J and AX Categories

[Shep]

When I was about 15 my dad told me something I'll never forget and I think it applies here.

If it works don't F*** with it , your just going to screw it up!

[ram95]

It's a discussion fer crissakes!

I subscribe to the "if it aint broke don't fix it" philosophy. But, sometimes based on what one hears or concludes on their own, it might appear that something is broke. Unless a discussion is allowed with the benefit of historical facts from historical creatures, like yourselves, wrong conclusions can lead to bad decisions.... which drive you and everyone else nuts.

As a Commissioner for Region One, I realize I'm probably not the best qualified person to bring some of this stuff up which bores the crap out of y'all and some other people (because they've "heard it all before" and are "sick of it" etc). BUT... for the time being, I am the designated bozo willing to spend the time and money traveling to the table to endure a few laughs and good natured insults, in an effort to keep our sport on an even-keel.

And, I'll add that all of y'alls comments made on this HR Site help me immeasurably in sorting the wheat from the chaff.... so keep posting. I've been screwed with by professionals. You guys are fun.

[hagerl8m]

A little history

Remember, Not long ago the SORC did not want the Merc and asked the J Committee to take over the AX class.

Bill that's not quite true.

As I recall sitting in the restaurant in Seattle trying to find a place for the Merc. 4 prominent members of APBA sat down with the idea of creating a class as a stepping stone from J to A. They looked for a way to help the kids who were too small to make that original jump without adding say 60 pounds of lead to my J boat to run A and be able to put new drivers of any age.

The group wanted to create a class for drivers both young and old to be able to start racing without being thrown into a class where they might never have a chance to compete. At the time we group had many new drivers quit racing after only a few years due to lack of success. Believe it or not it isn’t easy to be competitive in our sport unless you’re willing to spend a lot of money or someone is willing to help you along the way.

The group wanted to have a point system where drivers would earn their way out of the class. Say winning high points or the nationals would have earned you enough points to be asked to move up to A. This idea was quickly rejected by the SORC.

After a long debate at the meeting the class was approved by the SORC with a freeze on the rules for 3 years, someone else might remember the actual length of time. As a result of the freeze the SORC couldn’t make the change the J committee was offered the class to allow changes to be made to the class to help create growth.

Now, let’s look at what happened. Two things that I have noticed is, rule changes in the weights of the classes and the minimum age but nothing has been placed as a cap. Both of these rules have lead to increased number of drivers in the class, not actual growth. Now think about this for a moment. Everyone knows of at least one of two drivers that would no longer be racing if it was not for the AX classes. Would you rather see these people on the beach or no longer at the races or are you willing to allow these drivers the ability to continue to do the thing they love and you love.

Now I’ll step down from the soap box and Say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

If you would like any other insight from me you know how to contact me, I’ll also be at the national meeting if you would like to say hi.

[bill boyes]

Chris, I have been a member of the J Committee for many years and I recall that the then Chairman informed us at a meeting that the SORC requested that the J Committee assume responsibility of the AX class. Frankly, How,where and why is not an issue. Fact remains the AX class falls under the J Committee. The argument to move it back to the SORC has no merit. I suggest those so desire to move back to the SORC ask Buddy to place it on the agenda.

[Ron Hill]

My Dad Always Ask....

When I was about 15 my dad told me something I'll never forget and I think it applies here.

If it works don't F*** with it , your just going to screw it up!

My dad would often ask someone, "What was the matter with it, BEFORE you started working on it?"

Basically, what your dad said, "Shep".

On the K-Pro note: I have felt for several years that this was good class, I enjoyed watching it on TV and while attending the DePue Reunion. I was surprised to learn it wasn't a larger national class.

I wanted to have Marlee run K-Pro at DePue, as Dave Bryan and I help out some Antique Racers. But, If I'm not mistaken, once you hit 16, you are too old for K-Pro...If you want an age limit why not 26? That is when parents can no longer keep their kids on their insurance.

How about this AXS dad installing a new Spud Hemp tank???

[Matt Dagostino]

Bunker

[QUOTE=Ron Hill;193935

How about this AXS dad installing a new Spud Hemp tank???[/QUOTE]

Just a word to the wise?? Check those outboard tanks real good at the fittings for leaks!! Also make sure the vent is working properly and not taking in water from spray from other boats or your own motor !!

Been there done that!!

Merry X-mas

[B1PRORACER]

Alex- basically, the relationship of the KPRO class to ASH is the same as OSY400 to CSH. Along with AXSH and ASH, Pete races KPRO where we can. Last year it was Constantine, MI (USTS) and DePue, IL. Unfortunately, Hartford was cancelled last year.

[M721son]

I would like to say that the AXS classes have been alot of fun for me and my son over the past it gives us a chance to race together and have that family fun everyone talks about. I have raced AXSR many times to help fillout the field, and been asked many times to run to help mentor a new driver. The class is great for us lightweight drivers so we don't have to add alot of weight to the boat, or would you rather see 140lb driver throw 70lbs of lead in a boat and try and have control in the turns? This old young thing is a bunch of BS if you think the older driver is going to come out on top, then put your butt in a boat and line up next to Becky Nichols and see how you do.

[M721son]

I forgot MERRY CHRISTMAS to all
Jerry Oberlin

[Howie Nichols]

put your butt in a boat and line up next to Becky Nichols and see how you do.

Jerry,
You made Becky blush.....

Merry XMAS to you and the whole gang!

[Matt Dagostino]

Interest

Wow.................over 4000 views and 5 pages of opinions!! Hope the J Committee is viewing this thread!

[Bunker hill]

Just a word to the wise?? Check those outboard tanks real good at the fittings for leaks!! Also make sure the vent is working properly and not taking in water from spray from other boats or your own motor !!

Been there done that!!

Merry X-mas

The fittings are all rector sealed, NO LEAKS!! thanks for the heads-up, Matt, Happy New Year!!

-Bunker