2012: A Space Jet Odyssey
When you think about reaching the pinnacle in one's sport, it doesn't take long to link that to the trophy associated with that achievement. In the National Hockey League players yearn for the chance to win the NHL Championship and hoist the Stanley Cup over their shoulders. In the National Football League players dream of reaching the Super Bowl and getting a chance at putting their fingers on the legendary Vince Lombardi trophy. These trophies represent what it means to have become a champion.
Over 20 years ago, Steve Epstein and Roger Sharpe, the founders and then organizers of the Professional and Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA) set out to create such a trophy for the world of competitive pinball. What emerged became known as simpy the "Space Jet", and it was what players battled over during the various PAPA leagues and PAPA World Championships held in the 90's. The last known Space Jet in existence was awarded to Lyman Sheats, following his victory at the PAPA 7 World Pinball Championships back in 2004. What followed was the complete devastation of the PAPA facility due to flooding, and the Space Jet was lost forever . . . until now.
With the help of Mark Steinman from PAPA, some small quantity of Space Jets were recently able to be recovered. Through a gracious donation to the IFPA, we are proud to say that the Space Jet has come home to Epstein and Sharpe. We are also extremely proud to announce that the winner of the upcoming IFPA9 World Pinball Championship will be awarded one of these iconic Space Jet trophies as reward for their achievement of becoming the next IFPA World Pinball Champion.
In addition, through 3D scanning, stereolithography printing technology, and some volunteering hours courtesy of Raw Thrills engineering, the IFPA was able to recreate the iconic Space Jet trophy so it can continue to be produced after the remaining stock of the original Space Jets are exhausted.
Who will be the first player in nearly a decade to hoist the Space Jet above their shoulders? We're 1 month away from finding out.
Special thanks again to PAPA and Raw Thrills for helping make this a reality.
