Pro Rule Change - What's the Real Reason?

[Kristi Ellison]

OK you two.....the past is the past and most all of us are aware of the things Bill is referring too and Pat is right we are trying to bring a positive face to all of this while trying make change for the good of ALL the PRO catagory.

I have made my best attempt to answer Al's question concerning the ballot as I think is is fair that as a Commissioner we try to keep the catagory informed of decsions made and why. Some of the Commissioners do read HR but they choose not to get caught up in the bantering. They all have phones and the contact numbers are posted in the PRO Tech Manual which is on the PRO web site call them if you have a question.

Pat instead of arguing with Bill why don't you give your interpretation of the PRO ballot item. There is nothing secretive here and it will give food for thought to those on the fence about how they would like to vote.

Happy Easter

Kristi

[T Chance]

I have voted NO and have sent in the ballot.

Kurps

Me too. Voted No the day I received the ballot.

[raceright]

OK you two.....the past is the past and most all of us are aware of the things Bill is referring too and Pat is right we are trying to bring a positive face to all of this while trying make change for the good of ALL the PRO category.

I have made my best attempt to answer Al's question concerning the ballot as I think is is fair that as a Commissioner we try to keep the category informed of decisions made and why. Some of the Commissioners do read HR but they choose not to get caught up in the bantering. They all have phones and the contact numbers are posted in the PRO Tech Manual which is on the PRO web site call them if you have a question.

Pat instead of arguing with Bill why don't you give your interpretation of the PRO ballot item. There is nothing secretive here and it will give food for thought to those on the fence about how they would like to vote.

Happy Easter

Kristi

Ok Kristi
Like all Items presented to the Commission there was discussion. Some wanted the change to eliminate world points some didn't. Everyone represents all drivers and in particular there region. All points of view were talked about and the commission decided to have the drivers make the call. Simple as that..
I can only speak for myself and do not have time to mind read as to motivations of drivers or commissioners and no drivers have contacted me with there opinion and I'm real easy to get to.
I was asked to revisit the Radio Rule by drivers who want to use radios and I did, there was no support for this and it died on the floor as it should. If drivers who want radios and do not champion there desires there will be no action taken. Same thing with all items that might make it to the commission just complaining go's nowhere.
As for myself I believe that World points should count toward HOC so voted no... I think it will be no as there is little communication from those that want yes.

Pat

[Kristi Ellison]

Thanks Pat for your input....actually the reason it went to ballot is because it is not a safety rule. Any rule change that is not a safety rule must go the vote of the drivers. That why the "radio rule" was such a fiasco the first time. The drivers did not have input.
I am not and I will not "dis" any other Commissioners but I have no problem expressing my personal opinion and explaining why I voted the way I did. Those of us who sit on these Commissions also race so we look at things from more than one perspective good or bad as it may be.
I think the drivers do pay attention and as long as they mail their ballots back in then they will do what they think is right for the division.

[Kristi Ellison]

VOTE and mail in your ballots they are due to HQ soon......

[Al Peffley]

Thanks All

Golly, I did not mean to invoke such a flurry of controversy! I live and race in Region 10, so I know something about the people referenced in this thread. Diverse views hopefully bring out truths and things to consider in all organizations. I voted no also, but I think the safety issues process has been used too many times recently to keep the drivers and owners from voting on changes recommended by special interest groups. It's just interesting that this change comes up on the very year that the O-250 Worlds (if we ever are told where the race site will be????) is being held in Florida (what a coincidence, huh!)

If you don't like the right for people in APBA and USTS boat racing to express their honest and thoughtful opinions and questions on this website, then quit belonging to the forum discussions and criticizing folks for sharing their opinions! Race well and, as always, with respect for others' safety this year. There are no big "purses" in this sport (a ROI doesn't exist), so try to have some fun and be competitive without grudges toward others with a different view.

Thanks Dan for all you do for us and providing an internet environment to talk about things and have the opportunity to hear different points of view. See some of you at the races -- should be an interesting year out here for 250ccH!

Cheers,
Al

[bill van steenwyk]

thanks Al

Al:

Thank you for your pertinent questions asked about potential rule changes, etc., and also thank you for reminding everyone that divergent opinions are what bring change, and betterment of opportunity for that change.

As anyone who has read my posts the last several years will note, I have not been happy with the leadership of the PRO Category. I have seen and personally experienced many instances of proposed rule changes to suit personal agendas, the so called "radio rule" among them. For anyone who thinks I have a vendetta against anyone on the PRO commission, you are very mistaken. I do though, have very strong feelings when things are done in a back door, hide it from the membership fashion. like took place in the National Referee selection process several years ago, all to feed someone's ego.

If anyone chooses not to believe ANYTHING I have written here about any matters I have chosen to discuss over the last several years, send or e-mail your adress and I will gladly furnish you all the do***entation regards any of these situations. I think it also says volumes about the truth of what I have been saying in that there has never been a challenge to what I have talked about by those same leaders. If someone was accusing me of something not true, I would be on it like flies on you know what.

As to Pat Wrights challenge to actively take part in the process, so as to bring about change and try to better PRO boat racing:

I have been involved in PRO or Alky boat racing since 1955, probably about or shortly after the time Pat was born, as a driver, official, Nationals Referee in both APBA and AOF, member of the PRO Commission under the leadership of both Ralph Donald and Mel Kirts, served on various committees under the PRO Commission, and worked both the judges stand and turn judge positions for the first 20 years USTS was in existance. In addition my wife worked the judges stand at USTS races for 20 years. After Harry Pasturczak passed away and USTS needed someone to pull the rescue boat/equipment trailer to various race sites in the US, I secured and continued to pay his wages while on USTS trips, an employee of mine to do the job, even though he was not doing anything productive for my company during the time he was pulling the USTS trailer. He pulled the trailer for 2-3 years on that basis to every race USTS put on during that time. Based on those things and many others not mentioned, I think I have more than put my time in and made my contributions and am entitled to have an opinion about anything in the PRO Category. In addition I am also a two time National Champion, HOC inductee and at one time held almost all the competition records for my class, and still hold the Kilo record 21 years after setting it. We also are Co-sponsors of the ZAK award given each year to a driver in USTS for high point in a specific class, and have donated approximately 3500.00 in cash to that award since it's inception, plus the smaller trophy that the reciepient keeps.
I am now 72 years old, and as mentioned previously in other posts regards racing commission service, because of the state of my hearing or lack of, I don't hear that well and could not do the job justice even if I ran and was elected for a position on it. In my opinion,that does not mean I haven't earned the right to make my feelings known about various things that I see and don't think are fair or right. So anyone thinks I am going to keep my mouth shut just to satisfy someone else who thinks the truth is not very nice, or convienent, even though it is the truth, you are sadly mistaken. I plan on behaving EXACTLY the same way I have all my life, which is saying what I think. Until there is a rule against that, folks like Pat Wright and others who have an aversion to the truth because it is inconvient for them at a specific time, will just have to put up with it, because whatever else you may think or say about what I have to say about the things I have brought out over the last few years, IT IS THE TRUTH. If some folks don't like it or what it represents, I suggest you get rid of the folks making the type decisions I have been talking about, instead of wasting your time trying to shut me up. It would speak volumes better about you, and also be much better for the PRO Category.

[Al Peffley]

You're Welcome

Bill,

I hope to make it to the Nats at Depue this year and I would be happy to meet you in person if the opportunity arises there. "The truth shall set us free." I like freedom -- it's an American tradition!

Best Regards,
Al

[Dave M]

Dissapointed

I was very dissapointed in the fact the radio rule did not make it. As a kneeler racing in MOD and then trying my hand at Pro I found it VERY uncomfortable to be laying down in the Pro Hydro's and not being able to see as well as I want to. It is a sense of uneasiness that has forced me to only attend a race maybe two in the Pro ranks. As most racers will agree, if you are not comfortable, you won't drive it like you stole it.

[Al Peffley]

Rules voting...

I don't use a radio because I don't have a "pit crew" to talk to any more -- most of my racing friends are on the course racing with me in the competition, not on the beach. I too was disappointed that the radio approval rule did not pass (I could not vote last year because I was not an APBA member.) This was not because I wanted to see people use it inappropriately to block other racers, but because I believe the safety features outweigh the abuse issues from a few dishonest people without good moral fiber. It mostly seems to be the pro boats that keep running when the black flag and flare appear after an accident or cancelled heat...

Al

[Al Peffley]

Voting Results?

I understand the pro community voted 57 to 40-something to approve this rule change. Is this a true statement? Incredible, but quite predictable...

Al

[Kristi Ellison]

56 to 43.....makes no sense to me?? I have no idea why winning a World Championship in PRO should not count toward the HOC??

[ChrisH]

Time for change!

"56 to 43.....makes no sense to me?? I have no idea why winning a World Championship in PRO should not count toward the HOC??"....

Because its time to give OSY to the stock category and the Antiques to Vintage and Historic.

The only thing left will be the PRO motors and 1 Hall of Champions spot. Sounds reasonable to me!

Chris Hellsten

[bill van steenwyk]

If I had a vote................

Chris:

This is exactly what I have been trying to say, along with you last year.
Unfortunately, I and most others that have fought the status quo get put down for telling the truth. I know you and a few others realize what need to be done, but it is VERY difficult with the factions that exist now in the PRO Category, and on the commission.

If I had a vote, which I don't for a multitude of reasons, some of my own choosing, I would second your motion in a second.

This is what the PRO Category needs, someone respected to wake folks up. I hope it happens while I am still around to see it. They say you have to break eggs to make an omlet, and the same thing applies to folks you call friends, unfortunately. It is a difficult choice, but it doesn't look like anything is going to change without a major upheaval.

Maybe commission term limits???, but then you are back at square one trying to get folks to vote for something that makes sense, and you are fighting the same battle as with the WC and HOC deal. I have an idea, but I am not going to discuss it in a public forum and give them any more ammunition than they already have. If you are interested, give me a call, or e-mail.

Good Luck in whatever you try. You will need it.

[Tim Small]

New Pro rule

I could not believe it when I read that this rule had passed. Stupid ideas like this are why I am NOT A PRO COMMISSIONER anymore. Winning a WORLD TITLE comes once in a lifetime, and for it to mean nothing in our own country anymore is a slap in the face to APBA and UIM.