First time

[Fish On]

After much thought I feel it necessary to talk about my first outboard hydroplane race. It happened at the end of May at the Memorial day race in Newberg Oregon. I had been getting ready for that day for several months. I could say for several decades as I'm 68 years old and being raised in Michigan and have always wanted to race a hydro. I must say I was very surprised how open and friendly every one was. My first day I was lost not knowing what was expected of me or how to get ready to race. Randy Thurman, who had been answering my first timer questions for the past few months came over and showed me how to set up my motor and generally get me headed in the right direction. About 6PM that evening Randy knocked on the camper door and ask what I was doing. I said cooking dinner. He instructed me to get in my racing gear that I was going to test my boat. What a surprise when I arrived at the launch site there must have been at least 10 region 10 guys standing by to help if needed. My first trip was scary but what a rush. To the man all those watching asked if I had fun. As I was to find out that was just the first of numerous well wishes from my fellow club members. I was given much advice from all of the members and it put my mind at ease. I did not know how or when I was going to race. Again Randy came to my rescue. He explained the protocol and what to expect. He also secured someone to help me for the day. The mans name was Bill Blackwell. A man of some note in the industry. I was amazed and thankful for his help and advice. He made sure i was where I was suppose to be and on time. He launched my boat and started me under way for all 4 races. He gave me much technical advice, which was invaluable and will stick with me as long as i race. I must say I was concerned about my first time out. Words can not express the feelings of gratitude that I still feel to this day. Every one in region 10 and some I do not know, after every race ask me if I was having fun. every one was willing to talk to me about any thing I questioned and I thank everyone for that. I must give a very special thank you to Randy Thurman and Bill Blackwell for sharing there time and knowledge. It says a lot for a sport when there top people will take the time to share there knowledge and help to see that a new guy "Has Fun".

Jack Fournier 711-R

[blueskyracer]

Jack if you had that much fun when is your next race?

[Fish On]

Seaside

I will be ant Cullaby lake next week. Hope to see you there.

[Dave M]

Welcome

Welcome to the sport. I do think you will find that warm reception in any organization of boat racers, and of course, that kind of help.

So welcome to the sport, and if you ever want to race in your home state of Michigan, there are a few to be had.

I will gladly help out if you ever make the trek.

[steve jones]

Congratulations Jack, I got back into a CSR at age 60, and enjoying every minute, best of luck this racing season, and Dave's right, come on back to Michigan to race.

[DtwSailor]

first timer as well

Welcome to the sport! I am glad to see that no matter where in the US you are, the group that races stock outboards is pretty much the same. I have had similar experiences here in Region 6 as I get ready for my second race weekend. If you ever get out to Michigan, let me know, so we can share the same experiences as we both go thru them.....See your wake in turn 1!
MD

[mdaspit]

I'm 68 years old
Jack Fournier 711-R

You will now start getting younger as long as you keep racing....

[Brew56]

Great thread. Welcome to the sport and kudos to the racers in Region 10 for what you've done to help this guy.

Questions for the 2 rookie drivers......How did you hear about Stock Outboard racing? What do you think needs to be done to attract more new members? What could have been better for you as you entered the sport?

[DtwSailor]

Questions for the 2 rookie drivers......How did you hear about Stock Outboard racing? What do you think needs to be done to attract more new members? What could have been better for you as you entered the sport?

I found out by sitting one day and searching the web. Stumbled into the APBA website, and then found the MHRA driver school. This was the middle of the season last year. Got in touch with MHRA, and then after attending the drivers school, went on a little trip to their last race in Big Rapids, and from there, well the rest is history. As far as what could be done better to get me thru the first races, I don't think anything could have been done. I have a great Mentor that is patient and does not mind training a 40 something J driver. I have fellow racers that communicate in a professional manner to me where I have made my mistakes, and offer suggestions and advice. Also, how could anything be wrong with a group of families working together, laughing, and sharing a common experience.

What I think you are looking for is an answer on how do we promote the sport, to increase membership of APBA, our local clubs, et. all? Wish I had the answer to that one, but I do have a few thoughts...

I think there needs to be more exposure on a regional level. I live outside of Detroit, and prior to last year, when you mentioned APBA, I thought of the Gold Cups. There are no 20SSH class running within 1.5 hours from my house. Some say that this increased attention will come from utilizing new technology, and that is the push lately. While I don't disagree, we need to have the clear message for targeted and prospective teams. And then get this message out traditionally. Look at your friends and family...Do they all have email accounts and know what facebook is? (My kids know more about their phone than I do, and they are under the age of 10!) Bet not, but I bet everyone of them has been to a local event, ie concert in the park, town meeting, etc or a local boat show.

This is where we get the message out and can get instant feedback to insure the communication was received. Also, I believe we need to have a relationship with the media, in such that bigger events (APBA) or so have a segment on the media or at least an opportunity to showcase on the smaller regional level opportunities.

Since the first days of any club, there has always been a drive/struggle to get new members. The bottom line is that we can't just hope that a TV ad, or website will do the work for us, we as a group, need to get the job done. This means showing your boat/trailer at an event. So it may not look pretty...well it doesn't need to. I would encourage everyone to look at the economic demographics of their region. You have some that can afford to have the best racing equipment out there, and some that have a hard time for entrance fees. We need to promote that there is a place for both. This is not a white collar sport where it takes a significant investment to participate. Bottom line: This means talking to people. This means stepping up to the plate, and not hoping or praying that someone else will.

Now off of my soapbox, and back to work!

[Fish On]

Answers

In my early years I was raised in what was known as East Detroit, Michigan. Just off of Gratiot Ave. Very close to the APBA headquarters. As a young child my dad would take me to the races on in Detroit. When I was about 11 we moved to a town north of Detroit called Waterford. Our home was on Lotus lake. A few of the guys had racing boats. In those days, the mid 50's were talking Mercs with a quicky lower unit. It became my dream to ride in one It was beyond me to think that I could race one. Fast forward 60 years. I saw a sign in Newberg Oregon about boat races. It was sanctioned by the APBA so I new it was for real. A short time later I contacted region 10 people and that started me on a path that would fulfill my life's dream. I must say i was little bit more expensive than I had thought, but worth it.

In order to promote a sport you must first find out what motivates people to race. There are many answers to that question. But I think it boils down to doing something most people can't or don't do and it must have a competitive edge to it. That first feeling of excitement that is generated by seeing a race or talking to a driver who is showing his boat last a fairly short time. You must strike while the iron is hot. One way would be to have each region have a point person who is fed the the inquiry's name and contact information. A face to face visit is in order. An invite to the next race is always a good thing. While there spend as much time with them as possible. If they show continued interest they should be pared with a sponsor type person who stays in contact with them until they have at least one race completed. This is a big commitment of time but the payoff is large. As most other speed sports do not make this type of commitment to the new comer. This might be the edge we are looking for. I have yet to see a race advertised on TV even though they will promote community activities for free. You just have to let them know 3 months in advance of the event. Brochures, brochures, brochures- all over the place. send them to every Yacht club in the area. Volunteer to speak at any place that will let you. Fishing clubs, Coat Guard events, Hunting clubs, Be innovative talk to all that will let you. I do not think much of the electronic media as a means to gain more participants. It is a good way, if handled right to get the upcoming race info out. I think one motivated individual in each region can promote the sport( and it is a sport) in such manor that you will see much growth in a short period of time.

My last suggestion would be to offer the first few races for free, say until the white strips come of. That would save them some money and get them hooked. Any thing that would defray the up front cost would be worth consideration.

Jack 711-R