2012 Air Race Season

Kings Cup Shobdon Round 6 2012

We all congratulate Gordon Bellerby for wining The Kings Cup - 2012 - our most prestigious Cup at a wonderful weekend hosted by The Herfordshire Aero Club, at Shobdon Airfield in Herefordshire, Sat 18th & Sun19th August 2012

Splendid Shobdon started off with The Stewards Cup Qualifying event. Entries were at a season high of sixteen aircraft incorporating both air race veterans and new members alike. The Kings Cup is always well supported but we were delighted to see such a large entry and one that would have been even greater had several of our 'regulars' not have other commitments.

The Saturday Stewards Cup commenced at the usual 15.30 slot and promised to be competitive from the start with four RV's separated by only seconds from the outset. After just over 60 minute race Derrin McMaster crossed the line first in his C150 Aerobat, followed sometime later by the remainder of the field.

A time clock malfunction prevented the final results being published for almost 24 hours but eventual winner was as Gordon Bellaby in his AA5, no doubt guided to victory by regular navigator David. Second place was taken by the competitive David Moorman in his CAP10 flying in only his third ever race. Last of the podium places went to seasoned veteran Geoffrey Boot, with wife Suzie, flying their SF260.

24 hours later the weather took a turn for the worst, and the radar picture seemed to show we might not even be able to run the King's Cup Race. However after a 1 hour delay competitors once again lined up on Shodbons runway 27 for the start of the most famous race in our calendar. 4 laps and 112 miles later of the Herefordshire course, Gordon Bellaby triumphed once again. A most deserving winner. This time, there are no prices for second and third but just for the record, Martin Luton put a great performance to get 2nd place and again David Moorman showed great consistency to get 3rd.

To mark this great event in the Jubilee year all participants were rewarded with a commemorative medal to celebrate the occasion. A very kind gesture that was sponsored by two of our long term members.

A great weekend all-round so naturally our thanks to Marcus, Helen and Matt at Shodbon, together with all their colleagues who gave us a great weekend and support. Equally important, we must also thank Kevin and staff at the Talbot Hotel for tolerating our behaviour and giving us a great Saturday night.

The penultimate race weekend is less than 2 weeks away. This time its the Schneider Trophy at Sandown, Isle of Wight. Don't miss it!

Tim J Wassell
Chairman