. 

2.  A race heat will consist of 10 laps. 

3.  The Lap Counter will time each contestant and track their contestant’s finish position on the course.

Note:  It is not necessary to circle the pylons, only to pass through or break the plane of the “Pylon Turn line”.

Finish Sequence

1.  When a contestant completes 10 laps they will pull the airplane vertical and orbit at a safe altitude until all aircraft have completed the heat. It is acceptable to fly a safety lap prior to pulling off the race course.

2.  The Course boss will indicate heat finish with a flag wave per contestant crossing the finish line. Timing of the contestant will end once the finish line is crossed as determined by the lap counter. The Course boss will clear the course upon last contestant finish.

3.  Contestants will land their airplanes as quickly, and safely as possible.

4.  Landings will be conducted in the Dead Zone. Callers will remain with their pilots through completion of the landing maneuver.