Roger Newton Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial
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September 20-21-22
Location: Chelan Riverfront Park, Chelan, WA
Contest Director: R/CU Board
Hotels
As many of you know, the Grandview on the Lake in Chelan has undergone a management change, and thus we have not been able to secure the same hotel block as in previous years. We thank them for providing great deals for several years to R/CU racers.
Thus far, we have been able to secure a few rooms at the Midtowner (https://midtowner.com/). It is in the town of Chelan. There are a few doubles available at $96 a night, but be aware, you must act quick. Please contact them at the link above (by calling in) and use the reference code "R/C Unlimited Hydros."
Schedule
1/8th scale nitro can race in the Gold Cup and/or Norm Evans Memorial. The Gold Cup is one boat per driver. The Norm Evans Memorial is unlimited boats per driver, and you can race the same boat in each event.
1/8th scale electric and Gas Scale will race the Gold Cup only.
1/10th scale electric will race the Gold Cup, which will be a 4-heat points race.
Friday: Race setup and testing through the afternoon.
Saturday: Testing in the morning. Racing starting at noon, after a drivers' meeting.
1/8th scale nitro, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats
1/8th scale nitro, Norm Evans Memorial: 2 preliminary heats
1/8th scale electric, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats
Gas scale, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats
1/10th scale electric, Gold Cup: 2 preliminary heats
Sunday: Testing in the morning. Racing starting at 10:00 AM, after a drivers' meeting.
1/8th scale nitro, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats, followed by consolation heats and a winner-take-all final
1/8th scale nitro, Norm Evans Memorial: 2 preliminary heats, followed by consolation heats and a winner-take-all final
1/8th scale electric, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats, followed by consolation heats and a winner-take-all final
Gas scale, Gold Cup: 3 preliminary heats, followed by consolation heats and a winner-take-all final
1/10th scale electric, Gold Cup: 2 preliminary heats. No final, this will be a points race.
Previous Race Winners
Gold Cup:
Race held In Chelan Riverfront Park, Chelan, WA 2000-2011, 2013-present
Race held in Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, Ellensburg, WA 1997-1999, 2012
Race held in Elma, WA 1990-1996
Race held in Kent, WA 1976, 1979-1980, 1982-1989
Race held in Lake Waughop, Tacoma, WA 1978
Race held in Green Lake, Seattle, WA 1974-1975, 1977, 1981
-2018: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) [nitro] and Jim Brittain (1986 Mr. Pringle's) [FE]
-2017: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop U-64) [nitro] and Jeff Griffin (2015 Dalton Industries) [FE]
-2016: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) [nitro] and Rob Brackett (2011 Valken Sports) [FE]
-2015: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and Fred Stock (2008 Formulaboats.com II) [FE]
-2014: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and David Newton (2012 Spirit of Qatar) [FE}
-2013: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and Fred Olson (2008 Formulaboats.com II) [FE]
Prior to 2013, no FE class run
-2012: Dave Brandt (1999 Pico American Dream)
-2011: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)
-2010: Kirk Maupin (1975 Atlas Van Lines)
-2009: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)
-2008: David Newton (1985 Miss 7-Eleven)
-2007: Bill Brandt (1972 Notre Dame)
-2006: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2005: Lee Robertson (1993 Miss Budweiser)
-2004: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-2003: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2002: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-2001: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-2000: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire)
-1999: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)
-1998: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-1997: Jeff Snell (1984 Oh Boy! Oberto)
-1996: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1995: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-1994: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1993: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1992: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1991: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1990: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1989: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1988: Ron Erickson (1983 American Speedy Printing)
-1987: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1986: David Jensen (1982 Gilmore Special)
-1985: Gale Whitestine (Atlas Van Lines)
-1984: Bill Smiley (1980 Pay 'N Pak)
-1983: Tim Ganguth (Miss Thriftway)
-1982: David Jensen (1977 Natural Light)
-1981: Roger Newton (Miss Budweiser)
-1980: Les Ruggles (1969 Notre Dame)
-1979: Monte Steere (1977 Charlie's Girl)
-1978: Les Ruggles (Miss Supertest III)
-1977: Ron Erickson (Spirit of Dayton Walther)
-1976: Monte Steere (Slo-Mo-Shun V)
-1975: Bill Horness (Thriftway Too)
-1974: Ron Erickson (Miss Bardahl)
Norm Evans Memorial:
Race held in Chelan Riverfront Park, Chelan, WA 1993-2011, 2013-present
Race held in Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, Ellensburg, WA 2012
-2018: Kirk Maupin (1976 Miss Vernor's) [nitro] and (no FE class run)
-2017: Geoffry Grembowski (1979 Miss Circus Circus) and (no FE class run)
-2016: Joey Caines (1983 Miss Renault) and (no FE class run)
-2015: John Olson (1976 Miss Vernor's) and (no FE class run)
-2014: Lee Robertson (1985 Squire Shop) [nitro], no FE class run
-2013: Paxton Reunanen (1994 Miss Budweiser), no FE class run
Prior to 2013, no FE class run
-2012: Dave Brandt (1999 Pico American Dream)
-2011: Rob Brackett (2008 Formulaboats.com)
-2010: Kirk Maupin (1975 Atlas Van Lines)
-2009: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)
-2008: David Newton (1985 Miss 7-Eleven)
-2007: Jeff Stubbers (1983 Miss Rock)
-2006: Bill Brandt (1972 Notre Dame)
-2005: David Newton (2002 Miss Budweiser)
-2004: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-2003: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2002: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-2001: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop)
-2000: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1999: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop)
-1998: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)
-1997: Dave Blacksten (1988 Jackpot Food Mart)
-1996: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-1995: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Can Lines)
-1994: Robbie Roberts (1973 Pay 'N Pak)
-1993: Don Mock (1982 Atlas Van Lines)
Saturday photo album here
Sunday photo album here
The last weekend of the year brought R/CU's finest to the crystal clear waters of Lake Chelan to compete all weekend for a couple of races. 1/8th scale nitro competitors would have the opportunity to race for both the Roger Newton Gold Cup and the Norm Evans Memorial, while all other classes competed solely for the Roger Newton Gold Cup. The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC and Nova Rossi Marine USA would race for the final time on this weekend, andwe saw full fields in all classes to put a bow on 2019 and crown our champions.
It was a long two days of racing, but we made it to the finals early in Sunday afternoon. Special thanks to Jackie Brandt, who helped organize a lunch for the racers and families on Sunday.
Brandt, Mock, and Whyte claim the coveted Roger Newton Gold Cup in Chelan
Sunday morning boat parade
1/10th Scale Electric Roger Newton Gold Cup
1st: 1957 Miss U.S., Jim Brittain
2nd: 1962 $ Bill, Geoffry Grembowski
3rd: 1966 Miss Smirnoff, Marty Shallenberger
This class was run as a four-heat points race, and the US and $ Bill held several thrilling duals on Sunday. When the dust settled, it was Jim Brittain and the Miss U.S. that had the most points over the weekend, and thus was crowned the victor.
Gas Scale Roger Newton Gold Cup Final
1st: 1977 Atlas Van Lines, Jim Whyte
2nd: 1978 Miss Circus Circus, Mike Malloy
3rd (DNF): 1985 Coor's Light, Jeff Griffin
4th (DNS): 1967 Miss Bardahl, Monty Hopkins
5th (DNS): 1982 Gilmore Special, Dave Brandt
The Gilmore Special had won every final that Dave has competed in this year, and some wondered if he could complete the sweep in Chelan. Then, the inexplicable happened: the Gilmore broke a driveline in the middle and failed to start the heat. This meant someone would take their first ever Gold Cup in the gas class. The Circus Circus struggled with mechanical issues for most of the heat, which meant it was a two boat race between the Atlas Van Lines and the Coor's. While battling some lumps in the water, the Coor's got into the Atlas's roostertail and flipped in the left turn. That left Jim Whyte to coast to victory, taking the coveted Gold Cup and completing his first career victory in R/CU.
In true R/CU fashion, we celebrated by taking Jim for a swim. Check out the photos here.
1/8th Scale Electric Roger Newton Gold Cup Consolation
1st: 2008 Formulaboats.com U-5, Rob Brackett
2nd: 1999 Miss Madison, Henry Oord
3rd: 2015 Dalton Industries, Jeff Griffin
4th (DNF): 1982 Captran Resorts, Jason Colean
5th (DNF): 1968 Miss Bardahl, Randy Gosseen
6th (DNS): 1972 Notre Dame, Bill Brandt
With the final opportunity to make it into the championship race, this was a critical race for many. With difficult water conditions and rollers from the lake coming in, a couple of boats failed to finish. It was Rob Brackett who withstood the lumps and advanced to the final with his Formulaboats.com.
1/8th Scale Electric Roger Newton Gold Cup Final
1st: 1984 Atlas Van Lines, Don Mock
2nd: 1986 Mr. Pringle's, Jim Brittain
3rd: 2011 Graham Trucking, Bob Brackett
4th: 1983 KISW Miss Rock, Paxton Reunanen
5th: 1982 Pay'n Pak, Bob Hulliger
6th (DNF): 2008 Formulaboats.com U-5, Rob Brackett
7th (DNF): 1983 Atlas Van Lines, Rich Matkin
Don Mock took the early lead in the rough water with the Atlas, but quickly had speed on his inside with Rob Brackett, who somewhat inexplicably had been shot from a cannon and came up from the trailer spot to challenge for the lead early. However, the Formulboats entry hit a wave and stuffed, ending its chance at the victory. Meanwhile, it was a battle for second behind Mock. The KISW Miss Rock spun on the front stretch as it hit a wave, while Jim Brittain and Bob Brackett battled for all five laps. But, out front, it was the former champion, cool and collected, as Don Mock took the victory with his Atlas Van Lines.
1/8th Scale Nitro Norm Evans Memorial Consolation
1st: 1987 Eliminator, Scott Meyers
2nd: 2012 Matrix Auto Systems, Brian Anderson
3rd: 2010 Superior Racing, Jeff Griffin
4th (DNS): 1985 Miss 7-Eleven, Jim Brittain
5th (DNS): 1974 Lincoln Thrift, Dave Brandt
6th (DNS): 1968 Miss Eagle Electric, Monty Hopkins
Unfortunately, we lost three boats before the race had even begun. The Eliminator had the clear speed advantage over the two other boats, and Scott battled through the waves to advance to the final.
1/8th Scale Nitro Norm Evans Memorial Final
1st: 1972 Notre Dame, Bill Brandt
2nd: 1987 Eliminator, Scott Meyers
3rd: 1978 Miss Circus Circus, Mike Malloy
4th (DNF): 1966 Miss Bardahl, Fred Olson
5th (DNF): 1971 Country Boy, John Olson
6th (DNF): 1995 Pico American Dream, Paxton Reunanen
7th (DNF): 1976 Miss Vernors, Kirk Maupin
With the water getting increasingly rougher, this one had the look of a crazy final. We lost one favorite, the Vernors, in the left turn. Then, the Country Boy stuffed, and the Pico hit a part of the Country Boy, rendering it out as well. The Bardahl was the next to go, also spinning in the right turn. Up front, it was Bill Brandt and the Notre Dame, who was carefully picking his way through the debris. Scott Meyers came up from the trailer position with the Eliminator, and the Notre Dame actually spun at one point, before resuming. Bill held off the Eliminator, and took his third nitro victory of the year.
1/8th Scale Nitro Roger Newton Gold Cup Consolation
1st: 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski
2nd: 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jim Brittain
3rd: 1964 Miss Eagle Electric, Monty Hopkins
4th (DNF): 2012 Matrix Auto Systems, Brian Anderson
5th (DNF): 2010 Superior Racing, Jeff Griffin
6th (DSQ): 1972 Notre Dame, Bill Brandt
The Circus Circus took the early lead and Geoffry slowly navigated through the bumpy waters. In the left turn, the Matrix and Superior both died, and the Notre Dame tried to split the dead boats in an effort to make up time. The Notre Dame struck the Superior, disqualifying him from the race. That left the Circus to take the victory and advance to the final.
1/8th Scale Nitro Roger Newton Gold Cup Final
1st: 1978 Squire Shop (U-64), Dave Brandt
2nd: 1977 Miss Esquire Products, Kirk Maupin
3rd: 1971 Country Boy, John Olson
4th: 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski
5th: 1978 Miss Circus Circus, Mike Malloy
6th: 1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Fred Olson
7th (DNS): 1988 Miss Stroh's Light, Scott Meyers
This was another dual between Dave Brandt and Fred Olson, but unfortunately it was cut short. The Pak cut a buoy coming out of the left turn, and that put the Squire Shop into first place. Kirk Maupin and the Esquire had a slow start, but came back to challenge. But Dave Brandt was able to hold the inside line and hold off Kirk to take the Gold Cup. Behind him, John Olson held off the two Circus's to take the final podium spot.
Season Champions
Special congratulations to the 2019 champions:
1/10th Scale Electric Driver: Jim Brittain
1/10th Scale Electric Boat: 1957 Miss U.S. 1, Jim Brittain
Gas Scale Driver: Dave Brandt
Gas Scale Boat: 1982 Gilmore Special, Dave Brandt
1/8th Scale Electric Driver: Don Mock
1/8th Scale Electric Boat; 1984 Atlas Van Lines, Don Mock
1/8th Scale Nitro Driver: Fred Olson
1/8th Scale Nitro Boat: Fred Olson's 1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak