USTS Schedule

[Kristi Ellison]

Mark
It sounds like you were given vague information which is very unfortunate for those who run both catagories. We can all stop pointing fingers now that we have the facts and see to it that this does not happen again. I am sure there is nothing we can do at this point but work with what we have.

As for the USTS schedule if there are any changes I will post them as they become available.

[hydroracer25]

no finger pointing...

Kristie / All,

There is no finger pointing, I just needed to clarify on the comments the Mr. Van Steenwyk made regarding the SO Commision / leaders as they had nothing to do with it the dates chosen.

Blame it on poor/mis-communication, mis-understanding, a strange 2009 July calendar and the way the dates fall, or on even me if we need to find fault.

I'm sure the Pro Nat'ls date won't change and neither will the SO/J due to commitments that have to be made long in advance to the races happening.

Mark

[Kristi Ellison]

Mark
I apologize if I mis wrote but I did not think you were finger pointing at all...I appreciate you clarifying how this happened. I did not think the retoric accusing the stock guys of being wrong was fair. Believe me we all, including myself, assumed the wrong date for the PRO Nationals. We had to re book Constantine and I almost had Yvonne Konig over here from Germany on the wrong dates. I always knew the Nationals was the last weekend in July but I thought it was the last full weekend I never knew it was the last Friday. I guess we live and learn.

[Racerkyle20]

This Pro nationals and Stock nationals overlap this year is very unfortunate. I understand the last friday concept, but if Pro wants numbers in K-pro and OSY they should move it back to the last full weekend of July. There were only 11 OSY last year without an overlap and an east coast stock nationals. If Pro and stock don't work together to work something out, then both will suffer, but mostly pros. With OSY and K-Pro running on friday (july 31st) this would most sertanly be the finals possibly for 20ssH, CSH, AXSH, ASH, etc in Michigan. To me this type of non-communication between catigories is one thing that hurts our sport!

[Kristi Ellison]

You can't just move the date. The sponsor sets the date and this is when they want it and work out their contracts with the City and vendors. Since they have done this the same way for 25 years unfortunately it's gonna be a bum year for some. I am sure the stock natioanls cannot be changed either for the same reasons.

[Tim Small]

Change PRO DATES

I dont think the PRO CATEGORY is going to change the dates OF The PRO NATIONALS to accomodate K-PRO and 0SY.

[Dancingbear1961]

Tim,
What kind of message is that? You don't care about K Pro and OSY? OSY is the largest class in Pro and K Pro is for the Kids!!!! How many entries do you think you'll get on Friday for OSY if nothing is done? More than a handful....like in 125R? The commisioners screwed up, not the drivers! It needs to be discussed and someone needs to try and fix one or both of the race schedules. IT"S THE NATIONALS! We have to drive almost 2500 miles & split up our family vacation to accomodate both kids! (Ashley will probably run at Depue and give up the 6 entries at Grass Lake) It's more than just those two classes, JW runs 1100R & CRR, Billy Allen runs OSY, 125, 175 & 250. Dominic Defebo runs 125R. Three of the 2008 National Champions will have to make a choice on where they want to run. (Dominic, John Peeters and Ashley Rucker!) Who is the referee for the pro nationals this year? Ian? Or will he be at Grass Lake? On a lighter note, beer sales will probably be down also!

[Racerkyle20]

Tim,
What kind of message is that? You don't care about K Pro and OSY? OSY is the largest class in Pro and K Pro is for the Kids!!!! How many entries do you think you'll get on Friday for OSY if nothing is done? More than a handful....like in 125R? The commisioners screwed up, not the drivers! It needs to be discussed and someone needs to try and fix one or both of the race schedules. IT"S THE NATIONALS! We have to drive almost 2500 miles & split up our family vacation to accomodate both kids! (Ashley will probably run at Depue and give up the 6 entries at Grass Lake) It's more than just those two classes, JW runs 1100R & CRR, Billy Allen runs OSY, 125, 175 & 250. Dominic Defebo runs 125R. Three of the 2008 National Champions will have to make a choice on where they want to run. (Dominic, John Peeters and Ashley Rucker!) Who is the referee for the pro nationals this year? Ian? Or will he be at Grass Lake? On a lighter note, beer sales will probably be down also!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[racnbns]

Confusion-----

Tim,
What kind of message is that? You don't care about K Pro and OSY? OSY is the largest class in Pro and K Pro is for the Kids!!!! How many entries do you think you'll get on Friday for OSY if nothing is done? More than a handful....like in 125R? The commisioners screwed up, not the drivers! It needs to be discussed and someone needs to try and fix one or both of the race schedules. IT"S THE NATIONALS! We have to drive almost 2500 miles & split up our family vacation to accomodate both kids! (Ashley will probably run at Depue and give up the 6 entries at Grass Lake) It's more than just those two classes, JW runs 1100R & CRR, Billy Allen runs OSY, 125, 175 & 250. Dominic Defebo runs 125R. Three of the 2008 National Champions will have to make a choice on where they want to run. (Dominic, John Peeters and Ashley Rucker!) Who is the referee for the pro nationals this year? Ian? Or will he be at Grass Lake? On a lighter note, beer sales will probably be down also!

K Pro is a dandy class! The kids drive their hearts out and don't give an inch. At one time the class was going to be moved to the J group. Steve Greaves and his commision fought this and kept it in the pro cat where it belongs.

I really don't understand why OSY is in the Pro catagory? It burns gas and the majority of the drivers are C stock so why is it a class in ALKY OTBD-PRO?

Blame it all on the COMMISIONERS. We're just a bunch of volunteer's trying to do what our group tells us is right for the sport so we can get cut up on HYDRO WHINER.

By the way I need help raising the $1000-$1500 I'll spend going to Raleigh to attend those exciting meetings.

Thanks and have a happy new year,
Bruce

[RuthieRae]

K Pro is a dandy class! The kids drive their hearts out and don't give an inch. At one time the class was going to be moved to the J group. Steve Greaves and his commision fought this and kept it in the pro cat where it belongs.

I really don't understand why OSY is in the Pro catagory? It burns gas and the majority of the drivers are C stock so why is it a class in ALKY OTBD-PRO?

Blame it all on the COMMISIONERS. We're just a bunch of volunteer's trying to do what our group tells us is right for the sport so we can get cut up on HYDRO WHINER.

By the way I need help raising the $1000-$1500 I'll spend going to Raleigh to attend those exciting meetings.

Thanks and have a happy new year,
Bruce

Actually it wasn't just Steve and the Pro Commission who fought for the kids, it was us parents and one time (JPRO) KPro drivers who fought for this class as well. Some of us were around to be a part of what Doc Collins created, and it is near and dear to our hearts which is why Jeff is frusted as well as myself (Ashley's Mom). It isn't just about racing...it is about something we all had a part of. But then again, as noted earlier, there are quite a few in the series/pro category who could give a **** about the KPro's and OSY's. I have always understood the Pro dates and I understand the mis- communication, it is unfortunate. Yes, you will probably see Ashley there, but I have to chose between watching one kid race in Michigan, and one race in Illinois, and that really does suck so you can see why there is frustration. It is hard for us West Coaster's who race all stock/mod/and most pro classes every weekend we race....together.

Wonder what Grandma is going to do? Score the Pro's as usual or go to Grass Lake??? LOL I hope we can make it all work....somehow.

[Kristi Ellison]

There are not "quite a few" in the USTS who do not care about the kids. the kids are our future and the spectators love them and being the Mom of 3 KPRO kids I know that is far from the truth. Tim just had a "Biden moment" it happens. Our schedule is set the way it is because of who runs what and it was not easy to try and not have people boat hopping and engine switching to keep things moving. If there is something resonable and equitable we can do to help the few I will certainly entertain that but we have over 20,000 people that come out to see this race and I will not compromise the sponsor by making major schedule changes that effect the bottom line...the show.

For the future we need to ensure this does not happen again.

[ian]

I hate kids, just ask mine.....

[Brian10s]

I hate kids, just ask mine.....

You hate everybody - not just kids.

[dwilderacer]

"I believe that the children are our future, Unless we do something about them KNOW!"- Homer J. Simpson

[Dancingbear1961]

[QUOTE=racnbns;122275]K Pro is a dandy class! The kids drive their hearts out and don't give an inch. At one time the class was going to be moved to the J group. Steve Greaves and his commision fought this and kept it in the pro cat where it belongs.

Yes it is, and Yes they do!

I really don't understand why OSY is in the Pro catagory? It burns gas and the majority of the drivers are C stock so why is it a class in ALKY OTBD-PRO?

Why is OSY in the Pro category? Because the category is Professional Racing Outboards! I don't believe I see anywhere in that title that says Alky. Hmmm let's see 70 plus registered in the country....largest class in Pro & the world! Nope I can't see why they should be there either. Next largest class...K Pro with 28.

Blame it all on the COMMISIONERS. We're just a bunch of volunteer's trying to do what our group tells us is right for the sport so we can get cut up on HYDRO WHINER.

I have a legitimate complaint, the above statement is a whine! Yes you are a bunch of volunteers, and I really appreciate the pretty much thankless job that the commissioners do. I also appreciate the volunteer scorers, kicker boat drivers, referees, registrars, timers, race directors, announcers, local & regional club officers/directors and everyone that helps set up and tear down the race site. When a mistake has been made, wouldn't you want to try and fix it? Kristi admitted there was a wrong assumption and I applaud her for that, and I do appologize for pointing a finger at the commissioners, however, it would be a little less frustrating if someone would at least try and correct this wrong doing regardless of who's fault is was. Hopefully this will be discussed at one of the "exciting meetings" you have to attend.

By the way I need help raising the $1000-$1500 I'll spend going to Raleigh to attend those exciting meetings.

Gasoline to Grass Lake or Depue from the West Coast.....$$$$