If I were King part 2

[Kev43V]

how about dem Bears?.... oh sorry off subject...
BPIII should be one of the first on the list for the "So and So" artical in the propeller. Well at least at the top of the list from Region seven. I keep hoping someone articulate will submit one on him. Thanks Bill for everything you do for our sport. Especially how you focus on the positive and try to avoid pitfalls...

[raceright]

borrowed

As I have said before---Borrowing some lake ran by a Goverment agency is the Major cause of APBA's decline in membership'
To much red tape,ass kissing,begging,good old boy,status quoe EPA nonsense to get permission to use a lake that 40 years ago ya just went and raced in. Yea ya can talk about Leadership, class structure,availability of equipment But like most things today your Liberal Goverment is a major cause of most things messed up.(want to use other words) At Hartford Connecticut the Govermental agencies were extremely helpful --but it took about 20 years of the cities running thing to finely go full circle and welcome people like us. Gonna take at least that long for it to happen elseware around the country

Pat

[Dave M]

Engage

I think someone really hinted at a real issue. The lack of response from leadership really turns these issues into a shouting match. If someone of leadership would commit to commenting on issues posted here and offer some positive input if it is at all practical, you would see a major difference in attitude.

I think there is a lack of leadership at APBA that engages the members. This is a VERY small organization. It should not be run like a large corporation. It should be run like a small business. You need the leaders to engage people at some point, on the venue they choose. It is not up to the leaders to choose that platform. This is a real simple business model that works. Keep people as informed as possible.

You want change, tackle the issue right now, right here. Offer support or facts to why not. We need a quick change, not a ten year plan. When I say quick, I am saying two years top. Without it technology and kids will pass us by.

My family has gotten a good number of people to race, new people. Why is it that a lot don't race anymore ? Plenty do, but still why ? It is a fundamental question, not a numbers game. A fundamental change is needed.

[Hunter]

...My first race was in 1963. 1000 Islands Marathon.100 miles and $500. to win in each class.Races were big deals in those days.Most had some prize money and nice trophies. It doesn't work like that today,but look what happens with the dash-for-cash at Lock Haven.Multiple elim races are required !

What has changed? We don't get communities and businesses and corporate sponsors involved. We have become racing zealots who don't care if anyone shows up to watch and we race like maniacs for nothing.
Factor in the expense of APBA membership, entry fees,travel expenses,etc and it is not too hard to see why the sport is hard to maintain,let alone grow.

Hunter III

[reed28n]

On the money

...My first race was in 1963. 1000 Islands Marathon.100 miles and $500. to win in each class.Races were big deals in those days.Most had some prize money and nice trophies. It doesn't work like that today,but look what happens with the dash-for-cash at Lock Haven.Multiple elim races are required !

What has changed? We don't get communities and businesses and corporate sponsors involved. We have become racing zealots who don't care if anyone shows up to watch and we race like maniacs for nothing.
Factor in the expense of APBA membership, entry fees,travel expenses,etc and it is not too hard to see why the sport is hard to maintain,let alone grow.

Hunter III

Many will say they don't care about the prize money and I am one. But with out an attractive package to sell we are moved inland to hidden venues that do not appeal to larger numbers of people.

I look at Grass Lake as a great opportunity to turn things around. It is a great venue. Let's take all of our enclosed trailers off the shore and put people who want to watch the races in those locations. We as racers always want the best spots for ourselves. We need the best spots for spectators.

Grass Lake had an introduction of drivers in their boats before the finals races; this is a step in the right direction. Put the path to inspection directly in the middle of where you think spectators will be seated or standing. Let people associate a face with a boat number. As we cart our equipment out of the water.

Let’s start to increase the number of spectator centered races. Them their people are our potential customers. Reserve the water front for them.......

[raceright]

...My first race was in 1963. 1000 Islands Marathon.100 miles and $500. to win in each class.Races were big deals in those days.Most had some prize money and nice trophies. It doesn't work like that today,but look what happens with the dash-for-cash at Lock Haven.Multiple elim races are required !

What has changed? We don't get communities and businesses and corporate sponsors involved. We have become racing zealots who don't care if anyone shows up to watch and we race like maniacs for nothing.
Factor in the expense of APBA membership, entry fees,travel expenses,etc and it is not too hard to see why the sport is hard to maintain,let alone grow.

Hunter III

YEP Hunter toooooo much selfishness thats for sure

[PopPop]

The "Good Old Days"

Growing up along the Delaware River in the 50s, I could enjoy a boat race almost any Sunday at one of the Yacht Clubs along the river (The Delaware River Yachtsmens League). There was next to no other pleasure boat traffic and they held races on fairly open water with waves and even, at times, white-caps. The greatest thing a young guy, under driving age, could have was a "Hurricane Mercury with a Quicky". Mine was an open front-deck utility with a Merc A and a long shaft "quicky". We raced on some pretty ugly water and, on weekdays, took friends for a ride in the open front seat. I'll never forget taking my mother for a ride. She was never faint of heart but I scared the devil out of her. Today, a weekend on the river is like a crowded expressway. and every kid wants a "Jet-Ski".. Keep this perspective in mind when you try to analyze where we are today.

[wsmith0607]

Growing up in Michigan, let alone being only 20 minutes from Grass Lake, I must say, it is not that we don't have places for spectators. We have the whole other half of the park for spectators, and, as long as they sign the waiver, just like at any other race, they get a wristband and are more than welcome to walk through the pit area and meet the racers. The sport isn't down in our part of the state because of parking, places to sit, advertising, information on our sport, refreshments, food, or any other pitty thing you my think of. It is because Michigan has gone down hill on employment, and our government sucks the taxes out of our butts. We have been racing in GL for over 15 years. Everyone within a 30 mile radius knows when we race, all the radio stations and the local TV stations advertise our races. Economy is what is slowing us down at this particular point in time. Yes, there may be some issues in APBA, but, we should not blame them for everything that is being blamed on them from the above comments. And as far as new members, why don't we talk to our friends, neighbors, parents of whom our kids go to school with??? I know I have. If you look at other sites, there are a lot of younger racers trying to get their community involved. I just had a friend from Algonac want to get her restaurant/bar to sponsor a race, and has the other establishments in the area on board. So, just like a lot of other things, it isn't what you know, it is who you know. Our sport is not dying, no where near dead, it is just getting too political, and we need to get back to basics.

[B Walker]

Our sport is not dying, no where near dead, it is just getting too political, and we need to get back to basics.

If APBA is not growing it is dying, the only question becomes when we call the coroner. Next year? 5 years? 10? Please review the membership stats in the other thread.

Region 6 and 7 have 50% of the Stock Outboard membership and I can understand how people that rarely travel out of those Regions can have an "APBA is not broken" and "everything is OK, its just the economy stupid" outlook.

If you live in Region 6 or 7 it is the last area you can still get your 15 races in without significant travel. You have enough members in the local clubs to cover your expenses for an average weekend of racing. There is no place left in the rest of the country that those things are possible. That is the consequences of a declining membership.

You may not want to hear it but everything is not OK. The membership has declined almost every year scince the 1960's. That is a fact and the politics of the sport did not drive all those people away.

I know most people dont want controversy or confrontation but when the barn is on fire someone better speak up.

APBA's barn is on fire.

Brad Walker

A growing membership solves all money problems.

[reed28n]

Economy

Yes, the economy is not what it once was. Every business on the planet has either gone out of the business or has made significant strategic reformations.

APBA has done neither.......yet.

[krazy karl]

Mom

Growing up along the Delaware River in the 50s, I could enjoy a boat race almost any Sunday at one of the Yacht Clubs along the river (The Delaware River Yachtsmens League). There was next to no other pleasure boat traffic and they held races on fairly open water with waves and even, at times, white-caps. The greatest thing a young guy, under driving age, could have was a "Hurricane Mercury with a Quicky". Mine was an open front-deck utility with a Merc A and a long shaft "quicky". We raced on some pretty ugly water and, on weekdays, took friends for a ride in the open front seat. I'll never forget taking my mother for a ride. She was never faint of heart but I scared the devil out of her. Today, a weekend on the river is like a crowded expressway. and every kid wants a "Jet-Ski".. Keep this perspective in mind when you try to analyze where we are today.

My dad finally convinced my mom to go for a ride in my Super 10 powered Jinx in the early 60's. That was the first and only time she set foot in that boat and frequently complained to my dad that boat is not safe for her son to drive.
kk

[reed28n]

Bill Pavlick

Bill and his family have made significant contributions over the years through hours of endless volunteering and club work around recruiting drivers and conducting races.

Volunteers are our greatest asset and should never be discouraged. They should be welcomed, thanked and appreciated.

I feel the debate for Stock Outboard is a view from 10,000 feet. How do we improve the "National" package and Brand our name "APBA." The percentage of people in the US that would recognize APBA is low and diminishing. Boat Racing is what it is about. What can we do to move forward.

We have to incorporate our base and build. It will take new ideas and it will not be without pain.

Local boat racing will survive on some level and in some pockets of North America, but how do we extend our reach.

[Matt Dagostino]

Mr phil

Growing up along the Delaware River in the 50s The greatest thing a young guy could have was a "Hurricane Mercury with a Quicky".

Mr Phil, you are showing your age again!! And it appears from your post things were a little wild and crazy back in the day on the ole Delaware River!!

Merry Christmas!

The Captain

[HRTV]

If APBA is not growing it is dying, the only question becomes when we call the coroner. Next year? 5 years? 10? Please review the membership stats in the other thread.

Region 6 and 7 have 50% of the Stock Outboard membership and I can understand how people that rarely travel out of those Regions can have an "APBA is not broken" and "everything is OK, its just the economy stupid" outlook.

If you live in Region 6 or 7 it is the last area you can still get your 15 races in without significant travel. You have enough members in the local clubs to cover your expenses for an average weekend of racing. There is no place left in the rest of the country that those things are possible. That is the consequences of a declining membership.

You may not want to hear it but everything is not OK. The membership has declined almost every year scince the 1960's. That is a fact and the politics of the sport did not drive all those people away.

I know most people dont want controversy or confrontation but when the barn is on fire someone better speak up.

APBA's barn is on fire.

Brad Walker

A growing membership solves all money problems.

Bravo Brad! clearly lots of folks here at HR do not live in a region where boat racing has been dead for years but I can tell you first hand that I live in a region where several APBA categories have been dead and buried for years now. Region 4 had one of the largest OPC followings in the country and that tombstone has been up for years now. The Stock Outboard tombstone for region 4 has already been engraved and is simply waiting to be put in place.

Call it negative posting, call me names call it what ever you want but little by little these tombstones that read RIP “Stock Outboard Racing” will start popping up all across the country soon rather the later.

[raceright]

Bravo Brad! clearly lots of folks here at HR do not live in a region where boat racing has been dead for years but I can tell you first hand that I live in a region where several APBA categories have been dead and buried for years now. Region 4 had one of the largest OPC followings in the country and that tombstone has been up for years now. The Stock Outboard tombstone for region 4 has already been engraved and is simply waiting to be put in place.

Call it negative posting, call me names call it what ever you want but little by little these tombstones that read RIP “Stock Outboard Racing” will start popping up all across the country soon rather the later.

This began when stockoutboard stopped racing stockoutboards..Going back to true stockoutboards ????might save the beast---don't know.

Another thing someone said that a few regions feel that everything is cooool..Good point if ya get to play alot ya would think this.
Problem is the same regions with the most races also have the highest # of members and will vote accordingly. Truly this could be the real cause of a Failing APBA