Some Stupid Questions..

[tthibodaux]

Ok... When I was a kid my dad took me to Parker to a race but I don't remember a whole lot. Seems like it was like an 8 hr enduro back then. Question is, what does 300 mean? I remember the race coarse was so long that every once in a while my mom would yell at us to come see cause here comes dad again. I really want to make a road trip and come race but I will need to gather up all the info I can so I can gather up the money to make the long drive.

Thanks guys, Tim

[capnzee]

Hi Tim & all of you "roughriders" from Texas! Great to hear from you. The Enduro today is 300 miles long . It is run on a course that is approximately 5 miles long(2 1/2 miles up and down the Colorado River.) The course your dad ran was in the same place but the Enduro course at that time was 13 miles long and they ran for 9 hours. We now have 6 divisions with staggered starts. The slowest boats in Div I take off first and the fastest boats take off nearly an hour later. The 300 mile Enduro starts about 10:00 in the morning and ends around 2:30 in the afternoon. Two pit stops are required, The pit stop is for a driver change(generally there are two or more drivers but not required), fuel and a chance to inspect the equipment. Drivers meeting and inspections are on Friday, Saturday we race, and Sunday is "rain day". Friday night and Saturday night are parties in the Casino and in the pits. Our race course is probably one of the prettiest courses in the United States and perfect for a vacation. Plus you could win all your money back on the slots or tables and we generally pay a purse of around 8000 dollars(don't know about this year--While on the computer, type in Bluewater Casino, Parker Arizona. You will get an idea of the beautiful hotel, the boat ramps, docks and camping area. If you have a combined boat race and vacation in mind you could not pick a better place.GUARANTEED! You can see the rules for this race on this same site, just above this thread. I would sure be interested in seeing your race boat as we would love to have a class that could run out here in LA. As I see it, your boat would run in Division I. Let me hear from you, Rod

[Skoontz]

I'll vouch for the pretty...I tell my wife she should have seen it! Water blue as the Carribean Sea...Without sharks!

[tthibodaux]

Next question.. In the rules for division 1 it says "production type" no "full race" boats. Since our tri hull's have roll cages and are custom built to race do they still fit within the rules? I do realize the boat is a copy of an old ski boat but it's only purpose is to race.

Also, since no capsule boats can be run. Will the rescue team be able to get us out of the roll cage if need be?

[capnzee]

Tim, those are good questions! We have no problem with the "production" part of the rules. Your boats have the cockpit room and could definitely be used for something other than racing. Your boats are not what we would call a pure racing machine like a 6 liter hydroplane and they are a copy of a production boat--In fact yours reminds me of a Glastron/Glaspar. I'll bet it could be set up to pull a water skiier without a lot of trouble. The roll cage poses no problem but you would not be able to use seat belts--Is this a problem? We do have a minimum speed of 60 mph to qualify for this race. :) Rod

[tthibodaux]

Tim, those are good questions! We have no problem with the "production" part of the rules. Your boats have the cockpit room and could definitely be used for something other than racing. Your boats are not what we would call a pure racing machine like a 6 liter hydroplane and they are a copy of a production boat--In fact yours reminds me of a Glastron/Glaspar. I'll bet it could be set up to pull a water skiier without a lot of trouble. The roll cage poses no problem but you would not be able to use seat belts--Is this a problem? We do have a minimum speed of 60 mph to qualify for this race. :) RodThanks for getting back to me.;) 60mph no problem, the seat belts I may need to think about. Maybe I would just take out the cage and just use the seat because to roll the boat and get slammed into that cage would be bad. I asked my dad if he wanted to come out and drive with me and he said it sounded like fun so we will see what happens.:D Anyone know how many outboards run in division I and how well they do?

[Miss BK]

... the seat belts I may need to think about. Maybe I would just take out the cage and just use the seat because to roll the boat and get slammed into that cage would be bad.

That's very smart thinking, Tim! There have been numerous people killed/seriously maimed doing just as you describe; thinking they can just run a cage/capsule boat without belts during testing when no rescue is around. It's no different wearing a seat belt inside a car - at impact, your body will be slamming hard into whatever it meets first - if it's your head that smashes into an immoveable object, then there goes your neck. :eek:

You're very smart to understand that a capsule requires ALL the saftey equipment it was built with, ALL the time - not just part of the time. Kudo's to you! But of course, you've probably got a lot of "natural" instinct for this racing stuff. :)

Val

[capnzee]

Tim, Glad you are willing to work with us! You and your dad will make a great team at a great race and I am certain it will bring back a lot of memories. In the past we have had about 4 entries in Division I (it has been our weakest class) Last year the Division I outboard was doing very well until the high end of his stator went out and he was reduced to running at 3000 rpm. The other outboard was quite slow, but I believe he ended up winning his division (he finished, which is important). He then "shared" the purse with the other contestants. What a guy, but it shows the "spirit" and the fun of the race. If you decide to remove the "cage" and the seat belt, we will have absolutely no problem fitting you into division I. Check the rule regarding prop shaft height (1 inch below planing surface for pointy nose and 3 inches below for "club" foot.) The jet boats are also in Division I this year, so we should have a very strong showing. Lee Buchanan is working up his 150 Merc and I know of a few others, who are planning on running Div I but you never know til the day of the race. Bring your friends and make a real vacation out of it! :) :) Rod

[tthibodaux]

That's very smart thinking, Tim! There have been numerous people killed/seriously maimed doing just as you describe; thinking they can just run a cage/capsule boat without belts during testing when no rescue is around. It's no different wearing a seat belt inside a car - at impact, your body will be slamming hard into whatever it meets first - if it's your head that smashes into an immoveable object, then there goes your neck. :eek:

You're very smart to understand that a capsule requires ALL the saftey equipment it was built with, ALL the time - not just part of the time. Kudo's to you! But of course, you've probably got a lot of "natural" instinct for this racing stuff. :)

ValThanks Val ! :)

[tthibodaux]

Hey Rod... I'm in, all I need to know is about how many boats you think there might be. I'd hate to make that drive for nothing. All I had to do was show Chris (my boss) the website for the casino and he was ready to go.:D

[capnzee]

We have averaged about 32 boats at the Parker 300 but are hoping for more this year. Every year we seem to pick up about 5 more boats. There should be about 5-6 boats in Division I, so you will be racing against them for a Division finish and of course with the handicap set-up, you will be racing against all of the boats in the race for a podium finish. If you check the rules, you will see in detail exactly when the starts are to be made. Without looking back, I think Division I gets a 15 minute head start over division II and about a 30 minute head start over division III etc etc. At the end of the "rules" thread, you will find a registration form. Your position in the Pit and also your position for the LeMans start is determined by the posted date on your entry. Your crew should include in addition to your drivers, a person to handle your trailer/tow vehicle (there are two required pit stops), and a scorer who sits up in the judges stand and records your laps and lap times. I guess 3 would be a minimum crew. More is better. This is really a fun race because everyone in the "family" gets into the act and becomes part of the race. It would be even greater if you could get a couple of your boats to come out and join the great race, great casino, and great scenery. Make it a grand vacation. If you can't put together a crew of 3, maybe we can help with a scorer. :) Rod

[Ron Hill]

Sorry about waking you at 7 this morning...but thought you'd called me...

See if can get John Rinker's Tri Hull out here....

I'll go get it...

What's the plan with roll cages and seat belts for Parker....?

Where is the Tri Hull web site???

[capnzee]

Tim has volunteered to remove the seat belts and the cage which also removes the problem. We are all in agreement that once the seat belts are removed, the roll cage becomes a very large sieve and needs to be removed. The boat then becomes a formidable Division I raceboat! We thank Tim for his cooperation and look forward to seeing them at Parker. :) Rod

[tthibodaux]

Sorry about waking you at 7 this morning...but thought you'd called me...

See if can get John Rinker's Tri Hull out here....

I'll go get it...

What's the plan with roll cages and seat belts for Parker....?

Where is the Tri Hull web site???www.sportracingseries.com

[tthibodaux]

I just sent a pm to Wayne and Hunter Barber about the race. Also sent one to Jerry Rinker.

Ron, did you find out anything about John's tri?

I'm trying to get some guys together to come play, parker is something I have always wanted to do because my dad enjoyed it so much.

[capnzee]

Great to see you working on the numbers Tim! You will probably have to carry enough fuel to run about 1 hour and 30 minutes between pit stops. There are 2 required pit stops and division one boats are usually on the water for a total of about 4 and 30 minutes. I would guess that you would need to carry about 20 gallons of fuel????? I will make sure Ron gets hold of John with regard to his tri--Ron asked me to see if I could get John's phone number for him. Maybe you could send it in a reply.:) Rod

[tthibodaux]

Dads last race at Parker..:D Hope I have better results.:eek:

[capnzee]

Great shot of your dad! Have you got one of your Division I boat, up to speed and in the air? Looking forward to meeting you and your dad!:) :) Rod

[tthibodaux]

I have a couple..;) Still working on more boats. I have always wanted to go back to Parker, guess I never thought I would get to race.:D :D :D

[tthibodaux]

Hey Ron, any news on John's tri and who may drive it?

[Ron Hill]

"When is it (The Blue Water Resort and Casino 300 Enduro) and how are you going to get it?" Scary

I told "Scary" I wanted to run John's tri Hull with John... The above was Jerry's answer.

So, I SORT OF FEEL, John Rinker's Tri Hull is "IN" for the Enduro....John has offered it to me before, but I've always "Chickened Out"....I might have to go get it, but I WON'T take it back!!!!! LOL!!!

Stu Townend and Mayor Jim Corsaut are on their way, Friday, to John Rinker's house in OHIO.....or Indiana.....to pick up five Sport C Boat's that they bought from John. I told them to REMIND John I WAS running his Tri Hull at the Endruo and that he could drive with me if he wasn't too old....

[tthibodaux]

Did I just hear you say that YOU would drive the tri at the race? VERY COOL!;)

[Ron Hill]

See I REALLY have this back problem....there is this BIG YELLOW STRIPE that runs up and down it....

I might run a heat race in Tri Hull, but I need to "BOSS" the pits at the Blue Water Resport and Casino 300 Enduro....I'll find some YOUNG BUCK to take my place....I'd have to drive for at least an hour, and I need to go to the bathroom more often than that....

I will go get the boat....and see that it gets in the race....but at the RACES my "BOYS" call me WALDO...You know as in WHERE'S WALDO????

[Ron Hill]

I've been giving this Tri HULL thing some serious thought...

This is what I want....

I want a BRAND NEW TRI HULL, with anice trailer and two front seats...just in case I had a friend that would want to ride and get the Sh&t scared out of them...

I want a new Evinrude E-Tec 150 on it...
Where do I buy one?

Seriously, seems this mother would be a legal Nostalgia Endurance, I could run TRhe Blue Water Resort and Casino 300 Enduro, I could be a patrol boat and I could cruise under the London Bridge and be "COOL"...

I don't want NO used JUNK..I want NEW!!! Yellow, all yellow...

Bring it on!

Tri Hull Division II, 2006 legal motors...

[tthibodaux]

Now that would be a BAD ride.:eek: You know I thought about gettin Miffco to build me one to put a couple seats in and play on the river in. The dang thing would be as fast as my HydroStream with 2 people and run wide open over rough water. Also $4500 bucks and you can have a brand new one.;) :D

[Ron Hill]

What is the web site for TRI HULL RACING? John Miffco???

[tthibodaux]

What is the web site for TRI HULL RACING? John Miffco???www.sportracingseries.com thats the only one I know of. I have a phone # for John if you need it.

[capnzee]

Looking for registrations for the Enduro. It is not too early to send your completed forms in now. The earlier your registration comes in, the better your starting position will be and the more time we will have to put together a promo for the race announcer. :) Rod

[ePerformanceMarine]

Looking for registrations for the Enduro. It is not too early to send your completed forms in now. The earlier your registration comes in, the better your starting position will be and the more time we will have to put together a promo for the race announcer. :) Rod

Where is the registration form ?

[capnzee]

You will find the registration form immediately after the Parker 300 Enduro Rules 2007. It is listed as an APBA attachment. You do not have to be a current APBA member to down load this attachment. Once you are registered and prior to the race, you may join APBA as a one day member (approximately $45) or join for the year. Joining in October, for the year, will get you into the 2007 race as well as the 2008 Parker 300. Both Pits and Starting Positions are based on your date of registration--those who start last often finish last & those who start first often finish first--thats boat racing! Starting last gets you a lot of rough water, even before the first turn--why end your chances early? :) Rod

[capnzee]

I spent some time with our official inspector for the October 20th Parker 300. We discussed the rules such as weights etc. Boats that are suspect, or light "lay ups" shall be weighed, so you may want to check the rules. Division I will be a concern and the inspectors will be checking carburetors etc. on these outboards, so once again, read the rules--The Merc 2.0's will be looked at closely. The rules read "pump gas only". We may require that you fuel from the on sight tanker which will have 92 octane fuel. I am currently dealing with this to ensure that you do not pay "race fuel" prices. My recommendation is that if you plan to run Div. I, you do not cut the heads to a point that you cannot run 92 octane fuel. Once again, I offer you the opportunity to weigh your boat in advance, call me (310) 488-3563, and we can set a date and time. All boats that have weight restrictions must supply their own lifting straps. :) Rod

[capnzee]

We have 2 Tri-hulls coming from Texas. They will run in Division I under the APBA rules governing "SUPER STOCK TRI-HULLS". Welcome Tim thibodaux and John Rinker to the Indianapolis of Boat Racing, The Parker 300! You may get enough interest in those Tri-hulls to go nation wide, you got my interest! :) Rod

[rocket98]

new to the form I think that this race will help bring back the feeling of the Parker 9 hour endoro. I would like to drive any boat that would be competive. I ran a PS flat on the circute for 7 years. PS
19 Eye of the Tiger.

[tthibodaux]

new to the form I think that this race will help bring back the feeling of the Parker 9 hour endoro. I would like to drive any boat that would be competive. I ran a PS flat on the circute for 7 years. PS19 Eye of the Tiger.Well Rick, we need to get you a Tri-Hull ready to race! If your interested I'd be MORE than happy to help with whatever I can.:D

[capnzee]

ROCKET 98-- IN THIS RACE EVERYONE IS COMPETITIVE! From the slowest to the fastest. This type of racing with a handicap format is designed to put a boat from every class on the final lap at the same time--and we are getting closer. :) Rod

[runwhatchabrung]

Pardon my ignorance, I claim to have looked, but what city and state is the race at??? Is it parker arizona?

[capnzee]

No wonder we don't have any entries. Nobody knows where the race is being held! Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa I can't believe that I could have forgotten to put out that information. THE PARKER 300 IS BEING HELD ON THE COLORADO RIVER NEAR THE SMALL TOWN OF PARKER, ARIZONA. Now let the entries come roaring in--of course, nobody knew where this race was being held. Thanks for pointing this omission out!:) Rod