The F3J hand tow decade of Soar-J events featured the names of four guys and one gal and were renown for the 15 minute fly off finals. Robbie Cutler [Derek Perks aerie]took the first event very closely from fellow Natalian Dave [2m Easy Bird & Bird of Time], the only two pilots to max the fly offs that year. Rob was probably the most gifted of our Kzn F3J thermal pilots, a shame not to make it to a worlds.
The second year belonged to the amazing Michelle Goodrum, still the only lass to compete in both F3J and F3B world championships.
Dave had to wait to year three to step on to the top of the podium.
Then it was the turn of serial world champ attendees Craig Goodrum and Chris Adrian. I happened to call for Chris in one of his winning fly off and such was the intensity that he confessed he could feel his heart beating ;-)
F3J worlds trials meant much travel across Kzn and the Highveld, with one memorable event at Bloemfontein. A lot of results and stories have escaped to the ether.....
One hell of adventure and it would be nice to maybe see it reinvented in F5J form.
These are just bits copied off the defunct web site, no fancy cell cameras in those days:
Background:
My friend Robbie Cutler took the gold badge at the magical first Soar-J in 1995, made even more memorable by the Saturday late afternoon retiring of the mob to the club house for the rugby world cup and a celebratory thrash, culminating in a few "pit stops" for him on the trip home! Karkloof is renown for its huge manicured fields, friendly club facilities and stunning weather. The locals have been well supported by the Highveld chaps, with John Lightfoot also bringing a Cape flavour to the Noodsberg event in 1996.
The second year belonged to the amazing Michelle Goodrum, still the only lass to compete in both F3J and F3B world championships.
Dave had to wait to year three to step on to the top of the podium.
Then it was the turn of serial world champ attendees Craig Goodrum and Chris Adrian. I happened to call for Chris in one of his winning fly off and such was the intensity that he confessed he could feel his heart beating ;-)
F3J worlds trials meant much travel across Kzn and the Highveld, with one memorable event at Bloemfontein. A lot of results and stories have escaped to the ether.....
One hell of adventure and it would be nice to maybe see it reinvented in F5J form.
These are just bits copied off the defunct web site, no fancy cell cameras in those days:
Background:
My friend Robbie Cutler took the gold badge at the magical first Soar-J in 1995, made even more memorable by the Saturday late afternoon retiring of the mob to the club house for the rugby world cup and a celebratory thrash, culminating in a few "pit stops" for him on the trip home! Karkloof is renown for its huge manicured fields, friendly club facilities and stunning weather. The locals have been well supported by the Highveld chaps, with John Lightfoot also bringing a Cape flavour to the Noodsberg event in 1996.
Past Soar-J Winners:
1995 - Rob Cutler
1996 - Michelle Goodrum
1997 - Dave Greer
1998 - Craig Goodrum
1999 - Chris Adrian
2000 - Craig Goodrum
2001 - Dave Greer
2002 - Chris Adrian
2003 - Craig Goodrum
2004 - Craig Goodrum (F3J) & Simon Nelson (E Winch)
(Dion Liebenberg won all F5J events during this period)
Some web site pics of the mob
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| The Pure F3J aspect expanded to other contest forms to give more podiums. This from Soar-J 2003 being Johan de Lange, Chris Adrian, Michelle Goodrum, Craig Goodrum, Ian, Dion Liebenberg, Don Slatter, Pete Lonsdale, Fred Witstock and Adrian Baker. |
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| The mob in front of the American muscle cars caravan - a solid supporter. |
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| The year we hosted the late John Lightfoot from the Cape - at Noodsberg. |
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| The late Gary Armstrong chopped his ear whilst towing Chris Adrian, who calmly stretched his tow line and launched bungee style. |
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| Anton Coetzee rushing for a relaunch, so much part of the F3J contests. |
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| Drew Kennedy? ;-) |
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