New to the site

[pirata]

I just joined yesterday. I used to race outboards in the 1980s before I joined the Army in 1988. I retired from the Army in 2008 and have settled in the Communistwealth of Virginia. There's an inboard event that I took my family to today and they were able to see their first race. They got a kick out of it and I might start following the sport a little in the future. Whether I start racing again I don't know but I will definately be bringing my camera as photography is my 3rd career. Anyway, glad I found this and I look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon.

[sam]

Clarksville VA this fall , some other races if you want to drive a little more

[pirata]

I saw the Clarksville race on the schedule and was planning on driving out here. I will drive several hours on the weekends to go to a national park, why not drive to a race?

[Mark 72@E]

Where did you race before and in what classes?

Where did you race before and in what classes? There's a good chance you'll bump into someone here on Hydroracer.net who you knew from way back then. Some of the folks here have never stopped racing since the 1980's.

If you get to the race site during registration you can sign the APBA waiver form as a photographer and get a wrist band. This gets you access to the pits and possibly on a patrol boat to take pictures. Pit access is more important for inboard races because the hot pits, where the cranes operate, have restricted access. Ask the right people and you might find yourself in a turn boat smack next to the action!

Racing pics are welcome here -- everyone loves to see a good racing photo regardless of category or class. The majority of the audience here leans toward outboards (Stock, Modified, PRO) so those pictures will get the most interest.

[sam]

I think you have to be an APBA member to be on a patrol boat, but that is both easy and not too expensive. At the last minute at the races you can always sign up as a "single event" driver, that costs more ... signing up with APBA HQ as an "associate member" is still inexpensive.

If you don't mind driving ... one of, if not THE best event in the east is Lock Haven PA on Labor Day weekend. Another race within a day's drive is Millville NJ

[L. Allen]

Welcome back, Pirata!

[pirata]

I used to Race Novice 350, 20SSH, CSH and 20MR. I have a Life Membership to Seattle Outboard Assocation and I kept an associate membership with APBA up until the late 90s when I finally figured being in South America and having only visited the US twice in 6 years it was time to stop that membership. I might look into getting an associate membership for next year and might hit a few races. Unfortunately the next 4 summers will be pretty busy with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and I plan on hitting several events each year on or about the 150 anniversary. I guess I will have to do a little planning to make both come true.

[pirata]

I also came across one of the first people I ever met in outboard racing, Pat Gleason on this site.