Russell wins Align MR25 2016 Cup on 18th September. We all have a passion for flying and getting the shot, however our pilot Russell just loves to take this to the next level! Sundays competition was the 1st race held in the uk using the Align FPV racing quad copter exclusively. For the last 7-10 years Align have been the most popular radio control helicopter manufacturer with a wide range of models from the smallest indoor micro models right up to 2 metre blade diameter electric monsters capable of speeds up to 125 mph & all out 3d aerobatics. With the recent explosion in popularity of fpv racing (First Person View) Align designed the MR25. Each country with an Align distributor was asked by HQ in Taiwan to organise a race for approx 30 pilots. The winning pilots would then be awarded free flights & accommodation for a much bigger event in Taiwan with winnings of $30,000 up for grabs!! (wish Russell luck!) Sundays race held at The Midland Helicopter Club near Orton on the hill was a series of heats that had laps times electronically recorded using a sophisticated system where a transponder is fitted to each quad that is picked up via infer-red on the start finish gate. Number of laps & lap times were added together to determine final results. Track design was excellent with a mixture of tight turns, high & low gates & fast straights. Align also manufacture a new range of fpv racing gates & flags that have proven extremely popular with both newcomers & pro pilots using them for practice so the track was in fine form! Here’s what Russell had to say about preparing for the competition: “Now, I have been hitting the fpv racing scene pretty hard this year reaching the top 10 at events such as I series/Insomnia 58 (NEC), Farnborough International Air show, Weston Park Air show & British fpv championship held at Ragley hall. Coupled with all the comps & local track practice sessions, I may have had a certain advantage at the Align Cup!! Also, from flying 3d helicopters for years I have picked up fpv racing pretty quickly.” So when you have a tricky shot or location, Russell is more than qualified for the job! Huge congratulations to Russell on his victory.
