A sidewinder post

[MGallagher]

The "Solar Cup" is definitely a local thing. It's seems to be a promotion for the Southern California water municipalities, to bring attention the never ending drought cycles and an investment in potential engineers that can help stem the cycle. The metropolitan member agencies are finally starting to look at the North American Water and Power Alliance (NAWAPA) to possibly help, through an idea that was first pitched back in the 60s. That being said, I feel it's a limited crowd and will plateau and only find its self being viable in the southwest United States, which is fine. However, thats very limiting and not very appealing to the masses. Like you said in one of your other threads, you want your boats to be noisy so they will get more attention. Well, those brushless electric motors, I don't think will be as loud as a Sidewinder.

[csh2z]

Ron,
I don't think you thought out the electric motor thing to it's final conclusion. My main question is, Won't the extension cords get too tangled by the third lap?

[rumleyfips]

Mitch:

Nice to hear from you.

I wandered corner to corner across the infield. Moss corner was one place I stopped but I didn't see you there. I was at the finish line for the end and ran for the pits to see if I could get a look at the Chaparel transmission. They were faster then I was; there was a canvas bag over it by the time I got there.

Matt:

When I was trying to find what year that race was I looked at the 1964 Mosport 200. Roger Penske drove a Chaparel ! Surprised the hell out of me.

John McManus

[Dave M]

New vs Old

I am always an advocate for new engines, and progression. But I am also a much larger advocate for keeping things at the grass root level in terms of budget.

With that said, let them have their Sidewinder, it is good for the sport. For all thsoe wanting to continue running one of the most affordable and easy engines out there (OMC A) come run where all the old forgotten engines are raced a lot, MOD. If attention is not paid to keep these affordable and cheap classes competitive, your numbers will continue to dwindle to the point of no return. Mark my words on that. I am thinking about the whole sport, all classes, and the big picture, not just A or D. Thank God for people like Ron who will buy several rigs and sell them for a loss, or payments. Without this, that would be many less members. The sport can't survive with just one income level of participants. And like it or not, the majority are not making a good wage. They race boats becasue they have the passion, the fuel, and drive to race, and boats are affordable.

[Ron Hill]

Them Wi Fi Connections

Ron,
I don't think you thought out the electric motor thing to it's final conclusion. My main question is, Won't the extension cords get too tangled by the third lap?

I was thinking of using my wireless Wi Fi connection and if that didn't work, I was figuring how to put a pole in the middle of the lake and everyone would have their own extension cord!

[Fast Jack]

Pi r round - cornbread r square

If the cords wind up around the pole the course will get smaller every Lap ??

[26V]

Would kinda give a new meaning to "chopping"

[csh2z]

Ron,
It seems like you have thought all this through. I apologize for underestimating you. I like the pole in the middle of the course idea, that should work. The wifi thing is a little too modern for my taste and could make racing unaffordable for the minions. Would you recommend LeMans starts? I think milling around could potentially tie things up in knots, if you know what I mean.

[oldpitguy]

If the cords wind up around the pole the course will get smaller every Lap ??

Yes... but what a finish!

[14-H]

A Class

The SORC has really screwed this class up. The Mercury was introduced in the class when Craig Bowman was Chairman. The OMC should have been slowed down when it became apparent that the Mercury would never go as fast as the highly-modified OMC. But we didn't need another A motor. The Mercury is currently available: it is still made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. What we needed was a new B engine. Now, both classes are screwed up.

[Jeff5P]

Idea




A large ball bearing with electrical outlets at the top of the pole and we could run marathons!!

[MGallagher]

Osh Kosh? Thought they were all made in Japan for under 30hp motors? Is there a special production line for the mercury racing motor?

[Ron Hill]

A Class and B Class

The SORC has really screwed this class up. The Mercury was introduced in the class when Craig Bowman was Chairman. The OMC should have been slowed down when it became apparent that the Mercury would never go as fast as the highly-modified OMC. But we didn't need another A motor. The Mercury is currently available: it is still made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. What we needed was a new B engine. Now, both classes are screwed up.

What is wrong with allowing the Sidewinder to be the "B" class and the OMC/Merc be the "A" Class.

IN the old days WE USED A and B boats with different motor.

SoCal has abut 12 "A" OMC/Mercs. If the Sidewinder was the "B" and the OMC/Merc was the "A". Some people might actually buy a Sidewinder in SoCal, so thyey could race two classes.

[G Stillwill]

First the Mercury isnt a racing engine its a fishing motor and can only be bought new through APBA its an export motor only and with the way the tree huggers are that market can dry up tomorrow as will the motor. Second even after the Mercury is set up for racing it wont beat the very good OMC'S with the rules that are in place now. To be honest it wouldnt matter if OMC, Mercury or any other manufacture brought out a new A motor it would be looked down upon and choked down so it wouldnt be competitive with the good motors that are in place now. It happened with the Mercury 15 and is Happening now with the Sidewinder.

[Dave M]

Have To Agree

First the Mercury isnt a racing engine its a fishing motor and can only be bought new through APBA its an export motor only and with the way the tree huggers are that market can dry up tomorrow as will the motor. Second even after the Mercury is set up for racing it wont beat the very good OMC'S with the rules that are in place now. To be honest it wouldnt matter if OMC, Mercury or any other manufacture brought out a new A motor it would be looked down upon and choked down so it wouldnt be competitive with the good motors that are in place now. It happened with the Mercury 15 and is Happening now with the Sidewinder.

George,

I think I agree with you on this. I don't think the racers need big brother as much as big brother needs them.

I think the two categories need combined, (Mod & Stock) and the OMC A can be the Mod class, the Merc and Sidewinder the A Stock class. Eventually the Merc is going to dry up quickly, as there is not as many in the salvage yards as is the OMC. And like you pointed out, that engine could be out of production at the drop of a hat. Tough to bank on such uncertainty. At least for me anyway.