November 14, 1999 (Rockitz.com newsline)

Lucerne, Ca.
The worlds First Level III Drag Race between Bob Csallo and Kurt Gugisberg, is now history. Hundreds of high power rocketry enthusiasts were on hand November 14th at Rock Stock X for the ultimate high noon high power showdown.

Both rocketeers had spent months in preparation for this day. The motors were ordered months in advance, the challenges were sent back and fourth across the Internet. Now was the time to determine who was builder of the biggest, meanest high power rocket in So Cal.

Many had already figured out that Bob's Big Stick had a severe advantage in that it was about 30 lbs. lighter than BDR. Because of the big difference it was obvious Kurt needed to boost the initial thrust of BDR by adding three J350 outboard motors as equalizers. Bob Csallo and his crew spent the morning meticulously assembling the AeroTech M1939 motor. Two rubber chickens were then put aboard to be ejected at apogee and allowed to fly free back to terra firma.

The cameras were popping as the two rockets were carried to the flight line by the ground crews. The launch system was tested. and the green light was given. Heads up was announced and the countdown began with the crowd counting aloud. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one…

The BDR almost instantaneously and leapt from the pad. One second latter the Big stick fired from the pad like a bullet from the barrel of a gun.

But it was to be a triumphant yet tragic day in Lucerne as the Big stick continued over from apogee in ballistic arc northwards away from the crowd. The characteristic whistling noise of a falling bomb was heard as the Big Stick plummeted to its end.

BDR came through the Big Race without a scratch. The onboard video came out great too. It was pointing at the Big Stick sitting on the pad and shows the BS still sitting there as the BDR takes off. There should be a copy available on this website soon.

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