Thinking like 'The new gal or guy'

[ram95]

Try as we might, Us racers, just don't think like the proverbial "new guy/gal" does. Nope, not anymore than a 40 year old guy can think he can relate to a 12 year-old girl.

Accept it!! Further-more all this crap about taking that person 'under-our-wing' and guiding them toward the right decision... etc, is likewise just that.... ie, more crap. Because, reading all the posts here on HR, we.... yeah WE can't seem to figure out what the heck to do about the current class structure among ourselves.

How then... can we offer any real guidance to some newby when WE DON'T THINK LIKE A NEWBY!!!

Relax.... there really is hope. If we structure our classes so that engines, even old engines, can enter in a given class, say B Hydro, we will allow that 'newby' the chance to get in there. Yee ha...! So what if she/he concludes on their own, afer two years of running 3,4,5 etc, that they ought to try a new Sidewinder or Tohatsu. Hey.. by that time they will have entered a bunch of races, learned a bunch about our sport, and learned how to freaking drive ............ we should hope!!!

Yup... there is a great advantage to letting the "newby" learn the way we all have. On the other hand, if you want the 'Village' to raise the child... why not call Hillary. Personally, I'd just offer the newby encouragement to join in.

Alex

[mdaspit]

Try as we might, Us racers, just don't think like the proverbial "new guy/gal" does.

Accept it!! Further-more all this crap about taking that person 'under-our-wing' and guiding them toward the right decision... etc, is likewise just

How then... can we offer any real guidance to some newby when WE DON'T THINK LIKE A NEWBY!!!



Alex

Well, speaking as a "new guy" I think you are wrong about that.
Not only can you "old guys" relate, but a new guy with the passion, wants nothing more than to down load all of the help, guidance, and "taking under the wing" that he can get, and from as many of you old guys that he can get it from.

Are you kidding me?

The truth is, a new guy's biggest concern is that he's afraid he's going to be too much of a pain in the azz to you old guys!

If it weren't for the help from old guys like B Walker, Rick Wagner, Dan Parker, J. Wiendant, and especially Jack Stotts, on issues like boats, set ups, props, driving therory, engine tuning, testing procedure, swooping!. But, above all, and one that you may not be thinking about, that I'm sure you can relate to a new guy...SAFETY.

You want a new guy out there who's unaware of things he doing that may be very dangerous to himself and everyone else?

Forget about "relating" Alex and jump in there with both feet.

This "new guy" for one will appreciate it.


With all due respect-
Mark Daspit

[Islandmon]

This is an interesting thread especially sense I would put myself in the same boat (No pun ) as Mark. For me personally I have to admit that if it wasn't for a few people helping me out both solicited and unsolicited I would not be anywhere close to where I am today. Again speaking for myself I'm not looking for every secrete that many of you have worked hard to discover. That said a few pointers and some elbow to elbow help has gone a long way in bringing my skill level and confidence to a point where I can actually compete now.

I say the more we share the faster we can get the newer guys up to speed so they feel like they are part of the game. Once that happens the cycle will repeat itself, sort of like the "Pay It Forward" theory. I had the true pleasure of loaning a motor to a new driver a few weeks ago who wanted to run a short course marathon. He was scared, nervous and didn't want to make an ass of himself or get in the way of others. We got him set up gave him a few basic instructions and told him to hang on follow our directions and he will be fine, mission accomplished.

That same day we had two marathon drivers take their first ride in barrowed /cobbled short coarse rigs. My guess is that we will see both of them running short coarse next year. The point being us newer drivers look for and depend on the friendly guidance and direction of you more experienced drivers. (Many thanks to Mike, Tim and Kim ).

Oh and by the way I have no problem relating to my two grown daughters and never did. Fast forward the same goes for my two granddaughters ( 4&6 ). Just get down on the floor grab a coloring book and go to town .

Sam,

[mdaspit]

Islandmond said-

Again speaking for myself I'm not looking for every secrete that many of you have worked hard to discover.

No, Islandmon, I think those "old guys" should give us every speed secret they've got. After all, they need us, we're new guys.

In fact, I think it should be a new APBA rule, they can put it under "Safety" and that way nobody needs to vote on it. that may just be the solution we're all looking for to increase new guys to the sport...

We'll start a new program, and call it the "Make a new guy as fast as you are program" Don't worry old guys, you can still out drive us...For a while.

In fact, they should stop all the discussion about classes and motors and eliminate this and add that, and Ed Hearne this, and Reed that, and call me right now...979 525 8030. My line is open.

[Tomtall]

Very Good

No, Islandmon, I think those "old guys" should give us every speed secret they've got. After all, they need us, we're new guys.

I like it,but people willing to do that are few and far between.

I have only meet a few people willing to spill thier guts. One of those people was an OPC racer named RANDY MINCH. Randy was a very fearce competator in the old SE and SST60 classes. He was a many time high point winner,Hall of Champions inductee and National champion. I used to see Randy give advice to whom ever approched him with a question. I also would see Randy give speed secrets to the guys willing to listen that were running in his wake. I asked him once why he did that? Don't you want to win I said? He replied back that even though winning was great having three or four boats running together with him made winning all that more special. He loved the compatition. Too many of our races in S/O are just parade laps after the first turn. What fun is that for anyone?

[DtwSailor]

I had to respond in as probably the newest of the new guys. In fact, I'm so green, I have yet to run a race!

Us rookies, do look for guidance and support, on everything. Heck we are greener in knowledge than most Democrats incumbents on election eve this year!

What I think is the key word for the new guys is trust. I trust the advice that is given to me by those that have been doing this for a while. Advice on motors, classes, and driving skills.

If I didn't have that advice or trust, regardless of solicitation, I would not be involved in the sport, as I feel that I would be a danger to myself or others on the course.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[DtwSailor]

Please change your Avatar, yours is Much too RELAXING looking for Hydroracer and nobody will take you seriously - - just

At this stage, I can't change until I purchase a Hydro...new pictures next month! I promise. Plus for those that don't know me, I just can't be serious-Life is too short!

[blueskyracer]

At this stage, I can't change until I purchase a Hydro...new pictures next month! I promise. Plus for those that don't know me, I just can't be serious-Life is too short!

I like your attitude. Welcome to a great family and sport.

[Islandmon]

At this stage, I can't change until I purchase a Hydro...new pictures next month! I promise. Plus for those that don't know me, I just can't be serious-Life is too short!

Oakland Twp ??? have we met yet ? If not send me a PM so we can rectify that. I work in Rochester Hills and live in Plymouth.

Thx,

Sam
87-M

[ricochet112]

Islandmond said-

Again speaking for myself I'm not looking for every secrete that many of you have worked hard to discover.

No, Islandmon, I think those "old guys" should give us every speed secret they've got. After all, they need us, we're new guys.

In fact, I think it should be a new APBA rule, they can put it under "Safety" and that way nobody needs to vote on it. that may just be the solution we're all looking for to increase new guys to the sport...

We'll start a new program, and call it the "Make a new guy as fast as you are program" Don't worry old guys, you can still out drive us...For a while.

In fact, they should stop all the discussion about classes and motors and eliminate this and add that, and Ed Hearne this, and Reed that, and call me right now...979 525 8030. My line is open.

Hmmmm, you want something for nothing, no hard work at all...sounds like you're a fan of socialism...but please correct if I'm wrong.

add-I help out anyone who asks or looks like their struggling, or is new that I get involved.

[B Walker]

Sarcasm is a particularly difficult form of houmour in this bulletin board style format....

Mark, ya want your 302 to go fast?

Make sure everything is straight, sealed, and flat......then drive your you-know-what off.

I would call you but I already gave you all my speed secrets.

Cheers

BW

PS Dont be suprised when you get drunk dialed at 3 AM.

[me-otch]

I am new to boat racing this year but not new to working on engines.
I am trying to build a Dmod by my-self, no cnc machines, so i like to try to find out SOME things from people who have done it before or are doing it now to help point me in a direction. And i am Thrilled when one of these old vets give me one of thier secrets but i don't push my luck. I put it in the memory bank say thanks and leave it alone and apreciat what i just learned.

What would honestly Give you more satisfaction... Beating one of the fast guy's that just told you everything they know and spent years and many parts figuring out how to go fast, or by doing it yourself, figuring it out for yourself and winning because you found your own way. And to be honest i think it would be more satisfying to be beat by someone that you watched progress from a rookie to a winner by way of their own with a little help. Not because you just handed it to them.

Speed is hard to find on the water.Everybody is looking for that edge and if someone has found that edge they earned it you can;t expect them to just give it away to the world.

Its like school...you don't have to do the homework, you can just look in the back of the textbook and write in the answers. But where does that get you?

If your looking for someone to just hand you the answer's, You're in the wrong sport. Go race bicycles!

So take what i said for what it is...just my opinion.
Like i said i am a rookie and i wont deny that i ask everyone i meet for advice and tips...but i don't get frustrated when someone dosen't wanna tell you everything.

-Mitch