Proposal to save the sport of outboard racing

[chuck w]

Every region have insured test days. This will be great for getting new drivers and old ones out on the water

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6 boat minimum in EVERY CLASS!

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All classes 3 heats 4 laps; more seat time = more bang for the buck for everyone.

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More races! To drive 10hrs to "maybe" race in a class if there are enough boats and then only run 6 laps a day doesnt make sense. With more boats registered more races can be possible.

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Preregistration on website for every event.



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All classes fuel of the day with a chemical indicator in it that can be tested in inspection quickly

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Brief test session (1 hr max) after drivers meeting at every event

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Roll up runabouts only in B.

Combine stock, mods and 125 and 250 cc pro, except for sealed 302ssh and Evolution classes which will be a stand-alone claimer class (stay tuned for details). There are too many classes that look and perform the same and we need to get old equipment back on the race course to increase participation It is way too confusing for a new racer and spectator

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A is Merc 15, omc A, sidewinder A, KG4, MK15, KG7 all with test data proven parity with newest available engine to have 1 mph advantage)

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B is stock sidewinder 15, 15ci stock hot rod, omc 25, Merc 20H, Merc 25ss, with test data proven parity with newest available engine to have 1 mph advantage)

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C is Merc 25xs, Yamato 102,302,321?, Merc 30H, 20ci hot rod, sidewinder 20, B mod, with test data proven parity with newest available engine to have 1 mph advantage)

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D is Merc 40,44, Tohatsu 50, C mod, 125cc pro with test data proven parity with newest available engine to have 1 mph advantage)

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E is 3cyl omc, D mod, 250 cc pro with test data proven parity with newest available engine to have 1 mph advantage) Also, combine hydros and runabouts in this class unless there are 6 boat fields in hydro and runabout.

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302ssh dont touch it. Just leave it alone.

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Eliminate AXS, 25 and 20 classes. There are just too many of the same looking and performing boats.




Concerning the combination of classes above, those that are worried about others running with them have no grounds for complaining because at this point there is NO engine and ALL of it's parts readily available at any time right NOW except the proposed Evolution engine mentioned below. Simply go online and put in your credit card number. This should be mandatory for all new motors

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Step-Up : Any class (A thru E) can step-up to the next class up with no restrictions on engine other than it must remain naturally aspirated and bore and stroke must be as legal in their original class. This way everyone has a home.

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Rename J class Novice. For this class, participants bring boat and motor that meets class criteria and then props get picked at 9am. The rigs ability to plane can be tested immediately after drivers meeting. engines are mercury and omc with test data proven parity with newest engine to have 1 mph advantage. This format will focus the kids on what they should be learning; sportsmanship and driving skills.

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The EVOLUTION is a spec class with the new proven cart 125 engine powerhead:

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-All engines are sealed

-Drivers pick identical props at drivers meeting

-It is a claimer class where a driver can purchase a competitors powerhead at the end of an event for a set fee and give their engine to that person.

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Marathons: Make them a feature at all events.

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-8 boat minimum

-Lemans start

-16 laps

-Runabouts only

-Classes A thru D

-C and D boats must pit between 6 and 10 laps and change driver and take on at least ½ gallon of fuel

-A and B boats do not have to pit

-A boats only run 15 laps




Bottom line

This is a plea to save the sport as a whole. WE NEED to stick together and make positive changes and race full fields of competitive action packed tight racing and eliminate the confusion for new drivers .

[Ram4x4]

For me, as a newbie with no boat yet, all the classes and the differences are what I've tried to wrap my head around. Why does a "stock" class allow things like tweaked props, bored out motors, etc? If it is "stock" it should be stock, right? If we're going to change and tweak props and motors, shouldn't that fall under "mod" classes?

If we want to preserve the motors that differentiate some classes, then perhaps two or three classes per letter class, like C stock 1, C stock 2, C stock 3, each with it's allowed motors? Mod could be C mod 1, C mod 2, C mod 3, with each mod number class allowing more modifications. C mod 1 would allow props and displacement, C mod 2, add exhaust mods, and C mod 3 be "unlimited" mods?

Weight restrictions could be determined, but with the various materials available now, it would need to be viable and not too restrictive.

I'm interested i starting in 302SSH and based on what I've seen at events, it;s a great class because there are so many boats....heats will have a lot of boats, for sure, but the other classes, it seems not so much.

[chuck w]

This is my second season of racing and i am trying to wrap my head around things myself. It seems that most people are.
i would recommend 302ssh because there is good competition. Anyone can win.
this is the ingredient we need to incorporate to all classed by combining and setting a standard for parity and having full fields with new and old engines with more heats and less classes.
thank you for the response and i hope we all can keep this thread as constructive and active as possible for the benefit of boat racing.

[Ram4x4]

I think I understand why the classes are the way they are now. It has to do with history of boat racing, the motors that were available and still usable, etc. I don't think any major changes could be made without alienating some of the current racers and their gear though and that's where it is tough. You seem to want to add the spectator aspect, which is good, but at what cost? If the idea is get more racers to race, then it becomes a tough sell if any proposed changes causes the sport to lose racers.

302SSH is an ideal beginner class specifically because of the parity/no modifications rule. You don't need to know these motors and/or about tweaked racing props, but as another discussion that is ongoing brings to light, now that Yamato is making the 321, how available are 302's going to be next year or year after, and how can you incorporate a different motor in the same class (or can you?).

Really difficult to make sweeping changes to an entire category or categories for sure.

I'm with you on more laps per race...maybe even a slightly shorter course if time is a consideration. Seems most passing is done in the turns anyway. 3 laps is just such little seat time for the drivers.

Oh, and I meant to ask before...what is "tow money"???

[chuck w]

The idea of combining engines into less classes is to increase participation, not alienate people.
This is done in most other Motorsports and car racing. Testing and parity is key with favor given to the newest available product.

[Ram4x4]

Oh, I get that, but I think what I'm getting at with all those classes we now have the whole of the driver group is spread out across all those classes (i.e. less boats for any given class).

The problem is, the classes we have now are because of all the various engines out there. I don't know how we could combine a lot of those into lesser number of classes. If you did, then it would be immediately clear that several of those engines would not be competitive in the new class. That could alienate a team that is currently running with that motor.

For me personally, with what I know now (which ain't much), but just going off the APBA site and the classes and categories there, I could see a consolidation of several of the C class boats quite easily, for example.

If the goal is less number of classes, and ultimately more boats per class, I don't see how it could be done without some of the motors becoming non competitive.

[chuck w]

Oh, I get that, but I think what I'm getting at with all those classes we now have the whole of the driver group is spread out across all those classes (i.e. less boats for any given class).

The problem is, the classes we have now are because of all the various engines out there. I don't know how we could combine a lot of those into lesser number of classes. If you did, then it would be immediately clear that several of those engines would not be competitive in the new class. That could alienate a team that is currently running with that motor.

For me personally, with what I know now (which ain't much), but just going off the APBA site and the classes and categories there, I could see a consolidation of several of the C class boats quite easily, for example.

If the goal is less number of classes, and ultimately more boats per class, I don't see how it could be done without some of the motors becoming non competitive.

The idea is to bring back the people and teams that have already been alienated by new engines completely crushing the competition. Like i mentioned we need to set a new standard for parity. We have the talent already involved in this sport to make things rights. Keep in mind alot of these classes are already being combined and running for no points.
we need to put on a show.
Lets dig out those engines and make it right...

[Ram4x4]

The idea is to bring back the people and teams that have already been alienated by new engines completely crushing the competition. Like i mentioned we need to set a new standard for parity. We have the talent already involved in this sport to make things rights. Keep in mind alot of these classes are already being combined and running for no points.
Lets dig out those engines and make it right...

So how do we create parity in fewer classes with more motors in that class?

[chuck w]

So how do we create parity in fewer classes with more motors in that class?

Whatever it takes.
Engine height/tuck, minimum weight,restrictor plates.
If parity cannot be established then it doesn't belong in that class and it should step up or down.

[raceright]

Same bat time same bat channel

[3autility]

After Merc came out with the 25XS, my 25SS became obsolete. I would have needed a new boat and motor. That was not in the racing budget. It would certainly be fun to be able to run some of the vintage Mercs, but that is not always possible with new jackets, helmets, cut sleeves etc. Oh well, I enjoyed the racing when I did it back in the day.

[chuck w]

Original post has been simplified for easier understanding of intentions.
Example- why not have the old 22 ci omc in b class? Its a affordable engine and proven that it has longevity. A new driver could pick one up reasonably priced and begin racing immediately.
Looking for some constructive criticism of making this plan work. If you want to share your anonymous thoughts i will post them. You can email or send a private message.
thanks
chuck
quality1marine@aol.com

[Hydro doc]

We have fewer classes in NBRA. When we put a old class back in, it did not take off. We are having our most growth with the Tohatsu motor and with electric start, it is attractive class. The runabout is a wild but safe ride. We are a mod. Group with two stock classes, csh and 20(A). Our weights are twenty pounds lower than APBA, which makes it hard for a 180+ person to compete in the stock classes. Our growth in those classes has been fueled by women who are naturally lighter. I see a lot of growth in APBA in the 302ss class which would just split our numbers in the stock classes. We are getting 8-10 hydros in those classes, which puts on a good show. My only commit about the success of our group, is that we do not take times except at championship events, thus you only need to win by a foot, creating closer racing. We regularly pay thousands in tow money. We need sponsors, thus someone has to work hard to get that money and the many Things that is necessary to put on a race. We, What's up Doc? Racing, feel that fewer classes and more heats would reduce the cost of racing, while making the many miles driven more satisfying. We use to test on Saturday and race on Sunday then gas went up and drivers wanted to race both days. Let's go to three heat racing.

[Tugboated]

Well, as a second year guy as well, I have to admit that much of this proposal sounds interesting. I really like the idea of having additional heats of racing and doing Marathon events. I know I saw something awesome online that CVRA had done where they combined A hydro and C runabouts into a marathon style race... these events look cool and bring people in to watch. I think that if there was a way to consolidate the available motors into fewer classes it would help as well. I still have trouble looking out on the water and knowing the difference between some of the classes.
Another concept that I had only recently heard and I am all on board with is allowing the head people who put on races, to get a little bit of money for their effort. Over in region three, I won't mention the names,we have some great people, who I see busting their rears all weekend, and I am sure they are doing all they can to make the event happen prior, as well as doing their best to keep the event afterward. Those people really deserve more than a pat on the back. Now if we could find members with affiliations to marketable entities such as radio stations or like a local TV station we might be able to bring in additional money either through club house vending or admissions of sorts. Then in order to bring this money in, we could create a fun marketable event like a B runabout Grand Prix, Start from the beach, one heat, 10 laps, winner as you see them. Just an idea, and then just have the radio station talking it up like its the event of the year to see in that area and will happen Saturday at 2 PM.... Any way we can think of something to bring more money in to support the people who make our events happen.
Chuck I like where your headed with this, hopefully everyone can help spit ball some ideas around and we can all try and reach some kind of quasi- proposal to offer up in the winter. This is such a great sport with great people, I am sure we could all calmly come to some reasonable resolutions to produce more members, better events and a sport we can continue to enjoy for many more years to come.

[chuck w]

Wow. Some great ideas from hydrodoc and tugboated. I am kicking myself for editing the original post. My intention was only to be clear and not have to much to understand. One of the main goals was not to be offensive at all. There are so many great people involved that have helped me along the way.
Also i would like to mention the positive emails and phone calls i have received.
Maybe we can fine tune this and keep it going

[Ram4x4]

I say make a consolidated list of goals and put them in priority order. What is the 1st (and most important) goal? More boats per class? More spectators? More racers?

Put the goals down in order and then address each one. You'll soon see how one will affect another and might cause you to change priorities.

Lots of ideas being thrown out in here, but things like specific changes to a class or race (i.e. number of laps, combined racing, etc) are actions that should fit under a goal.

Decide what you want SO racing to be, then decide the changes needed to make that goal.

For me personally, right now with my limited exposure to race vents, my list would start out with #1 goal being more boats per class. Now, the specifics of how to do that is where it gets interesting. This might entail consolidation and lessening of number of overall classes. This could provide benefits in the form of newer drivers as it's easier to understand. Never under estimate complexity's ability to push people away from something.