J and AX Categories

[fhafer]

"1. The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people an alternative activity that will help teach boating safety and sportsmanship relating to the sport of power boat racing. It will furthermore cultivate a curiosity about science, math, reading and writing that will improve young people’s learning skills by creating a desire to excel. The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers can gain experience to better prepare them for the larger and faster classes. The goal is to have competitive equipment available to all competitors on an equal basis. It is APBA’s desire to promote and support these classes on a national and local level."


Given due consideration to the above excerpt from the J Rulebook, how is is possible for a man in his sixties that has been racing for over forty years be the high points champion in Junior Hydro in Region 4?

Shouldn't kids and new racers be participating in these classes? Anyone that competes for ten races outside of AX should not be allowed to move back down....that's what the A class is for.


Fred

[dwilderacer]

I won 1-C in the J category in 2011 at the age of 30 somethin'. I just ran AXR twice to fill the field at the divisionals and nationals. I finished dead last at both races due to weight and the OMC I was running. Lo and behold, I was the only person to run any junior runabout in all of Cali for the year and therefore the "champ".

[wright racing]

really depends on your region you need those 30 plus guys or gals to make a field for years we have had to have an older driver help field the field fortunatley our region this year is showing growth but you will always have older drivers no matter what people like to compete if i am driving 4 plus hours to a race i am going to compete in many classes as i am able to afford not driveing all they they way their to have my racing done in 10 minutes since we usually run back to back heats

[Matt Dagostino]

Just a thought

The AX classes have been a moving target for 10 years now!! Having bounced back and forth from Stock Outboard Division to the revamped J Class Committee.

To many the AX class is considered just that, "a class'............not sure it really has a idenity. One thing is for sure, AXH has been the fastest growing class in APBA for the past few years blending both age and a GREAT motor in the form of the Merc 15!!

Sometimes great things just take on a life of their own and we should "just go with it" instead of screwing it up by trying to cater to the needs of a few!

Our team has been involved with the class for several years and it is refreshing to see all the new faces both young and old, male and female all over the country RACING and COMPETING.

Just sayin.............

Merry Christmas!!

Matt

[fhafer]

Screwing it up?

"Screwing it up" by following the intent of the program? That's some funny stuff right there Matt!

I've put my boats out on the water on many occasions "to make a class". The driver made the start and either pulled in or rode the wake.

What is the purpose of the "A" class then?

"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."
"The APBA Junior Classes are developed in order to give young people......."

"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"
"The AXH and AXR classes are developed so that new drivers and young JR and JH drivers"



Are you getting my point?

I don't give a crap what APBA says....Wayne Adams is 1-E for J Hydro!

[fhafer]

From APBA's Website.......

"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids! These small, light boats are a great way for kids to experience boat racing. A 9-year-old can start in Junior Hydroplane or Runabout (40 MPH). Build a kit boat in the garage, or buy a used boat; engines are available from APBA (Linda Likert, 586-773-9700 or linda@apba-racing.com), and propellers are free from your local club. AX Hydroplanes and Runabouts (50 MPH) are for 12-year-olds and up. When a young racer hits 16, he or she can move on to one of the adult categories. Safety is a top priority, so Junior Classes are the ultimate family sport. Junior Classes racers compete for national points, championship trophies, and a spot in the APBA Hall of Champions. Questions? Contact Chairman Buddy Tennell (btennell@bellsouth.net). "




"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"
"APBA Junior Classes racing is for kids!"

I missed the part about sixty year old men......can ya point it out to me?

Thanks!

Yeah....let's not "screw it up".

Fred

[jaremad racing]

I agree with Matt

I think one of the great things about the sport is that you are never too old to race.

We are all very lucky to have racers of all generations to mentor our young drivers and to support our clubs.

Merry Christmas

Doug Martin

[roperz111]

J Category age requirements

I certainly do not have a dog in this fight and not trying to stir anything up, but I looked up in the 2011 J Category Rule Book and saw this section on ages:


Safety Rule 8:
1. Junior Hydro and Junior Runabout drivers must be at least nine years of age, determined by birthdate. Drivers may not compete in Junior Hydro
and Runabout classes after the end of the racing season in which they turn 16 years of age. AXH and AXR drivers must be at least 12 years of age.

It seems from the above rule that a sixty year old man or woman cannot compete legally in J. Am I missing something here?

Chris Johnson
111-Z

[bill boyes]

Yes you are. The AX classes are in the J category. That is where the discussion topic is.

[roperz111]

Given due consideration to the above excerpt from the J Rulebook, how is is possible for a man in his sixties that has been racing for over forty years be the high points champion in Junior Hydro in Region 4?

Isn't THIS the topic of discussion? It is what started this thread....

[PAUL PRICE]

Where's this going? Ax is a great class, close racing , maybe the kids will learn something from George. I think he has helped the class grow and has raised the bar,for a man to build motors for anyone, he has built champions......just my thought

[ricochet112]

Within the J category there are 4 classes, JH, JR, AXH & AXR. JH & JR have an age maximum, the X classes dont.

My .02, the A class speed should be reduced to the X classes then combine them. APBA has 2 classes, A & X, that are way to close in speed, now combine that with rookies running with veterans...it just doesn't make sense to me. APBA has to make some hard chioces, we will never become marketable with so many classes.

I certainly do not have a dog in this fight and not trying to stir anything up, but I looked up in the 2011 J Category Rule Book and saw this section on ages:


Safety Rule 8:
1. Junior Hydro and Junior Runabout drivers must be at least nine years of age, determined by birthdate. Drivers may not compete in Junior Hydro
and Runabout classes after the end of the racing season in which they turn 16 years of age. AXH and AXR drivers must be at least 12 years of age.

It seems from the above rule that a sixty year old man or woman cannot compete legally in J. Am I missing something here?

Chris Johnson
111-Z

[fhafer]

"I think one of the great things about the sport is that you are never too old to race."

So Doug....riddle me this: What is ASH and ASR for?

[fhafer]

Here Doug......

Here Doug, I'll help you out:

"AX Hydroplanes and Runabouts (50 MPH) are for 12-year-olds and up. When a young racer hits 16, he or she can move on to one of the adult categories."


So what are ASH and ASR for?

I look forward to your answers.

[fhafer]

Here's the answer....

AXR and AXH until age 16 or the 10th race for a new driver......PERIOD. Turn the Junior Class back over to the kids and keep the adults out.


Quit playing loophole games.