Sam hosted the Big Muddy Air Race

Here is his report:
Sunday, June 5, 2011

Whew!

The 2011 Big Muddy Air Race is now in the bag!

Several entries scratched before the race, so we ran with a field of 17 aircraft for the 162 nm course. The winds were low, so most people stayed low. The flooding along the rivers was still apparent, but had gone down a lot since I scouted the route a couple of weeks ago. Just past Turn 2, I was over the Mississippi river about 800 feet and a bald eagle passed off my left wing. How's that for a good omen?

On Friday night we had an excellent time at the Pinch Penny pub, sucking down some Saluki Dunkle Dog beer, brewed by the Big Muddy Brewery - a race sponsor.

We had lots of support from Southern Illinois University, the student group Rotor & Wing Association, and all the volunteers. Thanks to everyone who came long distances to be here. I had fun, I hope you did too!

I came in second place in the Sprint class, with a speed of 210.24 mph.

You can see all the race results here: http://www.sportairrace.org/

And a bunch of photos on my Facebook album.