Class Consolidation-Stock Outboard Ballot

[HydroKyle93R]

there's my argument: Drug testing for all members of the sorc.

hahahahhaahhaa

[csh2z]

I would never be in favor of combining classes on a national level. Although my position on eliminating older, out of production motors has softened somewhat due only to the economic climate, I still believe our fixed and stated goal of "one motor per class" should be the cornerstone concept of Stock Outboard. ***True Parity***. Regardless of how long a complete transition would take. Combining classes at a national level would only complicate acheiving that goal. It also limits the options of a race committee. I believe class combinations can be better handled on a local basis. Just because there are 11 or 12 classes in the category doesn't mean you have to run them all. Our foundation will be the nationally promotable classes, ie. the classes with new motors available. These are the classes the SORC should endorse and promote, only! The other classes can remain viable options for newbies to buy used equipment and veterans get to run there own stuff at least locally.
Now, is the best opportunity to make Stock Outboard the best it can be. While our population is small and new motors are available for every class, we can build this the right way if we work together. Build it like a business would. Set our goals and standards high, then take the steps necessary to acheive them. Let's not complicate an already confusing class structure.

I have voted "no".

[Tim Weber]

This is one of the times that I agree with John 100%. Local races where we are trying to put a few boats on the water, sure mix and match. At a big race
I believe as John does that we need like motors.

If we deviate too much, stock will become more of a mod type racing and we already have a mod division. One of the largest reasons I have liked stock is the simplicity of motors. Sure there are a few special motors out there and yes there are engine gurus but you don't have to be a machinist to compete.
It is the most level playing field I know of and this is what we are trying to protect.

I voted no too.

Tim

[Jeff Brewster 59s]

Thank you Tim and John!

You both are so correct. We have so many options available and we do not need one person's proposal to tell us what we need to do in the entire country. I am especially thrilled to see I agree with John Runne on something, who I have the utmost respect for.
Ok, before the comments start....I am serious.

[Dave M]

I Don't Get It

A vast majority of stockers agree that the system is broke. Yet they can't agree on how to fix it. It has been broke for more than ten years. Is it going to take 20 years to fix it ?

I just shake my head in frustration. No wonder the ranks have went from great to poor. To fricking many cliques who have what they call the golden idea. At this rate you guys will be racing in the bar and never have to get wet in 10 years.

[Matt Dagostino]

Agreed...............

"one motor per class" should be the cornerstone concept of Stock Outboard. ***True Parity***. Regardless of how long a complete transition would take. Combining classes at a national level would only complicate acheiving that goal. It also limits the options of a race committee. I believe class combinations can be better handled on a local basis. Just because there are 11 or 12 classes in the category doesn't mean you have to run them all. Our foundation will be the nationally promotable classes, ie. the classes with new motors available. These are the classes the SORC should endorse and promote, only! The other classes can remain viable options for newbies to buy used equipment and veterans get to run there own stuff at least locally. Let's not complicate an already confusing class structure.

I have voted "no".

Johnny and i agree on this 100%.............but as stated we are in a different economic position today then we were in the 1980's and manufactures arn't knocking down our doors as they were then!

Consequently we have to be very gentle in the way we phase in new equipment.

The current SORC has a daunting task on it's hands trying to achieve PARITY amongst the new Sidewinder products and the current engines they will be competing against. But at this time it is the only viable option we have since these motors were approved and must try to work together to weather the storm!

Again, i think the Sutherland proposal is full of passion and for our sport but is about 10 years late in it's timing!

[csh2z]

61-W, Jeff,
After spending a whole weekend learning about the Sidewinders and participating in the testing, what are you're final conclusions on the quality of the product? Would you have any reservations about directing a new or used racer towards purchasing a Sidewinder?

59-S, Jeff,
I never proposed to axe the 25XSH but I am and have been disappointed in its resurgence in respect to the # of classes that we have.

I wish we had handled the proposals etc. of the Steering Committee differently 4-5 years ago, as we were headed in the right direction, that was my fault. Although, cutting the whole project rather than tweeking it, was also a mistake.

Not having been on the commission the past year and a half.......... Who was appointed to the new committee?

[61-W]

Sidewinder testing info.

61-W, Jeff,
(After spending a whole weekend learning about the Sidewinders and participating in the testing, what are you're final conclusions on the quality of the product? Would you have any reservations about directing a new or used racer towards purchasing a Sidewinder?)

John
The weekend testing session with the Sidewinder engine folks down in Florida was very positive. By the end of the test session, the final "Dialed in" versions of the 15S (A engine) and 15H (B engine) performed well. I got to drive the Parity tuned 15S engine at the end of the session. It had "The Feel" and top speed of a good OMC A engine. I only witnessed the test runs of the 15H engine driven by Dave Bennett, but the speed numbers he came in with, were consistent with most of the current Hotrods. The workmanship and attention to detail of these engines was very nice, consistent with all of Ed Runne's past engine projects. I feel if one of their 3 Sidewinder engines were to fit into your racing budget, it would be a good purchase, be it a NEW or Veteran racer.

[STEVE FRENCH]

So when are the vote's counted and communicated to the membership/Propeller mag?

[csh2z]

Steve,
All three versions of the Sidewinder have been approved and are permenantly affixed in their classes. Now is the time to stand behind all of our motor manufacturers and promote the sale of these new motors. We ALL must promote our sport and our suppliers of merchandise and equipment. Their success and our success depend on each other.