S.O. National Meeting Agenda

[csh2z]

It's time to start thinking about issues/items to be addressed at the next natoinal meeting. Who's running for commissioner in your region? What do we want to accomplish? Who will be our next Chairman? Should the candidates run on a platform or specific issues? What message do we want to send to the APBA BoD? How much consideration should we give to other categories or organizations? Now is your chance to step up for the future of the sport. In this thread I'd like to limit discussions on individual issues, that can be done on another thread. What I'm looking for is more just the agenda items. One note: If you are willing to speak on an issue or a problem, be willing to WORK on the solution. Also, keep in mind that there will be many opinions on every issue so expect compromise (that is how we will peacefully move forward). Thanks, John Runne Reg. IV commissioner (2-Z)

[Steve Johnson]

Promotion

I'd like to help with the promotional end of things. perhaps start a recruitment drive( with incentives) Work on a Mentor program. ect... you all heard me go on and on about this stuff, now would like to help.
Steve

[HRTV]

I agree with Mike, all though Stock Outboard racing will always be a form of grass roots racing that does not mean mainstream America should be completely unaware of the sport. I am not talking about prize money or large crowds but simply just getting on the map of mainstream America with a little TV coverage etc.

ESPN X games should be on the top of the list for this year’s national meeting, whom do we contact to get a foot in the door for some prime time coverage?

[Lights]

Promoting

I'll second what Steve and Michael Have said about promoting the sport. I am willing to help promot in region 8 and western region 7. Just need some idea's on what to do.

Yes Michael that other thing needs fixing to.


Mark

[kws]

Good points people .
BTW how do people feel about changing the rules to allow omc service motors to be legal for A ?

[dholt]

John,

Excellent post.

While I won't be able to run for commissioner, I'll do what I can. Face it, more work will be done in the other 362 days of the year than are done at the National Meeting. We need people to take the ball and roll with long after the meetings adjourn.

Before we beat the drum for more members (which I agree is vital) I think we have to fix the sport to make it more ATTRACTIVE to new members.

Did anyone every think that the reason more people haven't started racing is because the product is flawed?

Remember, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Unless the Kool Aid is so **** good, then he'll never stop.

We've got to improve the product first. And by product, I mean the entire package.

Sure, the ride of a SO rig is awesome. Can't deny that. And the people are outstanding. Best in the world. But it takes more than that to bring in outsiders and keep them interested.

More later. Off to a meeting.

Dana

[dholt]

Detail

John,

To add to my previous post.

Fixing the overall S.O. package.


I believe it starts with restructuring the current classes, incorporating the NEW engines and streamlining the make up of race day.

So, I believe we need a plan...a firm road map for the future as to what classes will exist, where the new wave of engines will fall into those classes (Hot Rod, Tohatsu, Yamato, Merc) and how future engines will be incorporated should they become necessary/available.

We've got to let people know where we are going....not just limping around year to year. How could you sell a new guy on the sport when he doesn't know some of what the future will be like? We're asking people to invest a great deal of money. Got to give them something to rely on.

You want help with this...I volunteer.

Dana

[HYDRO21Z]

I agree with Dana, and John

I wrote recently about the committee to look at the future of our sport.
I think the formost item on the agenda should be creating a long term plan
for Stock Outboard.
I too will volunteer my time to this effort.
Secondly, I think the rule book needs to be looked at again to find out how to close loopholes, and vague interpretations.
I know that effort has been ongoing each year, but I think more needs to be done.
Again, I will put forth my effort to help solve the problems.

Dennis 21Z

[csh2z]

Thanks Dana, I think you're right on target. We spoke at the nationals about this very subject and I know your insight will be very useful. We need to keep the ball rolling. I've said in the past that I do have a plan or at least a more effective way to create one. I'm going to put it on Hydroracer in the near future. First though, I'd like to hear from more people. Thanks to all those that have already replied,this is a great start. Put it out there!
John 2-Z

[Fox]

I agree with Dana,

After being involved with tunnel boat racing lately I can see how less classes make the day more enjoyable. We could start a little later and end earlier and not burn out our race officials who volunteer.

We should eliminate our duplicate classes. Why have two A classes and two C classes etc. etc I still cant tell the difference between C and 20?. With less classes we will then have more elimination races at local events but will also have time two have two heat eliminations and a final so drivers will still get boat time.

Another advantage with less classes is that there could be dedicated test time at every race which we have at the tunnel races which is very nice. As test locations get harder and harder to find testing at races will be needed more and more and with the number of classes today this is imposible. Plus it is safer to have testing at race sites in lieu of alone on a lake.

I think the FIRST thing we need to do is decide as a whole in writting with a vote so the debate is over and everyone can move forward together, what we want stock outboard to look like in 10 years. how many classes, how many members, event format, rookie program, safety program etcetc. Once that is decided then every time a dicision is made you can look at the plan and decide if it gets us closer or further from that plan. Then there will be less personal anitiatives that stalemete decisions which hold up progress. I am not in the political or decision making group of stock outboard so I am speaking as an outsider but I have heard these same conversations about class sizes and the future before but it seems like we havn't moved forward and if we are not moving forward making things better then we are really moving backward.

Jay Fox

[csh2z]

Good points Jay, thanks for the input. Keep it up. That testing time could also be used to give new prospects some time in a race boat, something that is neccessary if we want to grow the sport. I've mentioned to some people the possibility of trying to get our insurance costs to be prorated based on the number of classes on the schedule. Currently most clubs have to put on all the classes they can in order to pay the sanction & insurance. If we could get prorated insurance, clubs would have a means and incentive to reduce the number of classes needed to pay the bills. I don't know if it is possible but it could make a huge difference in the program. The strong classes will thrive and the less popular would go away. If anybody could advise on this subject, please do. John 2-Z

[Andrew 4CE]

I'm all for reducing classes.

One thing I would like kept in mind though is light weight drivers do exist... would be nice to have more than one class to pick from. Like in the hot rod thread, someone wanted to see a weight limit on the 15 rod to suit a 200 pound driver. I'd have to add 50 lbs of lead to race a 15? This would not be a problem if boats suited this but I don't think current designs do. And boats seem to be getting even lighter.... maybe 55-60 pounds of lead for a 150 pound driver in a 15 class in just a couple years?

I'm 6', 155 lbs, call me a pipe cleaner, but I am still within ideal weight for the medical Body Mass Index for a male Maybe you all need diets? haha.

Anyway, just remember the fly weights and kids... we need somewhere to race too.

[Dr. Thunder]

John,


<snip> ...Fixing the overall S.O. package ...restructuring the current classes, incorporating the NEW engines and streamlining the make up of race day.

Dana

Is the sponsoring club for a Stock Outboard Nationals required to include ALL current stock outboard classes on the race circular or do they have the option to select those that they feel will best represent stock outboard racing to showcase in front of the public?

But, more to the point .... I believe that this entire issue of Stock/Mod/Pro classifications, number of classes and related engine issues is entirely in the hands of each Region to resolve. Local clubs schedule local races. Ultimately it is up to the local club to decide how long the race program runs ... how many classes they will include on the race circular ... what classes they may opt to combine etc. And, I'll bet that in the majority of cases it is a matter of club economics not good racing that is the determinant.

The USTS has had the solution for years ... if stock and mod racing used the USTS model we wouldn't be having this (too many classes and race schedules that take too long to complete) discussion.

Do you think that the USTS membership pi**es and moans about a two day schedule that allows them to run each class on only one day of the event? Probably not when they can get in a full day of testing as well.

What do you suppose would happen if a local club sponsored an APBA sanctioned stock outboard event and only allowed for C Stock Hydro to run on Sunday ... C Stock Runabout to run on Saturday. If the event started at noon and was over by 5 pm ... oops $$$.

Yes, there are way too many classes and race schedules (non USTS) generally take way too long to complete. But, it is neither a National Meeting solution nor an APBA membership referendum that will solve the problem. It is how your local club sponsors and conducts a local/regional event that will make a difference in the overall growth potential of the sport

[BP125V]

how to get there from here

IF, and that is a big IF, we reduce the number of classes, you must first have in place a plan that will ensure that we do not loose the drivers of the classes are are being eliminated. We have to take care of our current racers first, then worry about the potential new racer.

Also please remember that not every club/region is equal in number of drivers or the classes run, I don't think there is a single magic bullet that would solve the problems of each club/region.

BTW- at BSOA/MRC club races we typically run 15 classes a day and have time for testing before racing. Testing 11:15 to noon, race noon to 5 pm - ish. It can be done, got to keep the program moving though.

I'm not saying what we have is perfect or that it even works, but the Law of Unintended Consequences tells us that we had better take our time and really think our way through any major changes that we may implement.

Not to contradict myself here but guranteed testing at the race site and 3 heats per class (like the PRO's) sure would be cool. More boat time is certainly a selling point.

Bill III

[Fox]

I believe that at a nationals event every stock outboard class has to be offered.

I also believe that this is a national issue and not a regional issue. We are stronger as a whole. Plus if we have each region run whatever classes they choose and not run others then we wont have the numbers to support the engine builder and if you have two big classes in five different regions then what would be the point of getting to gether at the nationals when the other regions are not racing what you are racing. This would divide stock outboard and make it weaker.


what is usts? how many members? what classes does it run? where does it run?

thanks