Tim,

No doubt the economy is part of it, but who can tell for sure.

There is absolutely a way to prevent this from causing problems for
future organizers: increase the required deposit, and make most or all
of it non-refundable inside a window of time before the contest.

The organizers make firm commitments with tow pilots and other
critical resources; the pilots must be willing to make similar
commitments.

~ted/2NO