"Race Tracks"

[lowsodium]

Help me understand the length and locations of the "tracks" we race on. Also, I've only been to the race at Waits Lake. Are they all green flag starts or are some still timed? Thanx, Mel

What's your favorite "track" and why?

[E-MOTION]

[LIST=1]
[1]banks lake pear shape @ 3/4 mile
[2]trout creek mt. oval 1 mile
[3]newport ovel @3/4
[4]ione pear @3/4 mile
[5]waites @ 1 mile
[6]mosses lake @1 mile
All are flag starts we think it's makes for smother water and for the fans that can't see the clock they at least no when we start.

[Jerkizoid]

I dont care how good you are, or how experienced & speed matched the whole dang class is, at ANY hydro or boat race, a clock start produces very slim excitement value for the spectators! Occasionally a race breaks out but mostly a boat parade commenses, one following the other! I am only reporting what I have observed the last 10 years with AOF or NBRA in OUR region.
If you understand whats happening, it may be intriging but very often boring! You might see two boats side by side in competition, but rarely 3 or more.
Then you have the field jumpers, and this does happen, so now the crowd (exaggeration) is really confused as to who is actually a legal start and still in it! Too many jumpers and the race laps are reduced to 2 and it's up to the announcer (seldom heard over the engine noise) to inform those in the dark! And I have even seen a fouled heat (75% or more jumpers) re-run when the whole class heat should have been disqualified for improper clock starts!

Now, ever see a boring Nascar or local stock car start!? Not me. We simply emulate them and as a bonus, the water is smoother; SAFER (early clockers cutters must slow down making larger waves by coming off plane or plowing to keep from jumping the start and penalized a lap) This is especialoly bad with inboard 2000# boats like ours....If you havent seen one of our 5 boat flying side by side starts, you cant argue this point.
It's even exciting for me, the jerk! Whether I'm driving or on shore! And, I'm not the only spectator who's mentioned it! Oh, that will leave another mark!

[Jerkizoid]

Oh

One more thing, we use a 'one more lap around' when the starter flag person doesnt like the line up, the green will only fly when boats in every lane are side by side nose to nose! If they get the go around, This will mess up the water with each penalty lap so drivers work at the starts so no one is at a disadvantage and spectators get to see what they came for, close racing!
IN the long run, all our heats take less time so the days program is not delayed. Spectators want an afternoon of action, not settling wasted smooth water. Clock failures and resets do not delay flat heats ever!

I may not know everything about clock starts so enlighten me....i know it spreads the field, and my foes could argue that alone is safer....heck, fishing from a dock is safer, but I'm not dead yet, so give me that flying green FLAG!

[E-MOTION]

O my

Boyd I hope Low Salt still wants to show up after that ????????

[Jerkizoid]

So

As I asked above, ENLIGHTEN me! What did I say that you seem to dissagree with? In a nutshell, I asked Mel or anyone else for that matter, how can comparing speeds with flat bottom boats get any more exciting than a flag start and why we do them.

Dave, I am done explaining to some, you in particular. I post to inform new folks as well as encourage anyone who likes our boats or our format at Hydro Racer. Jerk trys to entertain and inform period..basically I am the only one!! We get lots of hits Nationaly here and that tells me there is interest in our group of inboards in a mainly outboard neighborhood.

I will explain Nostalgia to anyone interested especially Mel. Let him decide for himself. HE ASKED FOR INFORMATION AND I DID MY BEST VERBALLY.
If this applys? Quote:
NEVER EXPLAIN,,,,,, YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT NEED IT AND YOUR ENEMIES WILL NOT BELIEVE IT ANYWAY. Elbert Hubbard

Mel is neither a friend or enemy since we havent met, however you I'm not so sure of after reading your posts. Maybe I have taken them wrong, so enlighten me.........

[Charm Skool Reject]

Play Nice!

You boys need to play nice! really it's not the water that will scare new people off. I was at Waitts & saw the boat flip over & still want to try it, (dumb blonde?) just sayin...

[Jerkizoid]

Ya

Great meeting ya Mel, your boat will be a welcome addition since I dont see me getting all my projects done in time. The wife can help ya with safety driver gear, want her phone?