Equipe Rapide Challenge Cup #1 March 3rd in Mineral Wells

[nomadtrash]

The good old days are here again! See you there.

[jrj512]

I'm ready!

[TxCoyote]

I am so in.

[AWalker]

In!

[jrj512]

I just now saw the pic full size. Wow!

[revs]

I just now saw the pic full size. Wow!

Where's the weeds?

[nomadtrash]

There were at least 5 helicopter staging fields in and around Mineral Wells. Up till Vietnam Mineral Wells was the primary or only helicopter training base in the US. This staging field was known as Downing Army Heliport. The photo attached is circa 1966 I think. It has been closed since 1973 when Ken O tried the first autocross there. Attached is a photo of the aftermath.

[ratt_finkel]

Wow, look how pristine the site was! Looking forward to this event! Big time!

[danzo]

Note the rotor skid marks on the tarmac? Those choppers remind me of that guy in Jaws II who met his demise by the Great White, and no I'm not referring to the Rhode Island nightclub fire.

[TxCoyote]

Note the rotor skid marks on the tarmac?

I'll bet JFo will lay down some similar marks Sunday

[nomadtrash]

There was a runway along the East side. That area was probably built better to support planes takeoff and landing. I'll bet that is why the East end has weathered better than the rest of the site.

[brandondan1]

Longshot but... anyone want a co-driver? Comes with a free lunch

[OZMDD]

Course Map:

[wrx74]

Course Map:

Hey! What's that faint image on the course map??? Do you see 'ER', too?

[jrj512]

Is there anywhere that shows it actually called Airpark instead of Airport?

[Bigsrturbo]

I can just show up and register right?

[general default]

The planes that are there are "Parked" most of the time.
Wikipedia says "A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land. "
"Ports often have cargo-handling equipment, such as cranes." Have not seen any cranes out there either.

"A park is an area of open space provided for recreational use. It can be in its natural or semi-natural state, or planted, and is set aside for human enjoyment or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. It may consist of rocks, soil, water, flora and fauna and grass areas, but may also contain buildings and other artefacts such as play grounds."

The surface out there is used for recreation and has plenty of rocks, soil, water and grass areas on the surface.

That is why it is called an Airpark.

Is there anywhere that shows it actually called Airpark instead of Airport?

[maan1986]

What time do we need to be there?

[jrj512]

I can just show up and register right?

Yes. Pre-reg is preferred, but walk-ups are tollerated.

What time do we need to be there?

8 AM is a good time. No later.

[TxCoyote]

Yes. Pre-reg is preferred, but walk-ups are tollerated.

we don't take tolls but we do tolerate walk ups