OSS

Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS) expresses their sincerest apologies to those competitors who believe their race position was possibly impaired by problems associated with the supplied fuel provider.

There were several reports of potential fuel issues. Joe Sgro and Brett Furshman, #30 Miccosukee Indian Gaming, were in first place in the OSS Vee Class when they ran out of fuel after completing only 8 of 12 laps. Randy Kent and Reggie Fountain III, #05 Speed Racer, were in first place in the OSS Cat Lite Class when they ran out of fuel after completing 2 out of 12 laps. Kevin Cooper and Brian Devlin, #17 Laveycraft, OSS Vee Lite Class, experienced problems throughout the race because of a possible low fuel level in their tank. Herb Stotler and Rich Wyatt, #21 Cintron, destroyed one engine and severely damaged the other in their OSS Cat Extreme boat. One of the suspected causes was a problem that possibly stemmed from fuel.

Rest assured, OSS is not taking this matter lightly and assures all race teams affected by this most unfortunate fueling controversy that OSS will conduct a full and thorough investigation which is already underway. However, until such time as OSS has had the opportunity to conduct an investigation of the matter, OSS shall not make any prejudgments as to the cause(s) of the fueling issues, nor shall it assess any blame until all the facts have been properly investigated. In the event that our investigation determines that there is clear and sufficient evidence that the official OSS fuel provider was the cause of the problems experienced, OSS shall use its best efforts to obtain the appropriate retribution for the teams affected. Although, no monetary consideration will make any of you truly whole or take away any speculation or give you back potential wins and recognitions so duly deserved, but the organization hopes you understand that we are doing the best it can in light of an impossible situation.

Again, it is most unfortunate that these possible fuel problems, no matter what the ultimate cause, impaired the finish positions of these fine competitors, but OSS cannot re-run the races or award finish positions based on positions held at the time the boats ran out of fuel or experienced engine problems. This is the first known instance where fuel has been named as a potential problem at an OSS race site.

Fuel companies compete annually for a contract to provide fuel at each OSS race site in the form of some type of sponsorship to OSS. The sponsorship ranges from money used in the operation of the organization to prize money or contingency prizes for the right to be the sole dispenser of fuel at an OSS race site. OSS requires that the fuel cost to the racer is competitive with local fuel prices and does not receive a "kickback" from fuel sales.

While the purchase of fuel from the on site fuel truck is mandated by the OSS rules, the fuel vendor at each race site is an independent contractor and solely responsible for fuel quality and properly dispensed quantities. OSS assumes no liability for any fuel related problems.


At this time, OSS is working to get all of the information with the affected teams and turn it over to the fuel distributor, Paul Oil. Paul Oil has expressed concern over the situation and a desire to clear up any questions relating to this matter. OSS is also making arrangements with those teams affected to have their fuel independently tested as well. Both OSS and Paul Oil wish to resolve this matter in a fair and equitable manner and to the satisfaction of all involved.

In the future, it is strongly recommended that all competitors take an approved 5 gallon metal or plastic container and have it filled by the fuel truck to verify that the proper amount of fuel is dispensed by the provider. Also, don't assume anything. Use a "fuel stick" and check the fuel levels in your tanks or check the fuel gauges if your boat is equipped with fuel gauges. Ultimately, it is each competitor's responsibility to insure that his/her boat is properly fueled and ready for competition before the start of every race.

In conclusion, we ask that you be patient while we finalize our investigation. Further, we would also request that all communications relating to this matter go through the proper channels and that our members refrain from disseminating potentially false and misleading information no matter how reliable the source may be. Although, I am sure your fellow racers appreciate your loyalty and support, please understand that it is unfair to all parties involved if you make a hasty determination without all the facts. We owe Shell Racing Fuel and our race teams a fair and impartial inquiry into the matter.

Any OSS team wishing to report a problem with the quality or service of fuel provided at Las Vegas, needs to contact Misty Velásquez at the OSS headquarters. The phone number is (228) 594-1965.

Thank you for your assistance and understanding.

screamin eagle

Just for information to all, the Eagles' had no problem with fuel; either quantity or quality. Can't speak for anyone else however.

Allen

SHARKEY-IMAGES

Pure professionalism !!!

Thank you for posting OSS.

I am sure your investigation will bring out exactly what happened.

Almost seems like it may have been a loss in the calibration of the pump. Weights & Measures would find that in a heart beat.

If possible, you may find out who fueled when and be able to determine just about when it possibly started acting up.

Chances are, Eagle may have fueled prior to those that ran out of fuel.

This is just a thought and I am only expressing that it may have been a mechanical failure on the delivery system from the truck which maybe no one could have possibly been aware of.

I will delete this if you feel it is necessary...

Thanks again for the update!