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Outlaw Racing made its appearance on the SAM weekend pickup racing scene as an outcome of the efforts of a small group of pure racing enthusiasts. Bob Finkbohner, Dan Hughes, and Mike Miller were the original creators of Outlaw Racing, and were soon joined by Jim Smith, who regularly devotes his efforts as Contest Director, Frequency Coordinator, and and general Outlaw Racing promoter.

The original concept has proven popular with SAM's membership since starting up in the summer of 2000. The idea was to provide a regular non-club sanctioned fun fly activity, one organized to attract other racing enthusiasts.

To attract and hold the interest of other pilots, Outlaw Racing's organizers built their activity around these factors:

an emphasis on skill, instead of raw power;
entry-level equipment costs;
an open invitation to entry-level pilots
(note: pilots must be paid club members);
use of a standard, entry-level ARF

The aircraft selected was a Model Tech P51 Mustang, with an OS-25FX engine. Jim Smith thanks R/C Country for its early support, through its willingness to commit to a special 30-plane minimum order from the manufacturer, and with only a guarantee that 10-15 planes would be initially purchased by Outlaw Racing participants. What happened soon after was encouraging: once word got around -- that Outlaw Racing is essentially stock car racing for planes -- the remainder of R/C Country's special Model Tech order quickly sold out.

Racing commences around 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month, when weather permits and when the activity would not conflict with any previously-sanctioned club events. Jim Smith serves as both CD and Frequency Coordinator, reserving frequencies to avoid conflicts.

In addition to the pilots, an enthusiastic crowd of spectators has been showing up, not only to watch the racing activity, but to enjoy the semi-regular hot lunches which have been catered by fellow members such as Mike Miller and Marty Maxfield, supported by donations for their efforts.

Outlaw Racing seems to have the right mix: racing without the normally high costs, the fun of "talking trash" to each other during racing heats, the pure enjoyment of participating and sometimes winning for nothing more than the satisfaction of competition for its own sake. The winners take home no awards, certificates, prizes, trophies, buttons, pins, or other evidence of having won. What they actually win is the opportunity to buy refreshments for everyone during the next month's competition -- if they remember. Most actually don't, but no one cares.

One of the keys to the Outlaws' success is undoubtedly their considerate interaction with other Sunday pilots who would be disappointed to find a closed field. The Outlaws work on their planes while non-competitors fly their normal weekend aircraft. Then, by mutual agreement, the weekenders all take a brief break and turn the field over to the Outlaws for a heat.

Minutes later, it's a race. All hell breaks loose as the adrenalin rush of pure competition seems to make time stand still, until the winning plane crosses the finish line. The regular weekenders enjoy the "intermission" and everyone benefits from the mix of casual and racing activity.

Come out to watch, and ask all the questions you want. If you give Jim, Bob, Dan, or Mike the opportunity to explain "the program" you might find yourself joining them on the flightline at the next Outlaw Racing Sunday. Check it out.

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