Each month, the Arizona Pigeon Club would like to focus on one particular breed of pigeon. It is our hope, by providing this feature, that we can improve the quality of our birds and also that we can generate new interest in our hobby. This focus will act as a periodic measuring stick for our birds. Pigeon Show competition is a big part of our hobby. Those of us who want our birds to be the very "best of the best" will continually refer to the standards of our breeds, and will breed our birds to improve their quality. Let's raise the bar of excellence!

This month we spotlight the American Show Racer. A new club is in the process of being formed as we write. Check out the American Show Racer Standard.

The American Show Racer as we know it today was developed by large bodied Racing Homers, namely the Hansenne, Gurnay, and Bastin strains were used in the early 1900's in the United States. First they were known as Show Pen Racers and more recently known as American Show Racers. The Arizona Show Racer Club is now being formed. We are looking for members that are interested in the American Show Racer. There is at the present time five founding members. They are as follows: Jim Bruning of Scottsdale, AZ, a master breeder of American Show Racers. Martin Molina of Tucson, AZ, a novice breeder. Gary Miller of Phoenix, AZ, a breeder and judge of many breeds of pigeons for many years, and Show Sec of the AZ Pigeon Club and Show Supt. Az State Fair. Jack Wickander of Glendale, AZ, a breeder of American Show Racers for about five years. Shannon Hiatt of Canutillo, TX, the Sec/Treas of the American Show Racer Association and is the man to talk to about genetics. We are affiliated with the American Show Racer Association and all Arizona Show Racer Club members must belong to the ASRA. The AZ Show Racer Club dues are $10.00 a year, or $25.00 and we will pay your $15.00 ASRA dues for you. If interested contact Gary Miller or Martin Molina.