Originally Posted by waterboy1

Many who were part of the sport during the good old days have criticized the type of "offshore" racing that is taking place today.OPA,OSS and SBI race primarily on short courses with multiple laps close to shore or even inshore these days.Its a different type of racing for sure,but it is still fun and exciting.I think it is great that Charlie,Billy and others are bringing back the long course open ocean racing to the United States.This type of racing is very appealing as well as it brings back a diiferent set of challenges for the racers.The point is, there is a need for both types of racing.You can draw a direct comparison to off road racing.Over the years, stadium style racing on short man made tracks has become very popular.At the same time, the long distance events like the Baja 1000 continue to very popular as well.Many of the race teams participate in both types of racing.I am hoping the same happens in offshore powerboat racing.It does look like a few OPA teams will be competing in the Bill Wishnik race.It would be great to see the organizers of the events work together to avoid conflicting dates and maybe even do some combined events.

Originally Posted by t2x

unfortunately, these things (inter organizational cooperative efforts) frequently degenerate into pecker length contests regarding "my rules versus your rules", "points" and qualifying for this or that "world championship". Charlie and billy have attempted for the past 2 years to schedule away from other events, and on both occasions another organization "re scheduled" right on top of them. Having been around for too many years, i understand how each group has their own "turf" and each official, promoter, and media "professional" is fiercely protective of his or her own personal interests (unity, strength and cooperation = fewer total "officials") so there is definitely something threatening about a new (or re-newed) model.

The other trap in all this is the need to "compromise" in an effort to increase turnout, which, in truth, is why there are an ever increasing amount of classes with fewer boats each year on smaller and calmer courses. In truth the event should draw entrants on its own merits and not as a result of rule changes, course modifications, and an "unlimited" mentality. If history has taught us anything it is clear that when you allow the huge budgets in and/or open the door to casual "day trippers", the true racer sportsman quickly leaves to find a more affordable (and logical) path to true competition.

In the early years offshore racing really was about man and machine with no holds barred. Since no one had ever gone fast in the ocean before, this resulted in a large, reasonably level playing field of guys trying new ideas in a punishing, rough water environment. Today you have boats that will kill you in a heartbeat at ballistic speeds, and/or are of such a size that the water conditions are much less stressful and demanding to the occupants. At the same time these behemoths are so expensive that the majority of owners do not want to risk damaging them in the very "offshore" conditions that they are alleged to be designed for. It's a parallel to the development of ferrari and porsche which once were the exclusive race cars of true champion caliber racers and now are lightly used driveway ornaments for out of shape dentists and stock brokers nationwide.

I wish billy and charlie all the best with this and hope that the original goal doesn't get lost in the already over crowded landscape. In any event darren and i will be there cheering the effort on.

T2x

Originally Posted by elvisali

Is anyone planning on running the Wishnick race?

Originally Posted by scarab63

Ya...what this guy says.....lol ^

Already spoke with Mr frentz.
We are out due to blown motor.
Very disappointing yr.

MD