Y-80 / Sidewinder Controversy

[Tim Weber]

oops, I can't speell. The new must beat the old to force the transition.

Tim

[csh2z]

Don,
I know stats are what you make of them. The steepest decline in 20SS occurred between 2006 and 2007. I don't know why. As you pointed out there is always plenty of reasons people stop racing. I remember seeing the numbers and class participation dropped from 126 to 98 in that one year!
Neil, Fortunately (or not) we only go through this transition nightmare once every 25 or so years. It's tough to get good at something you haven't done since junior high school! Also circumstances change from one generation to the next.

[csh2z]

I new Dana was lurking out there somewhere. HELP!

[blueskyracer]

The cost of building a small quantity of specialty products is very expensive. If you think it should cost less, give it a try yourself. $4,500 is very reasonable, actually I believe that is a come on price for what is costing more like $5,500. Maybe stock outboard should return to their roots and race what comes off the showroom floor then you could have your $2,000 A or B stock. And, it will slow down the racing equipment.

The problem is not the Sidewinder or the cost, it is the way the SORC manages new products, Tohatsu and Sidewinder. Mercury Marine and OMC offered products that were rejected, so they walked away. Support your manufacturers and develop a transition system that will encourage all racers. The current process looks like a big boost to the mod division.

Very well put. There needs to be a better transition period. Maybe it should be longer. Attitudes have changed from the 70"s but not everyone is on the same page. The big question is how to make the change easier on folks attitudes and pocket books. Darren is loving all of this Mod talk

[Dave M]

Huh ?

With all due respect Dave these old motors should be left behind! For the love of God how long will this sport continue to nurse these old classes? When is enough.. Enough!

Again with all due respect your solution that these guys do not support the new motor rather just keep nursing these old motors in Mod classes is not the answer for the future of the sport. Sure it will keep the same old faces showing up every weekend but how is this helping the future of the sport?

You can prolong the inevitable as long as you want; you will only be hurting your selves in the long run by not adopting change.

Can I afford one? No I cannot not, I cannot afford to race to all but that’s not the point before you ask, The point is taking this sport to next level and these motors in my opinion are the only viable solution at this point and time. These motors must be interjected into the sport and made mandatory at some point whether people like it or not.

Dan Lawrence for APBA president are you with me Dave

Please no profanity in your reply

You are a &*(^$*&#%@(#)_$&$(@_!@_@#)_^^$#!@#$%^&*() so shut up and race. How is that for no profanity? All secret Orphan Annie Decoder Pin Code.

Dan, while I agree with your opinion to an extent there is ALWAYS a demand for these older engines. You can't deny it, nor can anyone else. Think long and hard about What Kev the coffee guy said. That is the perfect example of what I am saying. With the rising cost of just about everything why not keep the cost of boat racing down below where it is at ? Talk about a growth model.... think about it. Go race a go kart or Jet ski for 20K or go race 90MPH in a 850CCMH for 5K ? Think about it.... How many people could you attract if the price is a lot lower than other forms of racing ? I think you need to rethink your business model and go after the marketing aspect rather than the rising cost aspect. Introduce the new engines along the way, and let the others die by attrition. In the NBRA the Tahotsu is pretty much the engine of choice in the "D" class. The Mercs are s old and hard to find parts for that there are only a few folks even messing around with them anymore. These folks like the challenge. Take that challenge away and see if the sport grows....

Now then, if you change the platform on which you are running on for President we can talk about votes. Hell, I can't even get appointed commissioner at large when I ask, so I know my opinions don't mean diddley squat anyway. Might as well aim big and run for President.

[HRTV]

You are a &*(^$*&#%@(#)_$&$(@_!@_@#)_^^$#!@#$%^&*() so shut up and race. How is that for no profanity? All secret Orphan Annie Decoder Pin Code.

Dan, while I agree with your opinion to an extent there is ALWAYS a demand for these older engines. You can't deny it, nor can anyone else. Think long and hard about What Kev the coffee guy said. That is the perfect example of what I am saying. With the rising cost of just about everything why not keep the cost of boat racing down below where it is at ? Talk about a growth model.... think about it. Go race a go kart or Jet ski for 20K or go race 90MPH in a 850CCMH for 5K ? Think about it.... How many people could you attract if the price is a lot lower than other forms of racing ? I think you need to rethink your business model and go after the marketing aspect rather than the rising cost aspect. Introduce the new engines along the way, and let the others die by attrition. In the NBRA the Tahotsu is pretty much the engine of choice in the "D" class. The Mercs are s old and hard to find parts for that there are only a few folks even messing around with them anymore. These folks like the challenge. Take that challenge away and see if the sport grows....

Now then, if you change the platform on which you are running on for President we can talk about votes. Hell, I can't even get appointed commissioner at large when I ask, so I know my opinions don't mean diddley squat anyway. Might as well aim big and run for President.

Thanks for keeping it clean a retarted blind man could read through that code

[csh2z]

How long of a transition period will work?

[Dave M]

How Long ?

How long of a transition period will work?

Natural Attrition long.

[Phil Fronce]

Lease as an option?

Since cost seems to be a primary concern for new equipment, especially upfront costs, has leasing with an option to purchase ever been considered? I own a land surveying firm, in order for me to compete with other firms I must keep current with the latest and greatest technology available. This translates to huge bucks, robotic instrument 50K, GPS unit 25K, etc. I can't afford to lay out the cash, so I go the lease route with a $1.00 buy-out at the end of the lease. You can also purchase maintenance agreements, the same could possibly work with racing engines. The maintenance would be great for the non motorhead, you would always have a competetive motor. Isn't this the way the Indy Car series works?

My two cents.

[blueskyracer]

How long of a transition period will work?

Attrition would be best but if a time frame had to be used a minimum of 5 years fom now. Just my opinion

[Mrs blueskyracer]

I vote Attrition

[HRTV]

Dave Mason told me to sit down and shut up so I dont get a vote see how they treat me Teresa

[blueskyracer]

Dave Mason told me to sit down and shut up so I dont get a vote see how they treat me Teresa

Dan, are you and Dave blood brothers!

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Dan you can have a vote, they might not count it, but you can have a vote. The live debate should be a heap of fun. Exactly how does that work, can you explain the process on that thread?

[dholt]

These are some pretty eye-opening numbers. No one has a comment? I am surprised.