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Slow day in the office, so I thought I would reflect on our 2005 season, as preparations are already on the way for 2006.
We began 2005 in the USTS with considerable uncertainty. We had a brand new president, Kristi Ellison, that many members did not know well. We lost considerable leadership from Todd Brinkman when his team decided to retire (hopefully temporarily) from racing. And we lost some good teams in the Brinkmans, Hoots, etc. I know that some thought this was the beginning to the end.
HOW WRONG THEY WERE!!!!
Kristi never had all the answers, but she was always willing to seek the answers. She has done an outstanding job as president. Not only has the Title Series kept its pace, we have made significant strides forward in 2005 and this will really become evident in 2006.
Where does this really show?? Competition on the water has never been better across all of our classes, hydro's and runabouts. And the turnout of competitive boats was strong at every single race this year. The members pulled together and put fast, competitive equipment on the water all season.
Omaha - The first race of the season got us off to a fantastic start. A solid turnout of boats raced in tight quarters for two days, putting on breath taking races. 350 runabout and 250 hydro stood out as having 6 or more boats capable of winning a heat or the weekend. Mother nature threatened Friday, but otherwise left us alone (thank you). Noticed a couple new drivers.
Spring Depue - Another good race in Alkyville, Illinois. Large turnout of boats and good races all weekend long. 250 hydro's and 350 runabouts continue their classic duels with eliminations required. Fred Schmidt launched a 125 hydro to the moon, but luckiliy not injured. Hey, I noticed a couple more new drivers!!
Constantine - Speed week begins with 100 boats at this annual classic (actually the 49th annual classic, look for a special 50th edition in 2006!!!!). Everyone is working hard to prep for DePue, but man is it hot!!! The heat takes it toll on equipment and drivers, but we have a week to recover!! Joe and his gang are great hosts for another year.
Hammond - We are worried about rallying a decent field of boats only 2 weeks after the nationals. Silly us, 80+ boats attend the renewal of this race. Mother nature gets involved with a nasty wind. Many agree that this is some of the roughest water that we have competed on. Fortuantely, only one driver takes a swim and there are no injuries. Brad Barth's efforts to get this race back are rewarded with full fields of boats.
Raleigh - First time at this venue, but it should become a regular part of the schedule, as the facility is top notch. Unseasonable winds interfere with racing, but the race goes on!! OSY 400's are added as special guest and put on amazing race Sunday. 250 hydro's also thrill. Gun Jumpers abound all weekend, as very even competition forces drivers to shoot for a perfect start. Locals are very happy with the race and are committed to working with us going forward!!
A few words on what I observed at this year's races:
SPORTSMANSHIP - On the water and on the shore. It just abounds and we heard many guests and spectators comment on it.
PARITY - It is hard to dominate any class. It is very hard to overcome a poor start with speed. The competition on the water is very high at this time.
FUN - This is self explanatory, but the races really have been fun this year. Every Saturday night featured a drivers party and the get togethers after racing and testing remain a good reason to attend the races (it could always rain, so a good party is a must!!).
The Fall meeting is only a few weekes away. Try to attend and if you cannot send a board member your suggestions. We need more help from the membership in 2006 to keep improving. We would also appreacite the input from people who attended our races in 2005 as either a guest class or just as interested spectator.
I believe that a point of focus for 2006 will be the conduct of our races (putting on an entertaining show and keeping an appropriate pace). Thanks to all who attended the races and worked at the races in 2005.
We began 2005 in the USTS with considerable uncertainty. We had a brand new president, Kristi Ellison, that many members did not know well. We lost considerable leadership from Todd Brinkman when his team decided to retire (hopefully temporarily) from racing. And we lost some good teams in the Brinkmans, Hoots, etc. I know that some thought this was the beginning to the end.
HOW WRONG THEY WERE!!!!
Kristi never had all the answers, but she was always willing to seek the answers. She has done an outstanding job as president. Not only has the Title Series kept its pace, we have made significant strides forward in 2005 and this will really become evident in 2006.
Where does this really show?? Competition on the water has never been better across all of our classes, hydro's and runabouts. And the turnout of competitive boats was strong at every single race this year. The members pulled together and put fast, competitive equipment on the water all season.
Omaha - The first race of the season got us off to a fantastic start. A solid turnout of boats raced in tight quarters for two days, putting on breath taking races. 350 runabout and 250 hydro stood out as having 6 or more boats capable of winning a heat or the weekend. Mother nature threatened Friday, but otherwise left us alone (thank you). Noticed a couple new drivers.
Spring Depue - Another good race in Alkyville, Illinois. Large turnout of boats and good races all weekend long. 250 hydro's and 350 runabouts continue their classic duels with eliminations required. Fred Schmidt launched a 125 hydro to the moon, but luckiliy not injured. Hey, I noticed a couple more new drivers!!
Constantine - Speed week begins with 100 boats at this annual classic (actually the 49th annual classic, look for a special 50th edition in 2006!!!!). Everyone is working hard to prep for DePue, but man is it hot!!! The heat takes it toll on equipment and drivers, but we have a week to recover!! Joe and his gang are great hosts for another year.
Hammond - We are worried about rallying a decent field of boats only 2 weeks after the nationals. Silly us, 80+ boats attend the renewal of this race. Mother nature gets involved with a nasty wind. Many agree that this is some of the roughest water that we have competed on. Fortuantely, only one driver takes a swim and there are no injuries. Brad Barth's efforts to get this race back are rewarded with full fields of boats.
Raleigh - First time at this venue, but it should become a regular part of the schedule, as the facility is top notch. Unseasonable winds interfere with racing, but the race goes on!! OSY 400's are added as special guest and put on amazing race Sunday. 250 hydro's also thrill. Gun Jumpers abound all weekend, as very even competition forces drivers to shoot for a perfect start. Locals are very happy with the race and are committed to working with us going forward!!
A few words on what I observed at this year's races:
SPORTSMANSHIP - On the water and on the shore. It just abounds and we heard many guests and spectators comment on it.
PARITY - It is hard to dominate any class. It is very hard to overcome a poor start with speed. The competition on the water is very high at this time.
FUN - This is self explanatory, but the races really have been fun this year. Every Saturday night featured a drivers party and the get togethers after racing and testing remain a good reason to attend the races (it could always rain, so a good party is a must!!).
The Fall meeting is only a few weekes away. Try to attend and if you cannot send a board member your suggestions. We need more help from the membership in 2006 to keep improving. We would also appreacite the input from people who attended our races in 2005 as either a guest class or just as interested spectator.
I believe that a point of focus for 2006 will be the conduct of our races (putting on an entertaining show and keeping an appropriate pace). Thanks to all who attended the races and worked at the races in 2005.
David,
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