The following is an abbreviated summary of the results of the FuelVenture 400 that was held last Saturday at the Copperstate Fly-In.  There were three different classes; two based on weight and a RV class.  Useful load was limited to 200 pounds per seat and the maximum aircraft weight had to be less than 1000 kg (2200 lbs).  My interest was only in the CAFE Number so I sorted the results by CAFE Number regardless of race class. 

As you can see Klaus Savier won the event hands down.  His modified and tweeked VariEze represents the current standard for efficiency.  Lancairs finished 2, 3 & 4 behind Klaus and appear to represent the most efficient design when built and powered close to  the original design.

It should be noted that I flew my Legacy on a typical flight profile with a 2500 rpm climb to 14,500' and then a cruise at 2300 rpm at LOP.  Scott Alair flew his Legacy for minimum fuel flow and maximum mpg using a low rpm setting.  His technique resulted in a higher CAFE Number and lower overall fuel burn.  Our different techniques resulted in me landing about 10 minutes before Scott in the 391 sm race.

The FuelVenture 400 is planned again for next year, so if you are interested in a low stress race, this is the one to fly.

Jim Thomas
Legacy #166

Overall CAFÉ Score Finish	Pilot's Name	Aircraft Type	Gross Take-off Weight (lbs)	Total Payload (lbs)	Speed (mph)	MPG	CAFÉ SCORE
1	Klaus Savier	VariEze O-200	1172	400	207	45.0	1,683,525
2	Bill Harrelson	Lancair 320	1722	400	180	32.0	992,495
3	Scott Alair	Lancair Legacy	2144	432	220	23.1	974,541
4	Jim Thomas	Lancair Legacy	2171	417	243	19.8	932,988
5	Terry Schubert	Long EZ O-320	1535	401	185	27.9	899,297
6	John Huft	RV 8	1733	401	191	26.2	879,012
7	Bruce Vinnola	E-Racer	1932	474	152	31.6	876,781
8	Dave Anders	RV 4	1585	405	173	25.3	754,603
9	Gary Spencer	Long EZ Ford V8	1432	232	126	42.5	603,030
10	Gerry Evans	Harmon Rocket	1918	336	172	19.8	520,854