SO Promotional Suggestions

[mercguy]

no funds needed??

Let's here some suggestions about how the SORC might consider spending the promotional fund. Last year we paid for the promotional video that is really directed to a general audience. We can, relatively inexpensively, produce one directed to race sponsors as well. Other suggestions recommended here. Let's hear them. Ed.

how about convincing APBA to give a large discount to current members (towards there next membership) that sign up BRAND NEW members for the first time? This might get some people motivated to searching for fresh blood?

[csh12M]

Find a kid

I do not have a ton of time to post this but....

something I have wanted to do for the last few months is put together a J hydro rig and find a kid. I was going to look into the possibility of finding a foster kid, or big brother kid etc. to try and get into racing. For a long time I have wanted to do something charitable and productive with my life. I think I could combine my hobby with a more noble cause. We are constatly trying to find new people and kids. I know there are a lot of less fortunate kids out there that would love a J ride. I know that it would take a much more significant commitment, however it probably would have a much greater return. Ed Hearn has done something very similar for the last several years. I intend to do this at some point, but my own family is keeping me busy now. Mike I think someone like you or other experienced racers would be perfect for this. We could start a program and racers could approach the SORC for possible funding to buy some equipment and rigs. As the kids age and move on we can hand down the rigs to new kids.

Just an idea.....I intend to do this as somepoint in my life. I race now because I love it and the people not to win a sticker or get in the Hall. I can't wait for my own kids to get into it, but why wait find a kid and get him in.

CSH12M

[sax]

Entry Level Racing

Still believe that we have to take our blinders off and look at other
alternatives. Maybe Mr. Dillon could provide us with some kits and
we run the class with "fishin motors".....no special lower units, no
special propellers....just something they can have fun with and get time
in the boats at their local water hole. This now becomes something
that father and son can do together and it doesn't take a crew of
three or more to get it into the water. Here is the site:

http://www.dillon-racing.com/

Tunnel plans available with a "V" bottom in the works. Have also seen
clevers on the net for a stock 9.9.....maybe Mr. DeWald could enlighten us
as I have a feeling that he could have built a few of these propellers for
the folks across the big pond.

Just a little food for thought.......Ron (the good Sax)

[HRTV]

Still believe that we have to take our blinders off and look at other
alternatives. Maybe Mr. Dillon could provide us with some kits and
we run the class with "fishin motors".....no special lower units, no
special propellers....just something they can have fun with and get time
in the boats at their local water hole. This now becomes something
that father and son can do together and it doesn't take a crew of
three or more to get it into the water. Here is the site:

http://www.dillon-racing.com/

Tunnel plans available with a "V" bottom in the works. Have also seen
clevers on the net for a stock 9.9.....maybe Mr. DeWald could enlighten us
as I have a feeling that he could have built a few of these propellers for
the folks across the big pond.

Just a little food for thought.......Ron (the good Sax)

Hey Sax

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the Mini GT idea goes back almost 20 years or so to the OPC ranks. All these ideas have already been done and failed.

Sport –C Failed OPC sit down entry-level class

JP V-Bottom Failed OPC sit down entry-level class

45SST Tunnel Failed Stock Outboard sit down entry level

SST45 Tunnel Failed OPC entry level sit down class

My point is there have been dozens of entry level classes scattered through out all boat racing categories and they all seem to fail or die a slow and painful death.

The Dillion idea is a good one but that’s why we have the J classs some folks might think I’m wrong but I find this Mini GT class a complete waste of time when we already have the Jr. and entry level classes available for dads and kids.

If you are a new dad to racing with kids let the kids run J and the dad can run ASH or 20SSH to get his feet wet.

[sax]

OPC vs Stock Outboard

You have cited three OPC classes of which I know nothing about
but the 45ss was introduced when we had at least four outboard
manufacturers building Stock Outboard motors for knee jockeys.....today we
have two that are building "race only" engines. One of them, from
what I understand, is putting all their efforts into perfecting the
four cycle racing engine and the other is a fledgling company that
we all hope can make us proud and provide us with what we need
for the future of our sport. Not sure of pricing but from what I have
heard, a used fishing motor or two could be purchased for what a
gear case conversion costs....not too appealing for someone starting
out from outside of our existing ranks. I have not forgotten about
the Tohatsu/Bass hybrid but that again is not a complete engine
from an engine "manufacturer".

Just thought that I would throw this out to the people here to see
what they thought......just figured it would be a viable alternative to
what we are now facing and something that would be "cost effective"
for a newcomer.

Dan, you forgot one of the biggest S.O. debacles of all......the MerCub. In
my opinion, the reason it failed was that the boats were too heavy,
too boring, and overpriced.

[sax]

Fishin motors

Just wanted to add that my first race boat was a Speedliner
with a Merc KF-5 on it, complete with the fishin lower unit
and gear case. Am sure there are still a few out there that
raced these pre-60J rigs with the motors being taller than
what the drivers were at the time.

[Dew1us]

SST45 Tunnel Failed OPC entry level sit down class

How has 45 Failed in OPC. There is a good number of boats still racing out there..

[Brian10s]

How about this

How about a way to provide rides (not races) without all the membership & SE stuff? A one time deal. We all know the best promotion is get in a try it. Nothing beats first hand experience.
Here is what I am thinking. If a club could get a 45 min break in its day (I know next to impossible already but), and get 1 or 2 C size hydros detuned with a old props, they could offer rides to spectators or other interested parties. Those individual's sign some sort of waiver (and this would be where Ed the Lawyer comes in and the Insurance Co) that waives all rights, etc, and they suit up in and take a lap. We all have old safety gear (pants, sleeves, helmet, etc) laying around that could go to the cause. It needs to be somewhat organized with rescue boat on scene, explaination of what to do/ not to do, etc. but those that come to watch already have an interest, this might appeal to some to get in a boat and see if they like it.

I thinking that sponsors could raffle off rides or the local TV sports guy could give it a try or even clubs could offer a ride for the gold sponsorship.

I don't have the whole program thought out but the idea might work.

[Abbott Racing]

how does someone go about getting a copy of the promo video?

[bill boyes]

Hey Sax

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the Mini GT idea goes back almost 20 years or so to the OPC ranks. All these ideas have already been done and failed.

Sport –C Failed OPC sit down entry-level class

JP V-Bottom Failed OPC sit down entry-level class

45SST Tunnel Failed Stock Outboard sit down entry level

SST45 Tunnel Failed OPC entry level sit down class

My point is there have been dozens of entry level classes scattered through out all boat racing categories and they all seem to fail or die a slow and painful death.

The Dillion idea is a good one but that’s why we have the J classs some folks might think I’m wrong but I find this Mini GT class a complete waste of time when we already have the Jr. and entry level classes available for dads and kids.

If you are a new dad to racing with kids let the kids run J and the dad can run ASH or 20SSH to get his feet wet.

Dan, Where do you get your information from? 45's and sport C's are the largest in numbers in Region 11. Region 12 has a very large number of 45's. Check your facts. They may not be very big in your neck of the woods but here on the left coast they are doing great. I wish I could say the same for stock/mod and pro.

[HRTV]

Dan, Where do you get your information from? 45's and sport C's are the largest in numbers in Region 11. Region 12 has a very large number of 45's. Check your facts. They may not be very big in your neck of the woods but here on the left coast they are doing great. I wish I could say the same for stock/mod and pro.

Hey Bill,

Sorry I should clarify, they are all dead classes here on the east coast except for Florida. I think Florida still has SST-60 SST45 Mod -U and SST-120 but thats only one region from Maine to Florida. The rest of the country is dead except for a few mid west states OH, IN then its over to you guys.

[Lights]

Free Rides

How about a way to provide rides (not races) without all the membership & SE stuff? A one time deal. We all know the best promotion is get in a try it. Nothing beats first hand experience.
Here is what I am thinking. If a club could get a 45 min break in its day (I know next to impossible already but), and get 1 or 2 C size hydros detuned with a old props, they could offer rides to spectators or other interested parties. Those individual's sign some sort of waiver (and this would be where Ed the Lawyer comes in and the Insurance Co) that waives all rights, etc, and they suit up in and take a lap. We all have old safety gear (pants, sleeves, helmet, etc) laying around that could go to the cause. It needs to be somewhat organized with rescue boat on scene, explaination of what to do/ not to do, etc. but those that come to watch already have an interest, this might appeal to some to get in a boat and see if they like it.

I thinking that sponsors could raffle off rides or the local TV sports guy could give it a try or even clubs could offer a ride for the gold sponsorship.

I don't have the whole program thought out but the idea might work.

Steve J and myself have done this at the end of the race day at are local races. I think it is a good idea.

Mark

[Don11m]

everyone needs to help

After reading all the great ideas on Hydroracer, every one needs to be a committee of one to help. Dont wait for someone to take the lead, you do it. Lots of the ideas expressed here dont take much money but they take time and committment to helping the sport grow. After watching the Dean Sutherland presentation on membership in Stock Outboard Racing, it shows that we dont do a good job of keeping the new racers that we get. We need to help the new people, lots of them show up with equiptment that is not any good. Remember your back up boat may be lots better than the stuff that the new guy is trying to race , loan it to him . We all know that good equipment will help anybody drive better. Remember to a new guy who is running last every race , passing 1 or 2 boats is like a victory. Helping a new racer or getting someone started boat racing is very rewarding. Lets go to work........

[14-H]

how does someone go about getting a copy of the promo video?

Download it from this site. Ed.

[14-H]

Steve J and myself have done this at the end of the race day at are local races. I think it is a good idea.

Mark

All's you need to do is to have them sign the waiver. Ed.