A Sport To Save: 2011-14

[Ron Hill]

I heard that APBA had a board meeting in Detroit a week or so ago.....of course I've heard nothing about it, but I have contacted two board members with questions but got no real answers. APBA is dow 2,000 members in the last ten years. Interesting isn't it??

On Hydroracer.net someone asked what have YOU do to promote boat racing? I wrote the following: Interesting question.

1. I have complained about **** near everything in APBA.
2. I have written articles for the Propeller for 4-5 years.
3. I run and own a web site dedicated to Boat Racing History.
4. This season I bought and sold 20 Yamato motors.
5. I make affordable propellers.
6. I along with Ted Kolby, Ross Wallach, Rod Zapf (Bill Boyes, too!) Promoted the Blue Water Casino and Resort 300 Endruo. Five years now, six races. Averages 60 new APBA one day members yearly.
7. Working with Rod Zapf, we have established COR Racing. We currently have 13 COR 2.0 boats racing in Region 12. I sponsor the #9 Baker Stoker with Pat Bowman driving. I sponsor Mickey Schwarzebach owner of Apple Valley Marine, with my #28 Stoker and 2.0 Mercury. Last week I bought a Mirage for this class ad also own a Laser and LTV for this class. Steve Rains and sons ran my Stoker at Parker. They had a co-driver who had never raced before... New people get started by old people helping...
8. We have four COR 100 boats. I sponsor Amber Marine's boat with props and entry fees!

9. I got Rich Job to loan his Dawe A Hydro to Amanda Rich and loaned Amanda an Evinrude for quite awhile.
10. I ordered and sold two Dawe A Hydros, to new drivers Mike Wright ad KT Schwab.
11. Sold Chris Chamberlain my black 45 Revolution, now number 55.
12. Sold John Lane a turnkey 45 for his brother in law.
13. Helped build one patrol boat with a boom.
14. Helped form SBRA but getting them the water at Puddingstone for the last two years. We had not raced at Puddingstone in 20 years....or close to it. Got a pontoon boat for $1,500 that would have sold for $5,000. I along with SCOA under wrote the first races expenses.
15. Bought and sold five OMC 15A's. Sold several on payments to get boats on the water.
16. Co sponsoring the 2011 Min Boat Three Hour Enduro with Ben Marrone and SCOA.
17. Given two mini boats to get them running the Mini Boat Enduro to Dave Whittington who has made molds from the.
18. Sold 3 60-J Mercs for Kenny Knudson so his two daughters would have money for an A-J motor, their first race will be Parker, this weekend, 2010. Loaned them cut suits.
19. Sold Tito Smith a Hill Runabout so he can build a 36 Runabout. Tito s Chief of the Havasu Landing Indians who sponsor our February race every year.
20 Ordered a new Sport C from Ernie Dawe, just to have a boat in Region 12 for Sale
21. Sold tow of my 302 Yamatoes to Region 7 for race promotions, at a CHEAP PRICE.
22. Sold Region 11 a Yamato for their Nor Cal 400 class for $600.
23. Still complain about APBA.

When I remember a few other things I've done to promote boat racing I'll post them!

[Ron Hill]

Hey Ron!

Here is what we did... it worked well for the 5 years I ran the MOW race series. Then life got too busy for me and I had to drop the series or pass it on. No takers for the series so it vanished.

- Our series averaged 10 races (5 events, sat and sun).
- Base points are the same as APBA... 400 first, 300 second... etc.
- Each boat received 10 bonus points for every boat in the class. 11 boats registered in class, each driver got 110 bonus points, even if they jumped the gun or didn’t finish or even make the start. I’ve always felt if you went to a race you should leave with some points regardless of outcome, just for being there. Also someone who wins a class with 10 boats should get more points than someone who wins a class with 4 boats.
- Series points counted your best 8 of 10 days of racing. So you could miss a race if needed and not be harmed too much.
- If a driver was at every day of racing, they received 400 bonus points.
- This series and points system also let classes compete against one another through points to determine the overall champion... they received $500 in cash and prizes (Bulova watch engraved).
- The bonus points evened out things nicely... someone who dominated a 4 boat class was very close in points to someone who dominated a 10 boat class... the person in a big class usually won less because of poor start, or other tough competitors or jumped once in a while because more pressure to nail the start.

This formula worked great for us. Every year the winner was not determined until the last day of racing. For the last weekend, there was usually about 5-6 people who could win it. It proved to entice people to attend more races and having the points posted at every race kept people excited about it.

That’s what we did!

Andrew

[Ron Hill]

We used to say there were workers and racers....and we had lots of both. 2011, seems we are short on both.


NBRA saying is this, "The race last three lap, friendships last forever."

The late James Findley Hauenstein, we all called him Jimmy or The Arcadian Star was killed May 1, 1997. It seems like yesterday, as Jim and I had been friend for 53 years.

Over the years Jim drove Champ boats, Formula One PROP Tour and Unlimited hydros, but he always talked about C Service Runabout, which he was a past APBA National Champion as being a gentleman's class.

A C Service Runabout used to run about 53 MPH in 1960 and today they run about 53 MPH. In the '60's I scoffed at Jim's claim that it was gentleman's class, as I never raced the class. I raced "REAL" race boats. Faster more dangerous, cool looking things, tunnel boats with twin motors.

But looking back, every C Service boat was clean, nice trailers, clean uniforms, and GENTLEMEN drivers.

John Kennedy said it, and I never liked Kennedy, but he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." Or something like that....

Start thinking what you can do for boat racing.

Crowds were down at the 2011 Spring Classic at Parker, but there were bright spots. 10-12 Comp Jets. 7-9 GN's, 6 A Hydros. Nostalgia was big....COR had 5....and a bunch of 45's.

I don't want to be part of the problem, I want to be part of the cure....Thanks to Blue Water Resort and Casino for the support.


Ross, the COR guys I've talked to want to run LONG BEACH this August. Are we on the schedule???

[David Mason]

Ron,

I think we both know there is a lot a bunch of us do for the sport that goes un-mentioned.

But this is a good thread. It kind of brings to light the scrambling that goes on to simply keep what is there now. I couldn't begin to mention all the things I have seen in the recent past that people do to help out.

What does make it hard to continue doing so is the complete hard to read and go on rulebooks, duplicate classes, long days, etc. We all know the core issues facing the ABPA today. And a multitude of us have expressed ourselves. Well, not nuch more a man can do other than walk away.

[Ron Hill]

APBA is in serious trouble.
Needs to communicate better.
They don't offer much value for the buck.
They have venue problems.
Environmental issues
Inadequate race presentation standards.
Aging Management, and
Falling behind most other racing activities.

The above points were made by Lee Sutter, excellent points, I may add.

Need to communicate better........

6,000 views about APBA and Jeff Conant is the ONLY elected APBA person to post on BRF. Want to bet that every BOD member of APBA has read all the posts. My dad had lots of saying, one I always like was, "Never tell the truth when a lie will fit better." Think about that one....His other saying he used often for people standing around on a job...He'd, "Do something, even if it is wrong."

From Crown Partners...APBA-Racing.com yearly change, down 52.3 per cent unique visitors 2,649 (2010)

Hydroracer.net down 26.7 per cent, 3,826 unique views

boatracing facts.com up 42% and 5,237 unique views.

Not sure what it all means, except to say, APBA is down 53% in web traffic and BRF is up 42%. Would anyone in APBA venture a guess why BRF viewership is up???

[Bill Van Steenwyk]

FIRST THEY HAVE TO COMMUNICATE!!

Then we can talk about the "better".

[AZOutlaw]

6,000 views about APBA and Jeff Conant is the old elected APBA person to post on BRF. Want to bet that every BOD member of APBA has read all the posts. My dad had lots of saying, one I always like was, "Never tell the truth when a lie will fit better." Think about that one....His other saying he used often for people standing around on a job...He'd, "Do something, even if it is wrong."

From Crown Partners...APBA-Racing.com yearly change, down 52.3 per cent unique visitors 2,649 (2010)

Hydroracer.net down 26.7 per cent, 3,826 unique views

boatracing facts.com up 42% and 5,237 unique views.

Not sure what it all means, except to say, APBA is down 53% in web traffic and BRF is up 42%. Would anyone in APBA venture a guess why BRF viewership is up???

ARTICLE X - APBA COUNCIL
Section 10.1. There shall be a Council of the APBA which shall meet at the Annual Meeting of the Association and shall be advisory to the Board of Directors.

Section 10.2. The members of Council shall consist of the President, the immediate Past President, all Region Chairmen, all Category Chairmen and 12 Members-at-Large.

Section 10.3. The term of office for the 12 Council Members-at-Large shall be four (4) years. Every two (2) years at the Annual election, the Council Members-at-Large shall be elected by the members on a staggered basis, alternately, by first electing six (6) members and then six (6) members, respectively, for a term of four (4) years.

Section 10.4. Members of the APBA Council shall not be considered members of the Board of Directors. However, members of Council have the right to be present for any meeting of the Board of Directors and have the right to be heard during the Board’s discussion of any item of business. Due consideration shall be given by the Board of Directors for any resolution of position by the APBA Council.

I post on BRF to gain info, communicate, and inform when possible. Isn't that why I asked for your vote? :D Just doing my duty.....:cool:

I Don't like being called old..:p
I'm into my second year (of a 4 year term) as an elected Council Member that expires in 2013. I wanted the position because I wanted to learn how things are run by "APBA as an Member run Organization" Quite the learning experience!

Jeff Conant

[Ron Hill]

I meant to write ONLY, not OLD, Jeff. For that I am seriously sorry. What I meant to say, you post on Face Book, Hydroracer and BRF....and You say what you mean and mean what you said...

I am "OLD" you are still a "KID" And I think you are a real asset to boat racing and Trafficade!

Thanks for posting the By-Laws, what I wanted to do with this thread is "KICK AROUND" ideas for saving the SPORT and not aim at anyone or group while doing it.

ADD:


To get boat Racing moving we need to figure out about insurance. How do Ski Racers get by with a $350 insurance policy???? They race to Catalina and back with 100 boats. This would be a risk I would not want if I were in the insurance business....and they PULL SKIERS...

[AZOutlaw]

I meant to write ONLY, not OLD, Jeff. For that I am seriously sorry. What I meant to say, you post on Face Book, Hydroracer and BRF....and You say what you mean and mean what you said...

I am "OLD" you are still a "KID" And I think you are a real asset to boat racing and Trafficade!

Thanks for posting the By-Laws, what I wanted to do with this thread is "KICK AROUND" ideas for saving the SPORT and not aim at anyone or group while doing it.

ADD:


To get boat Racing moving we need to figure out about insurance. How do Ski Racers get by with a $350 insurance policy???? They race to Catalina and back with 100 boats. This would be a risk I would not want if I were in the insurance business....and they PULL SKIERS...

No Problem Ron, as I was giving you a hard time and laughing while thinking....I have been involved in boat racing since my early grade school years, so I guess that does make me old. :D

[FlatRacer]

Ron, you're 100% correct. This year I returned to inboard racing after an 11 year hiatus, and I was in for a bit of culture shock. Aside from racing gas going from $4.50 to $12.80 per gallon, I'm dismayed at the poor state of communication.
In trying to find out which regattas my class is running in I've had to turn into an amateur detective. There are multiple official websites that often contain conflicting information. The design of these sites is far from intuitive. I had to be tutored in how to find the one that had the calendar with the links to the official sanctions (I still can't find it without help). Some of the sanctions that come to my e-mail arrive less than a month before the regatta, which makes it hard to plan my summer around the races.
There was no printed rulebook in my mailbox when I sent in my membership fee. I've had no communication from APBA inboard telling me who my class rep is (I've had to find out from other sources).
The Propeller magazine is (understandably considering the state of flux the printed publishing industry is in these days) a shadow of its former self. And the info in it is hopelessly out of date.
Now, I'm hearing that a regatta I was planning to attend is NOT hosting any flatbottom classes despite that sanction that says "all inboard" classes. What happens if I and three other flats show up ready to run?
I get more information in the form of back channel rumors and gossip than in official form. And they're spending our money on Crown Partners for what, exactly?

Eric

[Ron Hill]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001931493352#!/photo.php?fbid=119265708127630&set=t.100001931493352&type=1&theater (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001931493352#%21/photo.php?fbid=119265708127630&set=t.100001931493352&type=1&theater)


I'm note sure you can view these boats, but all boats appear to be homemade and utilize production motors...


ADD:

Another Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1881751176750&set=p.1881751176750&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=154515207931332&set=a.154513451264841.28977.100001185616732&type=1&theater

[TomAprilsSwitzers]

:eek:Maybe we should resurrect the old "National Outboard Association"....Seemed back in those days we had not only more racers but spectators too....I know thats a stretch but thats how bad I miss the old OPC too, when it stood for "Outboard Pleasure Craft" and everyone could afford to race....:D And we were all like family and helped each other....:D

[Ron Hill]

:eek:Maybe we should resurrect the old "National Outboard Association"....Seemed back in those days we had not only more racers but spectators too....I know that's a stretch but that's how bad I miss the old OPC too, when it stood for "Outboard Pleasure Craft" and everyone could afford to race....:D And we were all like family and helped each other....:D

I honestly can't tell you how many props I sold last month that were for boats of 90 HP or less. These customers aren't "TRUE" racers as they only have PRODUCTION GEARCASES and no class (es) to race in........but I'll say this, more than 25 props were sold by Signature Propellers in June for 90 HP Performance Boats.


O PEE C....Outboard Pleasure Craft...........This is a START, not a FIX. Keep thinking!

[Ron Hill]

You should go to the meeting and ask a lot of questions in the open meetings.

How much did you spend on the Formula Four Project.

I want to see the contract with Crowne - and how much was is exactly?

How much is Hylant making off of Helping APBA with Insurance - and why?

Why did we really lose K & K for insurance?

What was APBA's membership in 2002 and what is it today?

What was APBA equity in 2002 and what is it today?

Does the insurance company set rate by category - or does APBA get the overall insurance cost - and then set the rates?

If they do - then why does Stock, Mod, Pro get such a break over Inboard and OPC?

Finally - do you guy's really think you are on the right track.

These aren't my questions but I'd like to know the answers. Maybe someone will ask these questions at the APBA meeting in Chicago is month, January 2012.

[Ron Hill]

Ron, Happy New Year to you and BRF! My hat is off to you and Ted for the direction you are trying to steer boat racing.
Totally agree with your email. In my opinion you are on the right track.
I have been involved in many forms of motorized racing ever since I can remember, beginning with boat racing. Where APBA has failed over the years is in it's ability to adapt to change...the same thing that killed off the dinosaurs. It should have been obvious to everyone still involved in entry level racing back in the late sixties that the major manufacturers of outboards could see no benefit to supporting any of the smaller classes that were their bread and butter after WWII.
For the last 20+ years I have been involved with sprint car racing, which over the last 15 years or so, has continued to grow, spawning many new businesses all across the country and over seas. According to World of Outlaws marketing, the sprint car business is estimated at over $1 Billion / year. Amazingly, not one single part on a sprint car today is manufactured by anything that would be recognized as a "Production Factory". Parts, motors, chassis, etc are readily available no matter where on the plant you live, and with the ever increasing advances in machining technology, prices are staying very competitive as well.
There are classes using basically the same rolling stock, with changes in motor limitations, for every level of participant from entry level to World of Outlaws. Thanks to a basic understanding and agreements by promoters, the changes to chassis and suspensions over the years have leveled the playing fields and kept equipment from early extinction.
What could boat racing do????
There is probably no incentive for any private enterprise to develop a power head. However, the world has several manufacturers producing products for recreational use that could easily be adapted for racing. There are also some gear case makers that I'm sure would love to see an increase in their business. What's missing....a center section....easily manufactured by any modern day machine and fab shop.
APBA needs to get away from the premise that one must buy a 'motor package' as a complete assembly from a manufacturer in order to qualify as a stock motor. Motor manufacturers need to see a benefit to selling/providing a power head package. From there on, it's just a matter of creating some dimension rules, and you're off and running.
The other issue that needs addressing is slightly more complicated. That being the total domination that is created under most of the racing formats where a 1 mph advantage for any given competitor leaves the balance of the field looking at a rooster tail. How to accomplish this?, I'm not exactly sure...maybe shorter courses, different course types, qualifying, restrictions....don't know the cure. But I do know one thing for sure that helped contribute to many people leaving the sport over the years is their feeling that they could not beat the hot dogs no matter what they did. As racers lose their belief that on any given night they could win, they tend to drop out of the sport.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings....I really still love boat racing and hate to see it continuing to decline. Hats off to you and Ted and the folks in region 12 that are bringing along the new ASH drivers.
Have a great year,

[Ron Hill]

"The other issue that needs addressing is slightly more complicated. That being the total domination that is created under most of the racing formats where a 1 mph advantage for any given competitor leaves the balance of the field looking at a rooster tail. How to accomplish this?, I'm not exactly sure...maybe shorter courses, different course types, qualifying, restrictions....don't know the cure. But I do know one thing for sure that helped contribute to many people leaving the sport over the years is their feeling that they could not beat the hot dogs no matter what they did. As racers lose their belief that on any given night they could win, they tend to drop out of the sport."

The last line here says it all, really.

Reading 1946 Boat Racing Programs, I noticed every class had a Division I and Division II. The raced together, scored together, but ther pointed were tallied separately.

I think a PRO-AM within a class could be good for the "BACK MARKERS". PROS would get Nationals Points and pay $25 additional entry fee towards a Nation High Points. Money would be split between the top 10 points getters.

AM's would pay regular entry fees, receive National Points as AM's. There would be a National High Point AM, no money would be paid out. An AM winner would have to be a PRO the following year, but after one year, could revert to AM again.

ALSO, A ONE HEAT HANDY CAP RACE:

Handicap Racing isn't new, ever been to a horse race. After the regular two heats of racing. The Race committee would establish a timed handicap. Handicap Races would be beach starts. Slow boat start first, flagman starts the rest by dropping th flags on que.

A National High Point will be awarded for Handicap Cap racing.

So, one class, has three winner in one day...A Pro Winner. An Am winner. A handicap winner.

[Lars Strom]

I have now been contacted by APBA..so this post is changed..

[Ron Hill]

racnbns
Registered User

Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lake Villa, IL.
Posts: 124

Boat Racing
Before we try to promote boat racing take a look at it. We have a sport where the rules are proposed by a commission[mostly racers] and go to be voted on by the racers themselves.

As far as a spectator sport, I don't believe it is. Most of our programs are too long because of too many classes and if they aren't we make them longer by starting tomorrows program today. This not only confuses the few people that stumbled on the race accidentaly but puts a lot of extra work on our volunteers.

Promoting and selling the sport. First of all you have to have a marketable product. As Bob Dunlap said "they only see us at the gas station" and ask "what is it". BOAT RACING IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE WORLD.

I agree with you who believe the money could be better spent elsewhere and we should all be looking at the little things we can do to improve boat racing overall. For instance the appearance of our boat, race trailer, pit area and ourselves[I know we've all heard this a million times].

This is a good sport that I have enjoyed for many years, have made a lot of friends and hope to enjoy it for a few more years but as far as selling it to the public its a hard sell and we don't have the product or the MONEY.

Bruce Summers V-71/V-81

P.S. How about the Mercedes Benz logo. Simple and withstanding the test of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERYTHING ABOVE THE TWO LINES WAS WRITTEN BY BRUCE SUMMERS AND POSTED ON HYDRORACER.NET:

This is not about the APBA LOGO or Crown Partners, really. It is about BRUCE'S post.

When we race in San Diego, we get invited by the Unlimiteds. Crowds come to SEE the Unlimiteds not to SEE the smaller boats. The crowds watch the 45's, the Crackers, Unlimited Lights and the Super Stocks, but really they come for the BIG BOATS.

I see NOTHING wrong with a participate sport. I started racing in 1955 and raced for 30 years. I raced on TV, I raced at Havasu with $65,000 prize money, I raced at Golden Shores for $45,000 prize money......But I had the most fun racing against Ted May at places like Blythe, and Parker....when he ran his B hydro and I ran my C Hydro in the same class. Ted May had more fun wetting down Don Williams than he did winning... Don had long hair before it was considered OK for men to have long hair, and Ted loved getting Don's hair wet, even if it cost him a win.

The best race of the day is the one you are in, or the one your kid is in............

But here is my problem with all of Boat Racing..

We just closed four days at the LA BOAT SHOW. Hill Marine and Signature Propellers had a paid booth and a successful show. Four days of hard work, I passed out 500 cards, 500 20% discount on repairs cards, and talked to a lot of friends, customers and potential customers. I was a walking, talking MACHINE.

Marlee Hill, worked the Race Boat booth for four straight days, as did many others. Marlee called me at 7:45 Sunday to ask me when I was going to the show. I called my message back and said I was going to the show when I woke up and I wasn't awake yet... Marlee made it to the show by 10 o'clock opening. I on the other hand, got there at 10:38 because of the Grammies.....They had cops and security around the boat show, they asked if I had a pass and I said, "Sure".....They said, "Dummie, this line is for the Grammy Awards, the BOAT SHOW is over there!!!!!! I said, "I parked here yesterday..."...

Anyway, the show ended at 6:00, Kenny Knudsen, thank god, helped move almost of our stuff out of our booth to my truck.

I moved my truck close to the race boats, so once my truck was loaded I went back inside to say, "Good-Bye" to all who had worked so hard for four days.

Somebody said, "Ron, go talk to the man, he wants to buy an A Hydro." So, I chased after this man and his wife and catch him at the bottom of the escalator........Now, I've basically been on my feet for four days and I don't really care if the guy wants to buy the moon, but the guy wants to buy a RACE BOAT.

I say, "Sir they tell me you'd like to buy a Race Boat." He says, "Yes, I would. How much for a new boat and motor?" I say well, "I have a new Dawe Craft I will sell for $1,400 but you need hardware and I don't know how much hardware is....." He says, "HOW MUCH FOR THE BOAT AND MOTOR? I want a new boat and a new motor."

I say, "Well, I don't know if you can buy a new Mercury, because I don't know if I can get a gearcase." I say I have a GOOD used Mercury for $3,300." He says, "How much is a new Johnson?" I say, "They don't make new Johnsons, but I have two for $2,200 each."

He then says, (As his wife is looking at the floor and ceiling at the same time)....."Why don't they have new motors and which motor is best?" Say, "Well for AXS the Mercury is better and for A Hydro the Johnson is better." Oh, he says, "So, I need two motors....?" I kind of say, "DUH!!

He says, "Thanks". And walks off.

Boat Racing really doesn't have a product to sell!

I felt like the dumbest SOB in the world......The guy wanted to buy a Race Boat and I could sell him one.....

[jimclauss]

Ron, you're 100% correct. This year I returned to inboard racing after an 11 year hiatus, and I was in for a bit of culture shock. Aside from racing gas going from $4.50 to $12.80 per gallon, I'm dismayed at the poor state of communication.
In trying to find out which regattas my class is running in I've had to turn into an amateur detective. There are multiple official websites that often contain conflicting information. The design of these sites is far from intuitive. I had to be tutored in how to find the one that had the calendar with the links to the official sanctions (I still can't find it without help). Some of the sanctions that come to my e-mail arrive less than a month before the regatta, which makes it hard to plan my summer around the races.
There was no printed rulebook in my mailbox when I sent in my membership fee. I've had no communication from APBA inboard telling me who my class rep is (I've had to find out from other sources).
The Propeller magazine is (understandably considering the state of flux the printed publishing industry is in these days) a shadow of its former self. And the info in it is hopelessly out of date.
Now, I'm hearing that a regatta I was planning to attend is NOT hosting any flatbottom classes despite that sanction that says "all inboard" classes. What happens if I and three other flats show up ready to run?
I get more information in the form of back channel rumors and gossip than in official form. And they're spending our money on Crown Partners for what, exactly?

Eric hey, Eric are you going to Lakeland Fla. March 1.2 .3 Pro Stock are on the K are off not enough for a class, only John B, Duff and myself were the only ones going to definitly be there thats only three. and if you want to know something call someone..Hank, Sked, tom Richman, Dale, or even me at a last resort. I'm not that supid to go to a race and not make a couple of calls first, You have to keep in touch with the fellow boat racers. I plan on taking two pro stocks, bob Z will be there , tom Richmond and maybe truit ,and John Britian. will be there. ... Ron, keep up the good work.be talking to Ya.

[FlatRacer]

hey, Eric are you going to Lakeland Fla. March 1.2 .3 Pro Stock are on the K are off not enough for a class, only John B, Duff and myself were the only ones going to definitly be there thats only three. and if you want to know something call someone..Hank, Sked, tom Richman, Dale, or even me at a last resort. I'm not that supid to go to a race and not make a couple of calls first, You have to keep in touch with the fellow boat racers. I plan on taking two pro stocks, bob Z will be there , tom Richmond and maybe truit ,and John Britian. will be there. ... Ron, keep up the good work.be talking to Ya.

Thanks for the invitation, Jim. The sad truth is as much as I'd love to go, I cannot afford such a long trip this year. I hope to be able to make such long distance races in a couple years when my 3 year old daughter is in Kindergarten and my wife can return to the work force. Besides, I'm still paying off the credit card I used to build my Super Stock engine last season. I'm still debating if I'm even going to race this year. I may just do Greenwood Lake and Mays Landing this year. We'll see what the tax return brings........

Best of luck, and be safe.
Eric

[FlatRacer]

if you want to know something call someone..Hank, Sked, tom Richman, Dale, or even me at a last resort. I'm not that supid to go to a race and not make a couple of calls first, You have to keep in touch with the fellow boat racers.

But that's exactly my point. I have to find out the truth via back channels of communication. This is a national organization that has a publication, and the information in that publication is too often "hopeful", "if we get enough interest", inaccurate or just plain wrong. And the info on the website is just as incorrect or out of date.
If I commit to playing a gig with a band in Florida or West Virginia six months ahead of time, it's because I've checked the schedule and there's no boat race that weekend. If I subsequently discover that, hey there is a race after all, well guess what? I'm playing the gig, because I gave my word. That's what I mean when I say it's hard to plan your summer around an ever changing schedule.

Eric

[Skoontz]

Ron:

Thank you for posting the story of a guy who was going to buy a race boat and thus proving exactly what you and I have said numerous times. If he could have bought a new out of the box engine, and run in a few classes, he might have gone for it... Racers morphed a sport into something that is highly specialized and not accessable. When the races moved to the inland puddles of smooth water, no one sees what goes on, hence the who the hell what the hell factor revolves through this sport like a lawnmower blade over tall grass....

Now enter a new website for APBA...Add expensinve marketing.... Two things drive internet exposure. The first assumes a significant number of people are interested in racing a boat. The site must be on the first page of google....Thats what we do in business...But we have interest in business....If the site is there and no one per se is interested you've wasted your money.

Second, the site is there for people to see and get interested....Really? People are going to read a half million dollar site and get interested?

Both simply cant and dont work. That leaves race sites. They have to be in front of droves of people, they need to be as often as they can be had, and once a year at Longbeach or San Diego, or where ever simply wont cut it.
You need a race on Lake Tahoe, on the cChicago River, on the Chain of Lakes, to name a few so the what the hell is that factor goes away. then rewrite the rules. get rid of the clock, no one knows what it is other than racers and their families. Run your race for two hours with a carnival atmosphere leading up to it...
The whole thing simply needs redoing because the only things that seem to work are the classes where everyone refuses to buy different equipment....Why do you suppose that is? Simple, John Janaky told me once when a boat racer came to him he charged $300 for their prop and they bitched like hell about paying it....A pleasure boater comes to him pays $450 for a prop and gives nothing but praise and bought another prop. He closed with "I used to be a boat racer. Boat racers are cheap sum bitches." Though I dont know if thats true, but I do see a reluctance to change anything largely based from a person not wanting to spend any money....Juast look at the OMC A motor for example. Clusters of people hanging on to their motor, fighting the advent of the Sidewinder, arguing the Mercury could be used in A class. That maybe true, but why not let them all duke it out and score by the motor you run in the class unless there is an even field with each motor? You load the class with boats, everyone has the same advantage within their class, and lifes good....The OMC will eventually die off when it becomes so obsolete you cant find parts, and then you run two motors and score separately...

Time to go back to work....

[swmjake]

All,

The the last BOD meeting, we passed a new GSR that was designed to be a clarification--and nothing more. This new rule is attached.

It has since been pointed out that, because most inboard hydroplanes use 5 point belt systems, that we had inadvertently outlawed most of the
boats currently running in the inboard category.

There are other problems with the attached GSR that we did not foresee.

Because of this, the Board has agreed to rescind this rule--at least for the 2012 racing season.

Cheers,

Mark Wheeler
APBA President

[Ron Hill]

SWMJAKE.....When I was OPC Chairman of APBA, with your help we made many positive changes in OPC Rules. That was 1998. 12 years ago. The person that controlled APBA then,controls APBA now.

America is full of,as Mark Lavine calls them, SHEEPLE. APBA board members feel that being on the board means they have "ARRIVED". Being on he BOARD is their goal, NOT building a sport.

The APBA BOD disgusts me beyond words.

Explain the new HELMET RULE!!!! Where is the Formularace plug that BRF members raised $1,000 to help pay for???

[FlatRacer]

I received this email as well. There was no attachment with it, so as usual, I have no idea what they are talking about. Typical.

Eric

[Ron Hill]

I was talking to a good friend who is an excellent engine builder. I asked him how business was and he said "We're circling the drain."

It took me awhile to comprehend what he was saying but it dawned on me what he meant.

Well Boat Racing is circling the drain also, but being the eternal optimist that I am, I hav conceived a "PLAN" to save boat racing. My plan is call "PRO-AM".

I've decided that everyone likes to win.But, this isn't really possible.

Back in 1956, we had a Pan Am race in San Diego. Ther was no question that th Mexicans wanted to "RACE" and WIN, but looking at their boats we knew the would not take home a trophy.

So, we decided that each boat (American) should have a comadre (Partner). So, every class had 12 boats, six American and six Mexicans. Points were totaled by teams. As it turned out about 50% of the trophies went to Mexicans and 50% went to Americans.

Everyone had a grand time.


I have decided that:

A. You Tube can make boat racing popular
B. Live TV can make boat racing popular.
C. We need a PRO-AM racing team Racing Class
Prop pointed would be counted.
AM pointed would be counted.
Pro-AM pointed would be counted.

Each year there would be a Pro-Am Championships Race.
Each year there would be a PRO and AM High Point.

The PRO-A concept is good for the new comer, of which boat racing needs to help.

[Ron Hill]

My son, Cahd, said the other day he had a list of 99 things that APBA was doing wrong. Then, he listed about 20 of the 99 in about ten seconds.

he sort is "Circling the Drain" and I've been "Side Tracked" making propellers for NON Racers.

If there is a "Bright Spot" or two let me point them out:

1. The Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium have a 30 million dollars restortation project in the works. They have 10 million promotoed. TRhey need another 20, but feel they can hit this dollar amount. They'd like to see boat racing back in the Lucas Miami Marine STADIUM...DID I SAY "LUCAS"?? GLORIA ESTABA is the "spark plug", Jimmy Buffett had a concert there. Hank Tester of Channell 6 News has covered the Stadium nine time this year. Or was that they had 9 editorials tis year....all positives for the Stadium. Also, there is talk of a Clayton, NY museum on the grounds of the Miami Marine Stadium.

2. F1, SPORT, PTT and ARP (Super League) are all either merging or at least discussing working together. Texas had two money races and two trophy races in 2013. This year I hear they are going to three and three. Those Texas Boys headed up by the Schuberts have their ACT together.

3.The Parker 336 promtoed by River Dave's Place has Lucas Oil as their top supporter sponsor (Rumored) for this October,

4. The 336 will have a GRASS ROOTS MINI Enduro on Thursday before the 336 Enduro.

5. Eclectrci Race Boats are doing well. 72 high school teams racing again this year at Lake Skinner in May. Cal Poly, Pomona will be racing in Dayton, Ohio in the College World Series of Solar Boat races.

6.. Region 11, is working with the Wounded Warriors to get them in boats...

7. Lucas Oil owns MAV-TV...expect more boat racing there. Sign up for MAV-TV.

8. Once again the LA Boat Show was a big success for Region 12 racers. Thanks to many, But especially thanks to Mike Quindazzi for setting everything up and thanks to Marlee Hill for being there 24-7. Also, thanks to the Knudsens, Dave Hale, Ted Kolby, Mike Leach, Lane Reiter....

Do your part to save boat racing.

[Powerabout]

apba needs to sort out the classes, its way too complicated for a newbie to understand
You can look up the boat rules but for the layman to understand what engine goes on that boat ( for most classes) takes some real digging.
Then you have the problem where the class uses a homologated block no longer made but in most cases a small amount of testing could open that up to other similar blocks.
Most of the info on the APBA site is written for the racer not from the potential new racers point of view.
I think the cost to race has become an issue that many potential racers are now looking at before they buy a boat therefore that data should be somewhere even if its testimonials from existing racers.
cheers