posted Mar 17th, 2011 - It's an Airspeed morning in DeLand. The last of the three top contenders for the Shamrock Showdown 2011 arrived this morning at the dropzone and did a few warmup jumps.

The French Open Class team, Aerodyne Aerokart Maubeuge, took a day off before the start of the competition tomorrow morning, while Arizona Airspeed tested the more humid air over DeLand. Thomas Hughes mentioned that the Florida air feels wet compared to the air over Eloy.

The NSL News created a video clip for the Airspeed fans and followed the team before and after the first training jump in DeLand. Airspeed will jump only in the morning and use the afternoon to visit local sponsors and relax before the competition draw and reception begins at 7:00 PM at the Clarion Hotel.

CamScore's Jo Bell and Andy Mansfield have set up the dubbing, judging and DZ-TV system, and the dropzone is getting ready for the first showdown between the new Airspeed, Hayabusa and French lineups.

However, the Shamrock Showdown 2011 is not only a test for the Top 3 in the world. Teams from ten different nations are in DeLand to check out the performance level at the beginning of the new competition season. The NSL News will introduce all teams step by step.

The Shamrock Showdown once again includes the popular Skins Game where the teams can wish cash. Despite the ailing economy, especially in the USA, several sponsors donated money to support the jackpot for the Skins Game.

Skydive DeLand provides the overall prize of $1,000 cash for the winner in the AAA/Open Class. The latest poll results indicate a neck to neck race for the money between NMP-PCH Hayabusa and Arizona Airspeed. France is trailing at the moment, but not any longer as far behind as earlier this month. There are also the Paraclete XP4 and SDC Rhythm XP underdogs who may have an eye on the jackpot, at least on the money for single rounds.

The rest of the total jackpot, which is currently standing at $3,100 will be split up for the winners of the five rounds in the second half of the 10-round meet. The first five rounds will be completed tomorrow. Each team will then receive a handicap that levels the field.

Portions of the total of currently $2,100 will then go the winner of each round after handicap. The jackpot is still open for donations...