Ron Hill
08-21-2022, 05:04 PM
RON HILL says What Outboard Racing Needs:
What OUTBOARD BOAT RACING needs to ever stop the "Circling the Drain Trend".
1. APBA needs to be the promoter of all outboard Nationals. They need partners like DePue has been but they also need Lucas Oil, Champion Spark Plugs, Mercury Marine, Tohatsu Outboards.
2. Generally, all current classes should be left alone until their own demise.
3.. APBA had Charlie Strange as had of appeals on disagreements. Someone like a Mike Wiendant, Bob Wartinger, Ron Hill, Fred Hauensteint, Rich Fuchlin, Greg Jacobsen, Joe Johnson, Ed Hearn need to be appointed as the APBA Appeals Manager and be on 24 hour race day call. Things like the guy in Canada,,not being allowed to race becasue he missed Sunday's driver's meeting could be appealed immediately.
Growing Outboard Racing
1. It is my suggestion to start 4 classes National Classes immediately. A National Chairman will be appointed for life by APBA for these four classes. The Chairman can appoint a Commission that advises the Chairman, but has no rule change power. NASCAR makes the rule, owners and driver and race to the rules NASCAR SETS.
2. The four classes would be:
A. 25 HP Two Stroke Hydro---Any 25 Mercury
B. 25 HP two Stroke Runabout---Any 25 Mercury
C. 25 HP Four Stroke Hydro---Any 25 Four Stroke
D. 25 HP Four Stroke Runabout---NY 25 Four Stroke
3. Engine rules would follow stock factory spec sheets
4. Nose cones of any kind could be used with bottom water pick ups, side water pick ups can be blocked.
5. Drivers will be seated.
6. Steering will be normal production steering with Morse type cables.
7. Foot throttle will be required to return to idle.
8. All runabout fins will be on the bottom in a required area,
9. All hydro Sponson fins will be required to have splash guards so as to not throw water in the air
10. Boats will have a PRE APPROVED SAFETY GAGE with flotation.
11. Both Hydros and Runabouts will have spec sheets a to their size and design. Boats can be wood or fiber glass but must meet specs.
12. Weights to be determined once the prototype boats are made.
13. Electric starter are legal an encouraged
4. Races:
1. All races will be 24 laps. 2-12 lap heats, 3-8 lap heats, 4-6 lap heats or one 24 lap heat.
2. All starts are dead engine, shore starts
What OUTBOARD BOAT RACING needs to ever stop the "Circling the Drain Trend".
1. APBA needs to be the promoter of all outboard Nationals. They need partners like DePue has been but they also need Lucas Oil, Champion Spark Plugs, Mercury Marine, Tohatsu Outboards.
2. Generally, all current classes should be left alone until their own demise.
3.. APBA had Charlie Strange as had of appeals on disagreements. Someone like a Mike Wiendant, Bob Wartinger, Ron Hill, Fred Hauensteint, Rich Fuchlin, Greg Jacobsen, Joe Johnson, Ed Hearn need to be appointed as the APBA Appeals Manager and be on 24 hour race day call. Things like the guy in Canada,,not being allowed to race becasue he missed Sunday's driver's meeting could be appealed immediately.
Growing Outboard Racing
1. It is my suggestion to start 4 classes National Classes immediately. A National Chairman will be appointed for life by APBA for these four classes. The Chairman can appoint a Commission that advises the Chairman, but has no rule change power. NASCAR makes the rule, owners and driver and race to the rules NASCAR SETS.
2. The four classes would be:
A. 25 HP Two Stroke Hydro---Any 25 Mercury
B. 25 HP two Stroke Runabout---Any 25 Mercury
C. 25 HP Four Stroke Hydro---Any 25 Four Stroke
D. 25 HP Four Stroke Runabout---NY 25 Four Stroke
3. Engine rules would follow stock factory spec sheets
4. Nose cones of any kind could be used with bottom water pick ups, side water pick ups can be blocked.
5. Drivers will be seated.
6. Steering will be normal production steering with Morse type cables.
7. Foot throttle will be required to return to idle.
8. All runabout fins will be on the bottom in a required area,
9. All hydro Sponson fins will be required to have splash guards so as to not throw water in the air
10. Boats will have a PRE APPROVED SAFETY GAGE with flotation.
11. Both Hydros and Runabouts will have spec sheets a to their size and design. Boats can be wood or fiber glass but must meet specs.
12. Weights to be determined once the prototype boats are made.
13. Electric starter are legal an encouraged
4. Races:
1. All races will be 24 laps. 2-12 lap heats, 3-8 lap heats, 4-6 lap heats or one 24 lap heat.
2. All starts are dead engine, shore starts