posted Sep 10th, 2003 - Good news for the 8-way fans. The NSL News was able to upload some video files. Round two of the 8-way event can now be viewed with the jumps of France, U.S.A. and Russia. The quality is not that impressive since the moving pictures are still filmed off the large screen in the spectator area. However, it is possible to see enough and get the idea. Hopefully, some 4-way videos will follow later.

In the meantime, round three has been completed in 8-way. After the impressive start in round one, France has now fallen behind. Very surprisingly, the French 8-way team had serious problems with the Crank as the exit formation. It took the team almost seven seconds to show the Crank to the judges. This is so surprising since the Pilatus Porter door was expected to be one of the biggest advantages for the home team. France went with the same speed and precision through the rest of the sequence as the other two top teams. However, the damage was already done, and they simply could not catch up anymore in this jump.

It was impossible for France to make up for the exit problems since Arizona Airspeed and Russia once again showed flawless performances. The defending world champion from Russia was just a few degrees ahead in the 360' turns of the last Star - Star at the freeze frame, compared to Airspeed. Both teams are still performing as if they were just the same team - same speed, same precision, same scores. Logically, U.S.A. and Russia are now tied in first place after three rounds, three points ahead of France. The crowd is now waiting for the first tie-breaker.

Here comes a hero story of yesterday's second round in 8-way. Craig Girard reported that the last Donut - Donut move ended quite dramatically. Mark Kirkby made serious contact with a knee in the middle of the 360' turn. His helmet's visor shattered as much as Kirkby's nose behind it. Blood splashed through the air, while his team mates saw the mess. Kirkby still tried to complete the move although he could not see much any longer. He got help from his piece partner with the knee presentation. The second Donut was completed before it was break-off time. Working time ended after the first Donut anyway, but who could know?

The 8-way event was over after these two rounds yesterday, and Kirkby had time to visit the local hospital and take care of his nose. It was broken and swelling. However, back from the hospital, Airspeed went back to work with Kirkby preparing the next jumps for today. Obviously, Kirkby shook off the pain and the bother and performed in round three as nothing had happened. The NSL News will follow up with an up-to-date picture of Kirkby's recent condititon later. 8-way is over for today, 4-way is coming up next with the Women's event first.