THE TEAMS

Stockton/Jehlik

Ready to get called to the circle. Bierset 1967.
Pietro Fontana at right

Stockton and Jehlik or "S 'n J" as US fliers called them were on the U.S. team to Kiev in 1962. They learned a lot, it seems. When they came to the Criterium in 1965 the aircraft design had not changed outwardly. The hours of practice, competition and engine work had set them on course to establishing one of the most outstanding records in F2C. They took second at the Criterium in 1965, Were World Champions in 66, first at the Criterium in 67, and World Champions in 68. An outwardly similar aircraft, the Jefe I through III had won with Super Tigre, Eta, and HP (Bugl).

They were a big help and inspiration to other fliers in the US and a good bunch to be with. I was fortunate enough to know them. They were like the Bobby Fischer of Team Race. Don often said they could win and then did. You would watch them and say "you know, I could beat these guys.. just a little more.." But there they were, often winning by small margins, but they didn't make mistakes.

Herb had been an amateur boxer. He had a lot of natural athletic ability and I was horrified to see him stumble more than once in a race. He made you catch your breath. Later someone snickered when I told them that. Herb stumbled when he needed to break out of the pack, the jury entranced at his recovery never noticed that the flying position was better afterwards!

Jefe III as flown in 1968	SnJ mod Eta II

ABOVE    RAF Swinderby, 1966. Dr. Laird Jackson (team manager) Herb Stockton,
Don Jehlik and passenger "Gdunge" (nee Alfred E. Neumann)

BELOW     the "podium kids". Stockton,Place,Jehlik,Howarth