Looking ahead to the 2009 F3A Team Selection

From: Dave Guerin
Team Selection Committee Chairman

Congratulations to the 2007 USA Team, Quique Somenzini, Jason Shulman, and Andrew Jesky, for their performance at the 2007 World Championships. With the leadership of Al Glenn and Raiko Potter they represented the USA in a manner that should make us all proud of our team.

Preparations are already in progress for the 2009 F3A Team Selection; and the following are some considerations on that subject.

The 2009 World Championships will be held in Portugal during the month of August 2009. The exact dates are undecided at this time, but would probably be the second or third week. With that time frame in mind it will not be possible to select the 2009 USA Team at the 2009 Nats because of insufficient time between the Nats and the W/C to process the documents and make the necessary travel and accommodations arrangements for the team.

The NSRCA has submitted a bid to host the 2009 Team Selection Finals at the AMA Pattern Nats as we have for the last 2 cycles. Our proposal at this time would be to select the Team Manager before July 10th 2008 and hold the 2009 Team Selection Finals at the 2008 Nats. This format will allow plenty of time for the Team Manager, the AMA coordinator, and Team members to prepare for the 2009 W/C. We will be working with the committee and active program participants to finalize the 2009 program and publish it as soon as possible.

The reigning World Champion, Quique Somenzini has the option of competing in the next W/C as an individual representing the USA, or compete to qualify as a member of the USA Team. As it will effect the Team Selection process, I asked Quique for a decision. I would like to share with all of you, the note I received from Quique in response to my question.

Hi Dave,

I have never been so exited and honored to be part of a team. Being part of the US Team has been one of the most exciting things that has happened to me as a flier. I will keep trying for the US Team as many times as I can and as long I feel it is a benefit for the team and our country. As World Champion I can opt for one of two different ways to compete in the next World Championships. One, I can be part of the US Team but not be able to score for the team (4 pilot team) and the other is to qualify for the team and score for the team. (3 pilot team). It took me a while to get my heart and mind lined up and balanced on this issue. I think my decision needs to be based essentially on the meaning of what a World Championships is about. Representing our country in a World Championship is the main goal of all us. The main goal of the team will be to represent our country the best we can and try to win. Based on this principle my decision will be to compete in Portugal 2009 W/C as World Champion still representing USA but not scoring for the team. The 2009 US Team will be a 4 pilot team. I feel this will open the door to a 4th pilot to experience what a World Championship is and bring that experience home with him. I am very confident that the team will be a very strong contender for the top placing as it has been in the past.

Even though I will not be scoring for the team I will do my very best to support and cooperate with the team to create a united team with a friendly atmosphere; representing our country at our best and with a common goal.

Thank you very much and best regards.
Quique Somenzini