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Question from a "new name"
Guys, as a newbie to the sport, I found this forum and have read many posts regarding restructuring the classes and different issues on the local and national level. Some of these are becoming quite heated, which shows me that people are passionate about this hobby.
Quick question for all?
Why did you get into this sport?
Here's my resaoning:
#1 I love the water, and have always sailed in my previous years. Heck I bought a sailboat instead of an engagement ring many years ago!
My father raced B Hydros in the 50's for many years before APBA was involved on the local level in Ohio. He talked about the good days when he and a buddy would go down to the lake, put their rig in, race each other with whatever they had, maybe get their picture in the paper, and look forward to their next race.
He told me he stopped racing because it had become too commercialized and members fighting over classes and such.
At the MHRA school, we were both introduced to a group of guys and gals that seemed to have bring the sport back around 180 or as the old man put it.."The good old days"
I then dragged the family to a race this last weekend to look at what rigs would work for me next year. (For those in MHRA, look out, I plan to finish a respectable 9th or 10th!) And guess what....
it's FUN! I had a blast driving the boat at the racer school, and had no idea what class it was. I saw true friendship at the races. Stories of competitors giving up trailer space to haul a rig. I watched a team put together a J boat for a racer after he was involved in an incident and lost his ride due to no part of his own.
I watched complete strangers approach me and my family and offer assistance not only with looking at equipment, but also to make sure that my tent was up, campfire going, and coffee was available.
I watched as parents looked out for each other kids, and made sure that everyone was safe.
That is the reason why I am laying down some cash and getting involved.
Quick question for all?
Why did you get into this sport?
Here's my resaoning:
#1 I love the water, and have always sailed in my previous years. Heck I bought a sailboat instead of an engagement ring many years ago!
My father raced B Hydros in the 50's for many years before APBA was involved on the local level in Ohio. He talked about the good days when he and a buddy would go down to the lake, put their rig in, race each other with whatever they had, maybe get their picture in the paper, and look forward to their next race.
He told me he stopped racing because it had become too commercialized and members fighting over classes and such.
At the MHRA school, we were both introduced to a group of guys and gals that seemed to have bring the sport back around 180 or as the old man put it.."The good old days"
I then dragged the family to a race this last weekend to look at what rigs would work for me next year. (For those in MHRA, look out, I plan to finish a respectable 9th or 10th!) And guess what....
it's FUN! I had a blast driving the boat at the racer school, and had no idea what class it was. I saw true friendship at the races. Stories of competitors giving up trailer space to haul a rig. I watched a team put together a J boat for a racer after he was involved in an incident and lost his ride due to no part of his own.
I watched complete strangers approach me and my family and offer assistance not only with looking at equipment, but also to make sure that my tent was up, campfire going, and coffee was available.
I watched as parents looked out for each other kids, and made sure that everyone was safe.
That is the reason why I am laying down some cash and getting involved.
I joined the racing family approximately 17 yrs ago and have to tell you that I'm proud and honored to be involved. I agree with Jeff! You nailed it on the head! What you witnessed is an amazing display of camaraderie and respect. Our family ties feel stronger with this group of people then most of our biological families. I couldn't imagine a life without racing and I'm so happy that my son is following in his father and grandfather's footsteps.
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