Just heard from Randy that Billy Werwage won the Nats. Randy said that he's won it in seven decades. From 59 to 2010!!

Very cool!!

Bruce

>Just heard from Randy that Billy Werwage won the Nats. Randy
>said that he's won it in seven decades. From 59 to 2010!!
>
>Very cool!!
>
>Bruce


1959 to 2010 is 51 years by my calculations

>>Just heard from Randy that Billy Werwage won the Nats.
>Randy
>>said that he's won it in seven decades. From 59 to
>2010!!
>>
>>Very cool!!
>>
>>Bruce
>
>
>1959 to 2010 is 51 years by my calculations

I think he means that he's won it in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's and now 2010. That would be in seven different decades. However it adds up, it's pretty awesome
Congratulations Mr. Werwage!
Dan McEntee

Type at you later

> I think he means that he's won it in the 50's, 60's, 70's,
>80's, 90's, 00's and now 2010. That would be in seven
>different decades.

Does 2010 begin or end a decade? I tend to think it ends decade #6 and a win in 2011 or later is necessary for a win in the 7th decade. Regardless it is impressive.

Carl

Carl,

So you're saying 1960 is the last year of the fifties? Ummmm is that some kind of "special" math....

You pot stirrer you...

Bruce

>Carl,
>
>So you're saying 1960 is the last year of the fifties? Ummmm
>is that some kind of "special" math....
>
>You pot stirrer you...
>
>Bruce

Yes we don't start counting with year 0 we start with 1 and the end of a decade is year 10 not year 9. Roll it forward, any decade will end with 0 not 9.

Carl

>Yes we don't start counting with year 0 we start with 1 and the end of a decade is year 10 not year 9. Roll it forward, any decade will end with 0 not 9.


H-m-m-m-m...

Carl, I'm not so sure of that. As soon as a year ending in "0" begins, a multiple of ten years have already elapsed from the start. So in 2010, we are in a new decade. The numeral tells how many years have already elapsed. All days in the year 10, for instance, are in the second decade.

SK

Serge Krauss

Congratulations Billy!!!!! Quite a comeback after not attending a Nats for 6 years!

Matt

"An adventure isn't an adventure if you know where you're going." Windy

>Just heard from Randy that Billy Werwage won the Nats. Randy
>said that he's won it in seven decades. From 59 to 2010!!
>
>Very cool!!
>
>Bruce

Like I said...Billy is still "The Man!".


Randy C

Uummm,

I don't recall Billy winning the Nats in the 00's decade?
He did win the '04 World Championship however.

Jim Pollock

Congrats to Billy.

How did the other four end up?

Gordy

Gordan Delaney

As I recall, it was Doug Moon 2nd, Matt Neumann 3rd, Richard Oliver 4th, and Kenny Stevens 5th.

One one flight, Bill's engine started without the battery. He pointed the airplane nose down to stop it, and in the process he stuck his finger in the prop. Somebody wanted to call an ambulance, but Bill reluctantly took an attempt, bandaged the finger, and flew. Then he went to the Twelfth Street for lunch.

In other medical news, Rich Giacobone reports that John d'Ottavio felt bad, so he drove himself to the VA hospital in New Jersey. He is feeling better, but his diagnosis awaits the outcome of some tests.

Howard Rush
Bellevue, WA

Yes, congratulations are in order!
Without getting "all involved", can someone please explain this
scoring procedure?
Howard posted "Top Twenty day", and I see now that the top five
places determined *that* day are the same fliers that placed
1 through 5 in the final scoring.
Are the "finals" just to determine the final placing of the
"Top Five", or did it just "work out that way"?
Do places 6 through 20 even participate in the "finals"?
I was under the impression from what Howard Rush said in that post
that the "following 20" fliers had *qualified* for the finals.
Wrong?
Thanks to whoever enlightens me!
DAT

Dennis A. Truxal

I meant semifinals. On Tuesday and Wednesday, contestants are split into four groups. Each person flies two flights before one set of judges Tuesday and two flights before another set of judges Wednesday. The top five from each group advance to the semifinals (top 20) Friday. Each top-20 flier flies one flight before one set of judges and one flight before another set of judges. Thus all 20 will have flown before the same judges. The sum of the two Friday scores determines which five guys qualify for the Saturday finals. The sixth- and seventh-place guys get to warm up the judges Saturday, after which their airplanes are immediately ejected from the pits and their cars must leave the driveway. Other than that, the 6th- through 20th-place guys don't participate in the finals.

Howard Rush
Bellevue, WA

I think the confusion regarding Billy and history is that Randy intended to make the point that Billy's Nats wins have spanned seven different decades (first win in the '50s of the 20th Century, last win in the '10s of the 21st Century.

If my memory serves he first won in 1959 and last won in 1981. I'm not certain of the years in between. I did, however witness the 59 and 81 victories. Just the fact that the same guy won again 29 years after his last win is remarkable enough...especially so given that he was probably 39 or so in 1981! The Colonel or Wynn Paul can sort out the history for us with certitude.

Ted

What plane did billy W fly this time?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Bigiron

Bigiron13

Bill was flying his P-47. And he was inducted into the AMA hall of fame tonight at the end of the banquet. He won his first Walker Cup in 1959. The repeat this year spans 51 years!
Also, Jim Aron took the Concours this year, with his 20 pointer.
Happy Landings

John Wright

The guys here say he took the razor back P-47, after again comparing to the bubble canopy version. Maybe Howard will confirm?

His haunting AM picture as a 17 year old Nats winner in 1959 is what I remembered throughout my absence from CL. I'll never forget the pristine pattern he put in oe evening here with everyone, including the Cleveland PD writer, watching - the best I've ever seen.

SK

Serge Krauss

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

"Holy Crap Batman!" I did a little math based on the previous posts; No disrespect intended, but Mr. Werwage must be 68 years old. What an example to set for the rest of us seniors. Awesome! Congratulations sir.
Norm

Circlepilot

Yes, congratulations are due to Mr. Werwage.

However, y'all know Billy doesn't have a computer let alone know what to do with one....

David Fitzgerald

He's got a Get Fiddle but I don't know how soon his wounds will heal from the CF prop so he can partake of his musical profession?


Jim Pollock

Hi All

Just to be clear Billy has, as I said , won NATS and Worlds Tiltles over a span of 7 ...seven decades
1- 50s
2-60s
3-70s
4-80s
5-90s
6-2000s
7-2010s

That's the way I count em anyway

I have a feeling he is NOT done yet!

Regards
Randy

Do we count 0 to 9 like the phone company or count 1 - 10 in the normal way? He is to be commended for staying with it for so long.
DOC Holliday

The Nats 2010 Banquet came to a close with the presentation of the Hall of Fame award to Mr. Werwage. Paul Walker did the honors. Upon accepting the award, Billy was called upon by many to say a few words. After a moment of contemplation, he said he had thought about what he would do now, (and I think I quote him correctly)...."I'm gonna' fly Stunt!"


dg

There has been many talented and gifted people flying in competition since 1950 but no one can compare to Bill Werwage. His experience and knowledge about all the facets of our event will probably never be duplicated. We have honored many winners and champions, all worthy, but there's only one "Billy". He truly is "The Man!

Les McDonald

>There has been many talented and gifted people flying in
>competition since 1950 but no one can compare to Bill Werwage.
>His experience and knowledge about all the facets of our event
>will probably never be duplicated. We have honored many
>winners and champions, all worthy, but there's only one
>"Billy". He truly is "The Man!
>
> Les McDonald


Well said Les...Well said.
Norm

Circlepilot

"Do we count 0 to 9 like the phone company or count 1 - 10 in the normal way? He is to be commended for staying with it for so long.
DOC Holliday"


Hi Doc


this is the way time (dates decades) is counted, 0 is the first year 9 is the last year
ie 1950 is the first year of the 50s decade.... 2000 is the first year of the 2000s decade ... 2010 is the first year of the 20TEENS
AND 1980 was the first year of the 80s..not the last year of the 70s

at any rate it is a amazing run!

REGARDS
RANDY

>There has been many talented and gifted people flying in
>competition since 1950 but no one can compare to Bill Werwage.
>His experience and knowledge about all the facets of our event
>will probably never be duplicated. We have honored many
>winners and champions, all worthy, but there's only one
>"Billy". He truly is "The Man!
>
> Les McDonald


And he didn't even hurl on the banquet table like he did at the 2000 World Champs. He was just about to tell the head judge what he thought of him, when it "hit" him. The judge wandered off in disgust after Billy cut loose.

Les, your story of the "Stiletto Chronicles" was very interesting. Especially the part about Billy's drinking after not winning. I too have seen much of that, and had those same "discussions" with him about not flying stunt any more and picking up FAI Speed, so he wouldn't have to cater to the judges any more. Quite the character.

I'm sorry I was never able to attend a WC with you. It was always one of my goals. I wanted to see the "Master" at work. Maybe we could get you back to judge another Nats....Or at least do the appearance judging! Wow, it sound like I am still the Nats ED....No longer the case.

Once again, thanks for your long running story. I SURELY understand what you went through, and my story is much the same...An obsession to win. Can't seem to get rid of that, as I am still planning on attending the Nats next year, and doing my best to get that Walker Cup one more time. I guess some day it will be gone, but not yet!

P Walker

I noticed that the flame died down awhile back. By this spring it was apparent that it had flared up again.

Howard Rush
Bellevue, WA

Paul, has it been that ong already? Who is your replacement? Hope who ever it is has nerves of steel and a sidpostion to match. Being evnts director or racing and carrier, the entrants, or some of them like to push a little. Thanks for your service.
DOC Holliday

Paul,
Glad you enjoyed "The Stiletto Chronicles". You have been there and can relate to the tension, agony and sometimes glory at a World Champs. The Nats are a another thing since you and David F obviously live on a different Planet than the rest of us!

Billy could be a handful at times but I wouldn't change those moments one bit. I consider myself lucky to have been there.

In my typically selfish way I'm glad you and I never were on a team together. The other guys were tough enough!
Paul, I've seen you fly many times and I truly feel your patterns are consistantly and technically the best ever. In a "Stunt Fight" I would put my money on you every time. Billy will always be my hero but my money would go with you.
I want to say something else-----Thank You for all your hard work with PAMPA and that includes the Nats. There's a special place in "Stunt Heaven" for you, and some other people, so hold your head high, you deserve it.
Les McDonald

Thanks for the kind words Les. That really means something coming from you!

I appreciate your article as it does explain what really is involved in flying to that high level. Years ago, I remember putting in ~150 flights a week, all while working for a living. That does minimize time with the family as a result. Fortunately, I have a very understanding wife who tolerated it. And there's more than just flying. Getting all the equipment ready, and keeping things in tip top shape also take time.

And then there are the head games. Not just with everyone else, but with your own fragile ego! Keeping your head on straight was important. Then trying to get a leg up on your competitors also happened.

I have 2 Bob Hunt stories in this vein. I find that I heeded to keep my mouth shut, least I encourage someone else. That I leared from Bob at the '94 Nats, which I believe you were there to see. After 2 rounds of the finals, with Bob on top, he proceeded to congratulate everyone else and say what a wonderful time he had. However, I took it differently, and found it a bit too arragont, and that supercharged me. Prior to that, i was ready to "mail one in" to get the finals over with. That changed that, and my focus was never higher. I ended up beating Bob by 1/2 point to win my 5th in a row. If Bob hadn't come overe to shake my hand, he would have had that win. That was a lesson learned for ME!

Two years earlier at the '92 World Champs, we arrived at the field for the finals and Bob and Billy took a practice flight in the morning. I just put my plane aside and Bob asked me if I wanted to practice. I said that I didn't need any more practice, and didn't want to leave on on the practice field. I was ready (and I wasn't flying in the store parking lot at 3 in the morning either). The look on Bob's face was worth it. He knew I was serious, and I proceeded to win all three rounds in the finals.

OK, enough stories for now. I have to finish a Nats report for that slave driver Bob!

Hope to see you again someday Les.

P Walker

Great stories Paul. Guess it aint braggin if you back it up. Remember standing with Mike Pratt at the practice site one and watching you fly. I looked at Mike and asked. "Is that Paul Walker"? He stated, "Yes he is just checking out an engine. Just wait until he gets in front of the judges". Thanks for all you've done and the inspiration from you and the other flyers.
DOC Holliday

Paul,
I have been thinking about your comments about Bob Hunt at the 94 Nats. I can not imagine Bob Hunt even remotely conveying arrogance.
During a contest I have seen Bobby doubt his chances, ask a million questions, even agonize over his own ability (just before winning)but never cocky or arrogant, with anyone.
I was there in 94 and watched you win with some very impressive patterns.
I was really impressed by the way you responded to coaching from Don McClave and knew then why you had been so successful. If you needed some little thing for focus and it took some comment from Hunt to get there then it's all good but I guarantee it wasn't arrogance.

Les McDonald

>If you needed some little thing for focus and it took some
>comment from Hunt to get there then it's all good but I
>guarantee it wasn't arrogance.
>
>

As time has relentlessy passed by all of us, I have come to know Bob better, and I agree with you. I'm sure it wasn't arrogance, but just an ill timed statement. However, at that time, I didn't know Bob that well. It occurred just after he put in a burner of a flight in the "calm window" in the second round, and was looking like he was going to win. I tried to rationalize why he chose that time to say that, and at the time I could only figure he was either arrogant or messing with me.

Sorry I jumped to that conclusion. However, it did provide me with the last little bit of drive to put in one last good flight.

P Walker

>Paul,
>I have been thinking about your comments about Bob Hunt at the
>94 Nats. I can not imagine Bob Hunt even remotely conveying
>arrogance.
>During a contest I have seen Bobby doubt his chances, ask a
>million questions, even agonize over his own ability (just
>before winning)but never cocky or arrogant, with anyone.
> I was there in 94 and watched you win with some very
>impressive patterns.
>I was really impressed by the way you responded to coaching
>from Don McClave and knew then why you had been so successful.
>If you needed some little thing for focus and it took some
>comment from Hunt to get there then it's all good but I
>guarantee it wasn't arrogance.
>
> Les McDonald

Well, Les. Maybe not arrogance but Bubba is a past master at head games.

One of my favorites that I've heard several times after he flew a flight is his commenting loud enough for close competitors to hear that "I can't fly any better than that!" Oooooh, boy. How can another flyer think he's ever going to fly better than the best Bobby ever flew! Pretty clever the first time you hear it. Kinda cute after that. Still, he beats me at VSC every year though, so maybe it works

I always wanted to incredulously say something like: "That stinker was the best you can fly?". Never quite got it to come out, however.

Bob is a competitor and gamesmanship has always been a part of the game...in its many forms.

Sorta reminds my of a certain world champion pretending he didn't practice and then whipping everyone's butt somewhere in Scandanavia. You guys are sneeeeeeaky!

Ted

Paul,
Hey, no sorry necessary, it all goes with the territory and I think you know where I'm coming from.

Ted,
Headgames? We don't need no stinking headgames right?

Les McDonald

> Bubba is a past master at
>head games.
>

That's one very real advantage I have. I am so oblivious on an interpersonal basis that I don't even notice stuff like that. Although I knew I had "made it" when Don McClave started coming up after flights and "offering me congratulations".

Paul had/has the best "head game" of all. When things are going right, he's so relentless in terms of technical accuracy and the style makes it pop out at you so much that it can just make you despair of ever matching it. It's not always "pretty" but you sure as heck can't ignore it. I saw some Top 5 days were at least a couple of the participants looked beaten before the first flight.

I never had that impression with anyone else, Billy included. Not that I expected to beat him (or Ted, or David, or anyone) but never did I see someone just take the air out of the competition like Paul.

Brett

....
>One of my favorites that I've heard several times after he
>flew a flight is his commenting loud enough for close
>competitors to hear that "I can't fly any better than
>that!"....

I love this stuff...

These things only add to my resolve to get in there and mix it up with the best of them.

My whole goal when competing is to leave "them" thinking, "How did he do that?" It hasnt happened yet on the big scene but I am working on it...

Doug Moon

>....
>>One of my favorites that I've heard several times after
>he
>>flew a flight is his commenting loud enough for close
>>competitors to hear that "I can't fly any better
>than
>>that!"....
>
>I love this stuff...
>
>These things only add to my resolve to get in there and mix it
>up with the best of them.
>
>My whole goal when competing is to leave "them"
>thinking, "How did he do that?" It hasnt happened
>yet on the big scene but I am working on it...

How about this Doug? Mr. Werwage is (approx.) 68 years old. I've been trying to get 'Shamrock" (younger) to come out of retirement and show us how it's done, even offered (free) him a ship to fly, but all he wants to do is ride motor-scooters, fix bathrooms and write outstanding articles for Stunt News. "Me thinks he's chicken." How would you like to put a few flights in on him?
Norm

Circlepilot

>
>How about this Doug? Mr. Werwage is (approx.) 68 years old.
>I've been trying to get 'Shamrock" (younger) to come out
>of retirement and show us how it's done, even offered (free)
>him a ship to fly, but all he wants to do is ride
>motor-scooters, fix bathrooms and write outstanding articles
>for Stunt News. "Me thinks he's chicken." How
>would you like to put a few flights in on him?
>Norm

Hey Norm, I ain't chicken and the bathroom is coming along(gotta keep at it, we only have one). I certainly know my limitations and I surely don't want to compete in this nest of current talent. Besides I really am retired and don't want to make myself crazy all over again. I really, really like the wife I have now and I think she now realizes I really, really could get carried away by trying to do something I'm probably not very good at anymore.
By the way you guys better practice extra hard next year cause I'm judging at the 2011 Nats!
Just to stay on topic "Congrats Billy".

Les McDonald

I heard that! I'm looking foward to judging with U next year too.

Later,
Darrell Harvin.

"My whole goal when competing is to leave "them" thinking, "How did he do that?" It hasnt happened yet on the big scene but I am working on it."

Too late. They know how you'll do it: by flying the way you've been flying. In fact, "they" have known for awhile. Remember the flight you had several years ago on circle 2 at the Nats that you called off when a huge dust devil went through? A bunch of us were watching in amazement in the pits. Paul Walker said, "I've been wondering who will be winning this in ten years or so. Now I know."

Howard Rush
Bellevue, WA

>"My whole goal when competing is to leave
>"them" thinking, "How did he do that?" It
>hasnt happened yet on the big scene but I am working on
>it."
>
>Too late. They know how you'll do it: by flying the way
>you've been flying. In fact, "they" have known for
>awhile. Remember the flight you had several years ago on
>circle 2 at the Nats that you called off when a huge dust
>devil went through? A bunch of us were watching in amazement
>in the pits. Paul Walker said, "I've been wondering who
>will be winning this in ten years or so. Now I know."
>
>Howard Rush
>Bellevue, WA


Oh I remember that one...I thought I had a good one going that time. That was one heck of a dust devil too.

I am already wanting to go back to the nats now....so long to go....

Thanks for the kind words. AND as always thanks for all of your hard work and help in running the nats.

Doug Moon

>.
>
>(These things only add to my resolve to get in there and mix it
>up with the best of them.)

Doug,
From what I've heard you are already there!!!

Les McDonald
>
>

>>.
>>
>>(These things only add to my resolve to get in there and
>mix it
>>up with the best of them.)
>
>Doug,
>From what I've heard you are already there!!!
>
> Les McDonald
>>
>>
>

Whoa, that is really cool to hear.

Thanks for the kind words.

I loved your articles. Thanks for taking the time to give us all a window into your world while competing at the top of our game.

Thanks

Doug Moon