Where is Supervee in 2019?

[txracer]

Hello all,

I am 26 year old, based in Dallas, Texas. I have always been interested in air racing my whole life, starting with RC when I was a kid. My father used to be active in Formula Vee when I was younger, but his whole race career didn't last long. I would like to get involved in this sport if Supervee is still around, I know some of the post are from years ago.. I just purchased a Sonerai IIL from a friend of mine, and I have plans for a Sonerai 1. Can anyone tell me what all I need to know about this?

[Supervee]

Welcome, Unfortunately, nothing is happening with Supervee right now for Several reasons. I do not want to discourage you, but our builder base seems to be shrinking. I believe the only builder that is active right now is Dave with his V-Witt.
Take some time and read over all the posts in this site. I am in charge of race numbers if you would like to register your project.....ED Fisher

[txracer]

Well, that is a bummer.. My Sonerai II is flying and waa hoping to race it, and build the Sonerai 1

[dmar836]

Txracer,
Don’t get discouraged too quickly. I think this is just a cultural thing. The online footprint of a person has replaced personal accomplishments. I have seen it in every hobby I have and it’s just unavoidable. Rant started! The “I would add...”; “Why don’t you just...”, and the “You should have...” are comments on every forum thread or YouTube video of someone actually doing something by those who do nothing. I found a thread talking mostly about my V-Witt project with pics pulled from my Facebook account (deleted). It went the same route as mentioned, “I’d add an extra set of flying wires and add another seat.” Fortunately, you can’t reach through the screen and slap someone! Ed has kept SV and the history of Formula V alive for years and with little appreciation. I remember one his OSH forums when the first question from an elderly, overweight dude who could never get in, much less out of, a formula racer asked, “Why not add an O-200 class?” Really? Wrong tent, guy! Ed’s answer was more refined than what went through my head. Just an example of gawkers who don’t get it.
There is a community of people who are creative and want things like Supervee to succeed but the internet, which should make us easier to find, has become a haystack of distorted info.
If you really have the gumption, there are few to share with and even fewer who are impressed. Yet we are here. I struggle with it like everyone and had to quit Facebook, Instagram, etc. in order to break free from the distractions and flood of lemmings so happily going the opposite way. Sorry for the rant but it was overdue. You are young so you have never been without this online world. Hopefully you can take from it without being consumed by it. You sound like you’ve had a good start. There is support for those who are serious about something - especially a young guy - but it tends to spread old school - like from Ed and others who have actually done it! I do learn a lot online about welding and fabrication but then apply it to my projects. No one can show you exactly how to do exactly what you want unless you build an RV(read:”Bellybutton”). Old books, typically “outdated” and found in library sales, are timeless and show how things are done correctly. Often learning techniques the hard way with trial and error is best for me. I am ending up with a wall of shame but avoid all the explaining, which actually I quite enjoy, to people who will never understand what I’m doing.
A Sonerai is a great sport plane. Build it not for the respect of others, not for the attention, but for the sake of accomplishment and actually finishing something. Plenty of spare used parts, plans, and even new parts exist so it is doable. People like Ed are a wealth of knowledge on building that and similar planes and on the subject of air racing. The hobby right now just lacks the people. If I haven’t scared you off feel free to keep posting. I’ll be pecking away here in Kansas City.
Dave

[Supervee]

Thanks Dave.....You have explained it well....ED

[n84tw]

Interesting, I would remember anyone involved in Formula V in the DFW area.

[dmar836]

Lol. Kinda wondered if it was you.
Dave

[kyleb]

Talking about over "size" pilots. What is the maximum height for a Sonerai I pilot? I was told by a member in a past EAA chapter that anyone over 6 foot would have a difficult time in sitting in a Sonerai I, is that true?

[Supervee]

There is no official number. Had a guy fly mine that was 6 ft. 2 inches, and he was cramped. Part of the problem is getting long legs under the spar carry-thru structure.....

[dmar836]

Kyleb, How tall are you?
Dave

[kyleb]

6-2 & 1/2. My problem in the LSA airplanes my knees hit the instrument panel.

[dmar836]

Tom, How tall were you in the racing days?
I think Wittman might have been taller but built his own design.

[n84tw]

Dave,
I'm 5-11 @180lb. I built my S-1 with a 3 inch raised turtle deck (and a 1 inch longer motor mount). Flew it many times with an open face race car helmet and a security 350 parachute. Albeit it is a full cockpit with that PPE on board.
Tom

[dmar836]

Yeah, I have often thought I would have to be pretty high up and in a very normal attitude to get out of one of these in time.
Dave