302 Super Stock Hydro nationals prize money

[daveracerdsh]

Here is a rundown for 302 Super Stock Hydro prize money at Whitney Point:

1st 500.00
2nd 300.00
3rd 200.00
4th 150.00
5th 100.00
6th 75.00
7th 75.00
8th 75.00
9th 75.00
10th 75.00

Checks will be given out at trophy presentation Saturday night. See you all there!

[csh12M]

Prize money?

I don't want to be "that guy" but I guess I will.

I am not sure why we went with prize money? Is it for promotion....I think we could of used that money and bought a motor and rented it to new people, or had a beginner manual written to accompany the motor. Either of those would have longer term promotional value then a one time payout.

Food for thought, not trying to be negative.

This class is the best thing going in Stock Outboard now. We sold two more motors in the last month. This will bring our current local count to 10. I believe we have two additional Racer School potentials. I think elims. is a VERY real possibility next year and a certainty for 2014.

[DtwSailor]

That Guy!

Dean, I'll be that guy!

Here's the deal 302 folks. I know almost everyone of you personally, and have scrapped, bumped, chopped, and try to drag you over the line early and then seen most of your transoms this year!

I bought a 302 as I posted last year if the class was approved I would buy one to help promote that class. It's a fun ride with a lot of good competition, and anyone's game to win.

Like Dean, I have only raced 3 times this season due to work obligations, and my motor has been leant out to others to try out. Including Jeff Brewster who emailed me that the class may be reason for him not to hang up the kevlars.

I am not coming to nationals unfortunately due to that thing called work, but I have a driver and my motor is being taken out.

I know that Jeff (174H) is doing the same as far as shipping his motor out.

I made a deal in that whatever "prize" money he won, that I get 25%, which I would donate right back to the SORC to further the class. If I was able to make it, then I would take whatever money I got, and donate 100% back to SORC.

I challenge all 302 drivers to commit before Drivers meeting to pledge to do the same. If we all donate it back, then the SORC can buy a 302 to a struggling new member or group.

Also, food for thought for those nay sayers that this sport is loosing members, is that I know of 4 302 drivers (107S, 226M, 226M (Dad), 63M, 174H) that raced this year, that are graduates of Driver School in the last 3 years. 5 if you want to consider my father.

TJ informed me at Quake that based on the popularity, he sold 2 more 302 motors.

This is what the class is about, a an entry level, affordable option, and lets not taint it with racing for cash.

Just my 2 cents.

MD
226M

[csh12M]

Racer School grad that needs a motor

We have a current Racer School grad. that Raced MHRA equipment at Constantine and Grass Lake. He WANTS to race bad! I think he will be a great member, but he has a TIGHT budget. He works with troubled youth. Highly rewarding (and I can tell he is great at it) yet, not highly paying. $5,000 in one year is not something he can pull off. We are working with him to buy a used boat, $1,500 and a life jacket helmet for the first year. What would really help promotion is if S.O. owned a rental motor and would right up a legal/liability contract to support it.

Lets use the promotional money to support that initiative.

Very few of our Racer School grads are ready to FULLY invest the money in one season to start racing. We need to be able to spread the investment over two to three years. We are doing that right now in MHRA, but we are doing it on the backs of club members. Trolians have lent out A motors for three years, as Miskerik and I have with Yamatos. Our equipment is wearing thin.

Stock Outboard, support Racer Schools with a motor and a rental contract. That will really move the needle, more than prize money.

[Dave M]

Additionally

There are a lot of engines in peoples motor boxes that don't ever the water. Perhaps it would help the effort to lend those out. Those that have 5 or 6 engines for one class.....

I know we do a ton of this in the other organization. There are several loaner rigs available, and they get used a lot. members are gained.

So, for the sake of the sport, loan them the equipment as an organization, or as an individual. Just get them racing, period.

I know there are a ton of those Yamtos out there, not sure on the 302 102 stuff, and I know many sit idle in trailer boxes, or basements becasue it is not the fast engine in the stable.

[DiGia54D]

I will be the OTHER then THEM guy... Dave its Great to see drivers actually have a chance to win a REAL prize for the nationals or reinburse them selfs for buying a motor for the class. Great 1st Post, to bad other dont agree. I guess when you need gas to get home you can melt down the trophy and pour that in your gas tank.

[blueskyracer]

Dave I think your first post is great..Loooks like everyone is a winner.. Maybe some of the web site upgrade money could of been used more wisely to me then what you are doing..

[daveracerdsh]

Prize money

The prize money idea was my doing..I stand behind it. I wanted a little excitement behind the class..similar to the Merc Challenge series in the 90s. I just wanted to keep it simple. We (the 302 committee) are going to be looking at ways to increase class participation in the future...we will be meeting at the nationals. Jeff Brewster and I welcome ideas etc on the class...just let us know. Dave

[csh12M]

Thanks

Sounds great Dave! Your efforts are definitely VERY appreciated. This class is going to be BIG in Michigan. I hope we can put more funds into the class in the future. We need to target making it easier to figure the sport out.

Here are a few ideas I sent to Jeff a while ago. Maybe we can all discuss them at this Nationals meeting.

1. Can we parity two different weights 420 and 440? This would open it up to people from 165 – 220lbs.

2. I think we should do EVERYTHING we can to keep it STOCK. Personally I think we should HAVE to run the spark plug covers and everything. Miskerik was already asking if we can re-route the water outlet tubing. I hate this line of thinking. It runs well exactly as is, I think we should discourage ANY changes. I took the locking mechanism off mine to run a Brown kick out bracket. I wish I would of seen T.J. it is better, you can use it without changing anything. (see the next point)

3. I think we should bundle in the kickout bracket and a collapsible steering bar, and the tapping for a water pump. I would use the T.J. bracket and the Brown steering bar. The easier we can make it for the new guy the better. Obviously we would adjust the cost.

4. I think we should create a diagram that shows the proper transom height to run at 1 3/8” With some diagrams showing kick and tuck theory. I think we could steal these from the old OMC manual we received back in the day.

Look forward to seeing you in NY!

The prize money idea was my doing..I stand behind it. I wanted a little excitement behind the class..similar to the Merc Challenge series in the 90s. I just wanted to keep it simple. We (the 302 committee) are going to be looking at ways to increase class participation in the future...we will be meeting at the nationals. Jeff Brewster and I welcome ideas etc on the class...just let us know. Dave

[hoosier]

While I agree with Dean and Mike's take on the price money , I have to give Dave kudos on injecting enthusiasm in this class . I really appreciate all the hard work that Dave and Jeff and others have put into the 302ssh to make it a success . So now that this class is a winner , please leave the engine alone ! ! Lets NOT screw it up by changing things.

[daveracerdsh]

302ssh

The motor that people buy from Rick or TJ will remain bone stock on the inside...that much I promise. I respectfully disagree with those that don't like the prize money.,,,,I would LOVE to race D stock hydro again for the chance to get a nice check at the end of the weekend....the Merc Challenge Series did wonders for stock outboarding in the late 80's...early 90's. D stock hydro was essentially dead in region 10...maybe one or two boats...by the time 1990 rolled around we were getting anywhere from 20-25 D's per Merc Challenge event..for those of you not around it was pretty cool to have elim heats at a local race....and it spilled over to non challenge series races. We would sometimes get at a local race 10-14 D's and 25 Hydros....I also want to reward those people that have stepped up and bought motors for a brand new class....a gutsy thing to do in my opinion. And..local media jumps all over events where there is prize money involved....if some of you don't like the idea of the 2 grand or so we are giving away, you would REALLY not like the amount I originally wanted..lol. I hope the naysayers will offer congrads to the prize winners Saturday night. Much more stuff to come in the future for this class.....Dave (aka9US)

[pav225]

302ssH

Dave,
Great work in bringing the 302ssH class into existence!!

We have seen it race the last few weekends in Michigan, and I can tell you that it is already a big success.

Also, great work by the MHRA Team (special kudos to Elek) for having full Driving School classes and getting folks in boats. Great job!

302ssH is one of the most competitive and fun classes to watch. We may have to get one for next year.

Great job!
Mike

[csh12M]

Growth

Dave you are misreading my intentions. I LOVE prize money, but I was just asking what will give the biggest bang for the buck to increase the size of the class. I bought a rig and have put four different drivers in it this year. Three of which are now going to buy. What if Stock Outboard did the same in Seattle or Florida.

What if we had taken that two grand and offered it to the first four buyers of 302SSH in Seattle. We could of given them $500.00 coupons for the first four. Then maybe the class would be alive in the west. This class promotes itself when it races as the competition is incredibly close.

I am fine with prize money...I am fielding two entries in the class, so I am pretty sure my gas will be paid for. If S.O. is going to keep the money spicket running for 302SSH great! I was just wondering if prize money was the best way to grow the class. If we think it is, great I am all for it

The motor that people buy from Rick or TJ will remain bone stock on the inside...that much I promise. I respectfully disagree with those that don't like the prize money.,,,,I would LOVE to race D stock hydro again for the chance to get a nice check at the end of the weekend....the Merc Challenge Series did wonders for stock outboarding in the late 80's...early 90's. D stock hydro was essentially dead in region 10...maybe one or two boats...by the time 1990 rolled around we were getting anywhere from 20-25 D's per Merc Challenge event..for those of you not around it was pretty cool to have elim heats at a local race....and it spilled over to non challenge series races. We would sometimes get at a local race 10-14 D's and 25 Hydros....I also want to reward those people that have stepped up and bought motors for a brand new class....a gutsy thing to do in my opinion. And..local media jumps all over events where there is prize money involved....if some of you don't like the idea of the 2 grand or so we are giving away, you would REALLY not like the amount I originally wanted..lol. I hope the naysayers will offer congrads to the prize winners Saturday night. Much more stuff to come in the future for this class.....Dave (aka9US)

[csh12M]

Sorry

Hey Dave,

I just re-read my last post and feel like I am being WAY to argumentative. Sorry for that.

Sincerely thank you for all you have done. This is an exciting class and will continue to grow and get better.

Safe travels to New York.

12M

[daveracerdsh]

302ssh

Did not take your last post in a negative light at all...I am not a promotions guy, and I just go by what sorta makes me tick in that area I think. I am going to make it my personal goal to see the 1500 some odd 302 motors (not sure of the exact number) that get crushed in Japan each year by Yamato get imported into the United States for this class as well as other Yamato classes. We need the willpower to make it happen...and it CAN happen. I want to get a national sponsor..deep pockets....you get the idea. But...I need help. Lots of help. I have plenty of ideas...but I do not have the experience or know how on the best way to implement them. Keep the ideas coming in this post....or if you prefer...e mail me at Daveracerdsh@aol.com..or call me at 425 246 4710...or contact Jeff Brewster. I will be spending a lot of time at the Stock outboard promo tent....if you want to chat with me in person that's fine too.