This pilot is one that I have and would anyday share a thermal with. He is
an excellent racing pilot and would never put someone else in danger. He
has won more than one contest. To imply that he is some crazy unsafe wacko
is unfortunate. I would not reveal myself if I were him but would say that
I can see getting into the same situation. That IS the point
here.......with the so-called "safe" finish there are times when it is in
fact unsafe! To date I have not felt any safer with a single change that
has been made in the name of safety. I honestly think that from a pure
safety aspect the old start gate and 50' AGL finish line was safer than the
mega-gaggle cylinder starts we have now and the finishes into a circle from
varying angles. I don't argue the point that contest organization is
simpler with the cylinder however.

Casey Lenox
KC
Phoenix