growing stock outboard racing.warning: controversial

[krazy karl]

This reminds me of the WEE or however you spell it that we bought the teenagers. They especially loved the bowling. So on one of their birthdays we took them to a bowling alley. The first comment was "these balls are HEAVY" The second "this is hard, not like on the WEE" Gotta love it, nothing like the real thing. For me, boat racing is the most exciting thing I have ever done. I am still waiting for that ride in a jet fighter, however.
kk

[adamallen]

Really??

Hunter:

IMHO opinion one of the best posts I have seen on the problems facing boat racing, and not just in the Stock category.

A really worn out quote, (but one that needs to be repeated again and again) is from the old comic strip POGO. Too bad it is not still in existence as there was much common sense therein. The quote goes "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND IT IS US!!

One of the few APBA categories to recognize this is USTS. If successful, perhaps they could be a blueprint for how to do things, or even possibly change the way things are done in APBA, although I have my doubts about that one.

The USTS is a category? A blueprint for success??

We all have one problem and one problem only, membership. This should be the only focus for any of us.

Is the USTS really getting 10 k per race? I don't know for sure but would guess not. No matter how brilliant the move to NBRA may be you still have the same problem. PRO racing is a great spectator sport for fellow racers but the show isn't all that its cracked up to be.

It's a matter of time before that "sweetheart" insurance deal has increased costs. If that happens memberships and sanctions have to increase or the metrics won't add up for any sustainability.

You left APBA over $800 a weekend. Shame on the leadership of the USTS for not realizing this problem and using APBA as a scapegoat. One truism I know is right more than wrong is " the grass isn't greener on the otherside"
5 new racers a year would mostly eat up a portion of those costs through APBA.

By the way APBA had an insurance increase this year of 2% (all ins does) which was NOT passed onto the clubs. Also 2 clubs received one free sanction for their efforts towards driving schools. And the incentives have grown for these programs for 2013. Your rates will increase and with no revenues it's over for y'all.

I do wish you luck and hope for your success but without a serious effort towards a driving school your plight will most likely be failure sooner than later.


Adam Allen
APBA Member who is actually working to grow and preserve our sport!!

[adamallen]

One more thing

If y'all would focus on membership for the series you wouldn't have such a conflict with the HOC and the Antiques. You let a class that uses WWII era engines out-membership you.

AA

[Dave M]

Adam

Adam,

I believe you need to get out more to the races. Open your eyes. Yes, the USTS really does get over 10K at some races, so does the stock/mod races in the NBRA. If you have never been to one, how can you be a doubter ? We focused on exactly what you said, membership, and lowering costs to the racer. I invite you to come to on of the NBRA races close by to you, we have a few in IL. You might be surprised at who you see at a lot of these races, and the amount of boats in each class. You might also be suprised at the number of spectators. Weather permitting, we usually have a lot.

As you were, I was kind of taken back by the USTS move. Then I looked at it from a business standpoint. Think like this, APBA is a business entity, and so is the NBRA. APBA has had declining revenues and memberships for 20 years or more. How is that sustainable growth ? Even with 10K sposnoship monies for an event the costs made it hard survive the weekend event. Here is another business that can cut your costs in more than half. The racers gets a better deal, there is sustainable growth. Trust me when I tell you that we do not want to grow based on people crossing over and leaving the other out to dry. That is NOT sustainable growth, and is not in the plan. We grow membership through new racers, offering an affordable start at any age, and a class structure that is easy to understand, and easy to run off in a short amount of time if you need to. This opens up the door to new venues that we could never get into before. It is more exposure to boat racing, and it attracts people. We go where we are asked to come. It is that simple. Why does this work ? I don't know 100% why, but it is.

I agree with you 100% though, membership growth is a key that has to be present. Without it, any organization for boat racing would fail. And let's face it, all the in-fighting within boat racing has casued more harm than good.

[joejohn44]

Adam, Nbra really is as advertised. no bait and switch, no infighting, no BS. I just completed my first season with NBRA and it really is grass roots racing with you in mind. Our leadership with Jeff Ruth and Art Kampen is extraordinary. A couple of old-school kneel down racers with good business sense. Watch the USTS flourish and the rest of the NBRA grow. Lets all stop quibbling and just go racing.

[Bob Rusnak]

Adam, you seem to be negative against the USTS. It should be against APBA. Yes, there is $10,000 per race which many of goes back to the drivers. Go ahead and defend APBA and see where it get you. Have you ever been to a Title Series race? It is a short action packed day or racing with a good field in each class. It draws spectators. They do not run every Pro class, just to ones that can support a field. Don't knock something that has worked for many years. Put your efforts into making your club or origination better. Remember, the Title Series is a club, not the Pro category. Any club can run APBA, NOA, NBRA or outlaw so don't bad mouth other clubs for changing. .....Bob

[adamallen]

I'm sure the NBRA has great leadership. Ive never heard anything bad about them or think that way of them. The USTS can only flourish with new members! The don't see how you attract new drivers to race 110 mph boats that you have to be a mechanical genius to compete as a viable business plan.

Dave,

You're right I've never been to one of your races but I spend more time at races over the past 4 years over multiple categories than most I know. This time spent is at a high level of the operation of the event. I am well aware of what it takes to put on a successful race/series.

For the amount of money spent on rigs and travel in PRO the switch to NBRA for savings makes no sense. It also leads me to believe that if the money is what is getting in the way of success you're in a worse off place than we all think. And the switch to NBRA is a move made in desperation.

To put on a series race for OPC is most likely the same as PRO. We have purses upwards of 25k in F1 and 5K in SST45 these are for each class. That puts the price of putting on the race around 50k+. The point is 10k over 5-6 classes with full fields plus ambulance and sanction and insurance is a losing value proposition for a newbie. On top of being a mechanical genius and 100 mph.

From what I read about the agreement NBRA has no say in how the USTS runs or vice versa. I doubt that any org can sustain that level of harmony before one has animosity towards the other. Bet on it!!

AA

[Bob Rusnak]

Adam, you are wrong on every count. With the new Pro engines available, they run right out of the box. Most go all season without a problem. The Title Series has many stock drivers that have moved over. Put your efforts into helping your club and not putting down others. With out attending a Title Series Race, you really do not have a say in what they do. ,....Bob

[PROPDOC]

Why do you care?

I'm sure the NBRA has great leadership. Ive never heard anything bad about them or think that way of them. The USTS can only flourish with new members! The don't see how you attract new drivers to race 110 mph boats that you have to be a mechanical genius to compete as a viable business plan.

Dave,

You're right I've never been to one of your races but I spend more time at races over the past 4 years over multiple categories than most I know. This time spent is at a high level of the operation of the event. I am well aware of what it takes to put on a successful race/series.If you aren't a member of either club then what's the problem? Both clubs' members have agreed to this and don't seem to have any issues with it. Why are you so upset? Why do you care so much?

For the amount of money spent on rigs and travel in PRO the switch to NBRA for savings makes no sense. It also leads me to believe that if the money is what is getting in the way of success you're in a worse off place than we all think. And the switch to NBRA is a move made in desperation. Not true, try talking to the powers that be in both organizations before posting inacuracies and false oppinions.

To put on a series race for OPC is most likely the same as PRO. We have purses upwards of 25k in F1 and 5K in SST45 these are for each class. That puts the price of putting on the race around 50k+. The point is 10k over 5-6 classes with full fields plus ambulance and sanction and insurance is a losing value proposition for a newbie. On top of being a mechanical genius and 100 mph. Two entirely DIFFERENT styles of racing. You are talking about a "professional" class of racing and NBRA,USTS is based on grass roots racing where the drivers and teams aren't paid. That is why we can get by with 5K - 10K in prize money.

From what I read about the agreement NBRA has no say in how the USTS runs or vice versa. I doubt that any org can sustain that level of harmony before one has animosity towards the other. Bet on it!!Again talk to the powers that be about this before posting this nonsense. You are way off base here and you should do some research and get the facts. We as a group do not need anymore negativity, especially if we are to grow this sport, whether it be grass roots or F1 or whatever........

AA

Please call the NBRA President or the USTS President to get your facts straight about this and STOP the NEGATIVITY! Thank you,

Now let's get this thread going back in the direction that it was intended....

[BillCNC]

While I am not a racer, ... "yet" and only have a lake racer that I built, so take this with a grain of salt.

There are two reason I bought a Yamato 102 last April.

1). It cost just as much if not cheaper as a VERY old and extremely used fishing head. (LA Ca. Area)

2). They're built like a brick $*@! house and pretty much bullet proof.

Also aside from those points, parts are pretty reasonable and easily bought, well except for the coils.

To someone new like me, it is the PERFECT motor. It can take the abuse of a newbie without hesitation with some common sense. And to a newbie in the sport, ... $$$$ is always an issue until you know what your doing and can find workarounds to your problems instead of dropping money at every problem.

Bill

[Art K]

The Outboard Drivers Assoc. a NBRA Club generally puts on four races a year. We charge $25.00 15 10 for entry fees at local races. We are doing the Nats at Centralia Il this year $25.00 per class. The club makes money at every race. We always have money at the end of the season to make equipment improvements. End of the season trophys and banquet. How do we do this? We sell our races for money,equals prize & tow money. We never run more than 12 classes, most of the time 10. The money is out their,just have to ask for it.
Art K

[Dr. Thunder]

For what it's worth ...

From The Issaquah (Washington) Press ...

Tastin’ n Racin’ event ends after 16 years

January 1, 2013
By Staff

"After 16 years of thunderous hydroplane racing and family-friendly fun, Tastin’ n Racin’ will come to an end.

Citing rising expenses and unreasonable insurance requirements, organizers made the decision to end the summer event, held at Lake Sammamish State Park, effective immediately.

Over the years, Tastin’ n Racin’ gave Eastside communities the opportunity to experience the excitement of hydroplane racing, up close and personal.

The event also hosted classic car shows, motorcycle charity rides and carnival rides through the years.

Tastin’ n Racin’ became a model event for boat races across the country, where they adopted the formula of combining a family festival on the land with the thrill of racing on the water.

In a press release, the organizers thanked past attendees, volunteers and Lake Sammamish State Park for their support."

[Hutch06]

Kudos

I am 16 and new to the sport. I have one season of BSR under my belt. The one season totally killed the excitement of video gaming. My father and I are currently expanding our collection a racing equipment In hope to race more classes and are looking forward to the 2013 racing season. ...........

If you have time, And are located near a local stock-car track, pull your rig into the parking lot early Sunday afternoon, be prepared to talk And I guarantee you will be astonished by the response
Last summer in-between races, we went to our local car shows and tracks with our rig and received an overwhelming response, guaranteeing that there is interest in this sport. We will be out there continuing to promote every chance we get. we encourage you to do the same We strongly believe that this sport can be turned around.

An attitude and work like this is sure to grow BSOA/MRC and their Driver Schools.

Think of what could happen if everyone who currently races did something like this once a year...

This type of attitude and work will do much more to grow kneeldown racing, than a "factory-manufactured" motor will at this point, considering our membership base.

Hope to meet you at a race soon Apache.

[blueskyracer]

From The Issaquah (Washington) Press ...

Tastin’ n Racin’ event ends after 16 years

January 1, 2013
By Staff

"After 16 years of thunderous hydroplane racing and family-friendly fun, Tastin’ n Racin’ will come to an end.

Citing rising expenses and unreasonable insurance requirements, organizers made the decision to end the summer event, held at Lake Sammamish State Park, effective immediately.

Over the years, Tastin’ n Racin’ gave Eastside communities the opportunity to experience the excitement of hydroplane racing, up close and personal.

The event also hosted classic car shows, motorcycle charity rides and carnival rides through the years.

Tastin’ n Racin’ became a model event for boat races across the country, where they adopted the formula of combining a family festival on the land with the thrill of racing on the water.

In a press release, the organizers thanked past attendees, volunteers and Lake Sammamish State Park for their support."

Another one bites the dust and I possible know of another one in a couple weeks

[mdaspit]

While I am not a racer, ... "yet" and only have a lake racer that I built, so take this with a grain of salt.

There are two reason I bought a Yamato 102 last April.

1). It cost just as much if not cheaper as a VERY old and extremely used fishing head. (LA Ca. Area)

2). They're built like a brick $*@! house and pretty much bullet proof.

Also aside from those points, parts are pretty reasonable and easily bought, well except for the coils.

To someone new like me, it is the PERFECT motor. It can take the abuse of a newbie without hesitation with some common sense. And to a newbie in the sport, ... $$$$ is always an issue until you know what your doing and can find workarounds to your problems instead of dropping money at every problem.

Bill

I think that's exactly right.
It's what pushed me over the hump to start me up.

In fact, I think the Yamato is a big reason boat racing has any strength today.

Just the right size, the right price, the right amount of mechanical knowledge needed, right amount of maintenance, DOESN"T look like a fishing motor, works in Stock, Mod, Pro... In many ways it is the perfect, purpose built racing motor.

If you asked Merc or anyone else for that matter to support Outboard Racing by building a dedicated racing motor... How could it get any better?

And as an added bonus, every-so-often, they improve it and introduce a newer model!