posted Jun 22nd, 2017 - There is no doubt that NMP PCH HayaBusa and other 4-way top teams in the world were watching the second 2017 showdown between Arizona Airspeed and SDC Rhythm XP at the Paraclete XP Summer Classic 2017 very carefully, along with all other 4-way fans and competitors.

HayaBusa coach Gary Smith was probably studying the video footage even more carefully than all other viewers as a part of his job. The Sun Path Products NSL News connected with Gary Smith via Zoom in the middle of a HayaBusa training camp in Empuriabrava, Spain, and he was impressed with the performance of both teams.

He took a closer look at the Airspeed videos, as the US 4-way champions have been the major HayaBusa opponent in the past years, even though Rhythm finished only eight points behind.

He confirmed the significantly improved performances compared to the Shamrock Showdown 2017 where both teams met each other for the first time after Airspeed's lineup changes at the end of the 2016 season.

Paraclete XP Summer Classic 2017		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Total	Avg
Rank	AAA Class	K,20,17	8,7,11	P,G,14,N	H,C,9,15	J,F,3,5	Q,E,M,13	2,21,L	6,12,B	22,O,10	A,1,19	Total	Avg
1	Arizona Airspeed	24	21	27	33	33	33	21	23	19	24	258	25.8
2	SDC Rhythm XP	23	20	28	30	31	31	21	22	20	24	250	25.0
3	R2G	16	14	19	20	20	20	14	14	14	14	165	16.5
4	Phoenix XP	14	15	17	17	14	18	14	13	13	14	149	14.9

NMP PCH HayaBusa had not copied the rounds of the competition draw in Raeford during the currently running training camp in Empuriabrava when the live conversation was recorded on June 21st. However, Gary Smith said that the Belgian 4-way world champions would take on the first three rounds on Thursday morning and then compare the scores.

HayaBusa will compete live next time at the FAI World Cup 2017 in Saarlouis, Germany, where the Sun Path Products NSL News will provide live coverage of the event.

Gary Smith has also been working with NFTO in Empuriabrava, while the HayaBusa members enjoyed a few 8-way days with their Fly-In Machine 44. He said that NFTO is also improving rapidly. The 2016 bronze medal winner at the FAI Mondial will compete at the World Cup, as well, and a second British team will compete in 4-way Women.

Gary Smith said that NFTO might even face serious competition at this year's national championships, as the other lineup consists of experienced 4-way competitors.

Shamrock Showdown 2017			1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Total	Avg
Rank	AAA Class		4,E,P,12	20,5,L	J,6,13	N,7,K,C	15,1,F	G,B,18,3	8,11,Q	H,22,19	14,2,16	M,D,21,O	Total	Avg
1	Arizona Airspeed	US	23	22	25	34	22	23	21	20	18	31	239	23.9
2	SDC Rhythm XP	US	22	23	22	29	22	22	18	19	19	31	227	22.7
3	Elixir	US	18	19	22	27	20	21	21	19	13	29	209	20.9
4	Parachute Montreal Fuzion	CA	17	14	17	22	16	12	15	17	13	24	167	16.7
5	Adventure Flyers	PY	7	6	7	9	6	9	7	9	5	8	73	7.3

Unfortunately, Gary Smith had bad news, as well, and they came once again from Qatar. This time, the political situation on the Arabian Peninsula is the main reason why the trip of the 4-way and 8-way teams to Germany is in jeopardy.

Gary Smith still hopes that the situation will improve in the remaining six weeks, so that the Qatar delegation can attend the event. French coach Jeremie Rollett is in the same situation with the Qatar Tigers, one of the best 4-way teams in the world.

The conversation changed back to great news again when Gary Smith confirmed that NMP PCH HayaBusa will attend the USPA Nationals 2017 in Perris, California. He said that the flight tickets have been purchased, and the trip will take place.

This means that the USPA Nationals 2017 will not only feature the final showdown between Arizona Airspeed and SDC Rhythm XP. Both US teams will also have the opportunity to challenge the reigning 4-way world champions from Belgium, once again on US turf...