posted Jul 3rd, 2006 - The NSL News is still collecting information for a detailed story covering the results of the Russian Nationals 2006, which were posted at the end of last week. The 8-way competition was completed after nine rounds, the reigning champion and national team, R.T. Evolution Pro, won with an 18.1 average, and the scores have been added to the leaderboard.

In the meantime, all scores of last weekend's three 4-way competitions in Finland, Great Britain and Sweden have been posted, as well. Andy Scott reported from Great Britain that a total of 14 teams competed in all four competition classes at the second Grand Prix event of the 2006 season:

"Great weather and great fun had by all. The meet completed all six rounds easily by Sunday lunchtime - even with an agreed 2-hour stand down on Saturday evening. The break was agreed upon between the meet director and the team captains. The G92 Dornier aircraft flew like a Superotter, getting us quickly to 10,500 for each round."

The turnout at Skydive Sibson was slightly down on the average so far, with some teams away training for the Nationals - but we still had 14 teams on site. A great competition was supported well by BPA coaches Claire Scott of team Airkix and Chris Hollis, formally team South Parc. As ever, the team at Skydive Sibson did a great job, and the judges were on the ball - thanks to Judge Penny for getting the scoring updates out so fast. Our next 4-way meet is scheduled for July 23-24 at Hibaldstow."

The NSL News became more interested in the 2-hour stand down on Saturday evening and asked for the reason. The NSL News story on June 26 had mentioned that more interference with the FIFA World Cup Soccer could be expected for last Saturday: "However, the trouble with the FIFA World Cup Soccer is not over yet for the 4-way teams and competitors in Great Britain. England is still in the tournament, as well, and will play its next game against Portugal this Saturday. That's also the first day of the next Grand Prix 4-way competition...

The truth came out when Grand Prix manager Andy Scott added more details of the Saturday events: "Yes we did have a stand down. The meet was progressing very well, but it was not likely to have completed all rounds by 8 pm, the time when the DZ closes down. The meet director called a meeting of team captains and asked opinions after some individuals and teams and the pilot expressed an interest in a 2-hour stand down. One team would stand down anyway after already completing round five.

Some rookies had experienced a bumpy canopy ride and landed with thermals picking up. Others were tired due to the heat wave. However, the overall majority of those who wanted to stand down simply wanted to watch England's quarterfinal game at the FIFA World Cup and then resume jumping. A 2-hour stand down was decided on, due to the very good weather forecast for the next day. After the football game was complete, the aircraft took off after a 15-minute call. The 6th round was completed the next day around noon with judging completed and posted by 1 pm. And we lost the football game anyway..."

The football break at the Grand Prix competition was probably even longer than the planned 2-hour stand-down. The game turned out to be a thriller and went into over-time, then even penalty kicks to determine the winner. It was not a happy end for the English football team and its fans, however, the 4-way competition still had its re-start.

Andy Scott also provided an update of the current Grand Prix standings. Weston Airbrix is the only AAA Class team that has attended both meets and holds the current lead with 15 league points. The other AAA Class teams that competed at the first Grand Prix meet, including Perris Airkix with 10 league points, can still catch up at the next competition on July 23-24.

Damn Zebra is in a better situation in the AA Class standings after collecting 10 more league points last weekend. The total of 18 league points puts Damn Zebra in a very strong position before the next event. Bodyflight Storm won the first competition and has a total of 10 league points.

A much tighter competition for the Grand Prix 2006 gold medals takes place in the A Class. Escondido and Wingnutz were separated by only one single point at the first meet (53 - 52), and both teams repeated this exciting race once again last weekend. This time, Wingnutz won by one single point (67 - 66), while both teams increased their meet averages significantly. Escondido leads the Grand Prix standings by two points (18 - 16), and the next competition will most likely feature the next horse race between these two teams.

The current A Class leader of Great Britain's Grand Prix also provided some meet videos for NSL-TV. The team's round six of the June 10 meet has already been available for reviews last week. Round one of the same event has now been added. It was the highest score of the A Class competition that weekend.

Last not least, the Rookie Class has been the strongest category in Great Britain to date. Both Grand Prix events this year had the highest number of teams in the Rookie Class (6 - 9), and the competition has been tight. Team Phobia walked away with the first place last weekend, although the competition on June 10 had offered a completely different picture in the Rookie Class.

The first competition had been a horse race with two other teams, JCB and 100%, and the 10.2 average was still only good enough for the third place on June 10.

This time, JCB and 100% did not compete, however, Phobia scored one point higher than in the previous competition and posted a 10.3 average.

Phobia is now the overall leader with 16 league points, but a number of teams can catch up in the next meets.