SORC Please Consider "Parity"

[PRO-MOTIONRACING]

As some of you know I sell motorcycles. In 2007 8 out of 10 shoppers would say "I am interested in one of those new... Today 8 out of 10 shoppers say " do you ave any used...

When you think about a new car, truck or boat is the first thing you think, "I think I will head down to the dealer for a new" or " I think I will check craigslist"



What ever happened to the Hummer and the SST airplane and why?



Just today I had an old boat racer stop by the shop. I asked him "you doing any boat racing this year" and he says "nobody runs that old stuff anymore" "although my stuff is ready to run" "but I think it figures out to about $30.00 a lap these days"



How this plays into boat racing could be debated for years.

Just some stuff to think about. 50-R

[pav225]

Value!

Our #1 issues is not equipment (even though we do need it, it’s just not going to fix this sport on it’s own) in my opinion the number 1 issues is, the value and what you get out of it. All of us have had discussions with prospective new members. I can’t believe we all have not heard the following…that you only race for 7 minutes a day??? or you only get 6 laps??? or you only get 2 heats? This is a real problem. We love this sport, so we put up with it, but a newbie??? There are too many other options for the same amount of money.

Don,
While I typically don't agree with what you say, I agree with this point! I believe Paul Pittman also touched on this when he commented on the value of being able to buy a Merc J, then run it in AX.

Mike

[Fast Jack]

Also in A

Talk about Value !!! you can run that Merc in A class --and at the AX weight you can be very competative. Plan D includes this weight proposal.

[mercguy]

SORC inconsistancy....

When coming out of the first turn and accelerating down the backstretch, that is where the Sidewinder has its greatest advantage and probably makes up the most distance. It's also going to pull through the slop better than the OMC. That is probably where we need to focus.
We also have to keep in mind that our manufacturers HAVE TO SELL MOTORS, or we could lose them.

let me get this straight..............you are against slowing the Sidewinder down, when it has been easily proved to be faster than the BEST OMC motors??? Interesting, that the SORC decided to wholeheartedly slow down the new D motor (Tohatsu) before it was even an approved (for points) motor!!!!! You also say we can't afford to lose manufacturers, but those decisions by the SORC has basically lost a manufacturer (Bass Machines)due to those decisions and to not make the new motor the dominant motor.................incredible to hear how spending $4800 on a new SW and only able to race it in one class...............well ****, how about spending $7000 for a motor and it not being the dominate motor!!!!! Also find it amusing people saying they have spent the last couple years working to get their SW's to run at the top of the class.............just imagine in a couple more years what will happen (even faster!!). I can tell you right know, I have spent close to $20,000 on boats/motors/props to get my Tohatsu D rig to be able to run with the best 44XS rigs out there....and it is still not the dominate rig that the SORC is saying should be (new motor should be dominate). Am I *****ing about it now, NOPE, as I have spent countless hours working on my rig and am very happy with the progress........................would it piss me off if the SORC immediately allows the new SW to be dominate.....HELL YES!!!!

[14J]

The Sweeny motor concern was addressed. You found one opportunity that was a great rig and a great value. I am sure there have been a few more. but what if we are trying to appeal to a larger growth? Our used equipment won't support bigger growth.

I dream big and I think if we don't think of growth opportunities we will go backwards. We won't magically get anything it will be through the hard work you have been mentioning.

We will notget 20 new drivers that can compete in ASH without a new motor. the motors are not out there. If they were the your graph we be more shped like this.

At least Mike took the time to draw his own graph.

[csh2z]

Daren,
I agree with you, the whole Tohatsu situation has been handled wrong right from the beginning. I have always felt that way. I just don't want us to make the same mistakes again. I have not been on the commission for a few years but I will support making the Tohatsu the motor of choice in D as I have in the past.

[Apachemax]

New guys views

Mike this question has been asked many times over the last 2 years or so. When I asked where all the new racers where because we already have equipment available it goes unanswered or I get accused of trying to protect my trailer box.

Our #1 issues is not equipment (even though we do need it, it’s just not going to fix this sport on it’s own) in my opinion the number 1 issues is, the value and what you get out of it. All of us have had discussions with prospective new members. I can’t believe we all have not heard the following…that you only race for 7 minutes a day??? or you only get 6 laps??? or you only get 2 heats? This is a real problem. We love this sport, so we put up with it, but a newbie??? There are too many other options for the same amount of money.

Hi I'm a newbie, I raced ONE class last year, I'm gearing up to race several this year, as far as cost, you can race several classes in this sport for a fraction of what it takes to go modern go kart racing.

[Big Don]

Hi I'm a newbie, I raced ONE class last year, I'm gearing up to race several this year, as far as cost, you can race several classes in this sport for a fraction of what it takes to go modern go kart racing.

Max, first I take no offense to what you wrote. You are correct...but i have to believe people like you and all of us are the exception. I have talked to lot's of people and the #1 complaint is how far we travel to get to our races, #2 is the amount of time on the water.

I know that for pure $$$$ this is a cheaper than a lot of sports. I know several people that have gone from Boat Racing to different hobbies that are spending a lot more than we do. It's all in perspective of what you want out of what you invest. One of them told me last year he spent over 10,000.00 karting. He told me that he gets a lot more time on the track in 2 weekend, 1 hour from his house than he ever did in a 1/2 year of racing. He asked what did I spend on fuel getting to races each year? He said, I bet you spent close to 2000.00 just getting to races. He told me he spends a lot more than he ever did racing boats but he gets more track time so it's worth it to him.

[krazy karl]

Big Don, I don't necessarily agree with you. I started racing marathons and have done Top 'O twice before I ever participated in a closed course race. I figured after a couple of 45 mile days a 3 lap heat would be a piece of cake. I had no idea how intense it can be and after 2 heats I am **** near as exhausted as after a 45 mile day in Michigan. I have never raced anything else other than a couple of mechanics races in a stock car on the local 3/8's mile dirt track. A lot of fun but nowhere near the intensity of what we do. So maybe these new guys wouldn't consider boat racing because of a perceived lack of seat time but if they try it I think their whole outlook may be quite bit different.
Nothing out there is like boat racing. How many times have we heard from guys who got a ride in a NASCAR stocker that have reported back that the hot shot Nascar driver once learning what rider did for fun said, "You guys are nuts". We just need to get the skeptics in a boat.
kk

[G Stillwill]

Boat time just test more and in the long run you will do better in the races. A lot of times Im glad when the third lap is done....lol

[reed28n]

Value

What if you only had to own one motor and you knew it was a top performer?
- many racers own more than one motor

What if you raced runabout and hydro?
- many drivers prefer one over the other and don't see this as a valu

What if we had 8 classes and could produce a 4 hour program that was exciting to watch?

What if all of our venues were targeted at were people like to watch races rather than where racers like to race on smooth water?

What if you didn't have to have a $7000 16 foot enclosed trailer and $80,000 motor home..... how many new motors could you have?

[Big Don]

Value

What if you could race one class with 3 or 4 heats through the day for your investment? Instead of owning equipment for 2, 3 or 4 classes to get more water time?

[reed28n]

Perfect

What if you could race one class with 3 or 4 heats through the day for your investment? Instead of owning equipment for 2, 3 or 4 classes to get more water time?

There is no better value. More heats or more races or both.... with the same equipment. Multiple races allows families to share the same equipment if they choose. Fewer motors, fewer restrictors, fewer set up changes, fewer props, less testing.....

A shorter program would allow more face time with your family on a racing weekend. Maybe I would go to that air museum in Dayton or that one in Milleville.

[14J]

There is no better value. More heats or more races or both.... with the same equipment. Multiple races allows families to share the same equipment if they choose. Fewer motors, fewer restrictors, fewer set up changes, fewer props, less testing.....

A shorter program would allow more face time with your family on a racing weekend. Maybe I would go to that air museum in Dayton or that one in Milleville.

No you wouldn't, you'd have more time to drink beer and we all now where that leads.

[csh2z]

Troy,
I was going to say, I've known Scott for many years and I've never seen his wife or kids at the races. Quality time? Yea, right!