Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

This is strictly for information only , not trying to offend anybody. Would you rather see single engine and twin engine - non canopied boats race or exotic canopied boats race? I say bring back The Factory Class racing series.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Factory racing all the way!
of course i don't mind watching the big V's and cats run, with spec motors of course :rolleyes: :D:

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

I can like most others on this board to boats that we personally run ourselves. Factory 1 and 2 are what got me to go to the races.

However on the other hand I just like close racing no matter the boat size canopy or not and the last few races I have been to looked more like boats on parade than any racing going on. I personally believe that there are too many classes running and there in no way a spectator can tell what is going on out on the course...and with out the fans this sport will continue on the way it has been going.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Joker:

This is all well and good......

until........

Someone get's killed...and then fans, racers, builders (remember Formula?), and sponsors (TV)....run for the hills.

Please consider consequences..... not images of past glory.

Next you'll want Nascar to race convertibles.

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

So nobody get's killed in NASCAR? Indy? Don't they race convertibles? It's a poll and that's it!

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

LMAO :D

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

I would like to see factory 1 & 2 boats race in a manner in which they where originally designed for, let the "exotics" race the tight courses and the factory classes run a longer course that takes them out into the ocean a little bit, it's not past glory hell cars still race at Indy and Daytona, T2X the footage of warpath from the welsh grand prix is so exciting to watch you can hear it in your voice, watching powerboat racing today(on TV) is just boring ,

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

That Apache was on a 30 mile long straightaway...... in big seas.... In those days the turns were bigger than some of today's straightaways.

Open cockpit boats with lotsa turns is a recipe for disaster.... including those poor souls who have been killed in Jersey Speed skiffs.

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

From a fans point of view Factory 1 and 2 were great. That's what attracted me to racing. They were boats I could relate to.

From A Racers point of view, I feel MUCH safer in a Canopy boat! We were very lucky no one got killed in F-1 with all the ejections that happen. I think the Propco guys got thrown out more than I can remember.

B.J.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Actually, Indy cars have roll cages....and safety cockpits, that would get you killed if you barrel rolled at 80 mph on the water...... And you know that.

This is an emotional issue....that runs headlong into the facts, but I will give you this...maybe the development class can be an open cockpit, sub 80 mph class...like factory 1.

Factory 2...costs as much as SCL( "Factory 3" Same engines--maintenance, crew cost, truck, trailer, fuel etc, )....and is very dangerous.... so why waste the time and effort?

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

It is of my opinion that the day of Factory style boats have passed, unless you are running a P-class boat. Yet that appears to be a ivitation to disaster when you have boats that are small runnig the same time as boats capable of twice he speed, IE 24 skater against a 38 cig. Look at the boat count of the factory classes, no one is buying them or racing them, The Ross's just recieved thier new canopied MTI to race SCL, they still have thier F-2 Donzi but seen that no one else is racing the class, being from Canada it was not good business to drive to Florida 8 times a year to race no one.

In St Pete 2001, A F-1 boat spun tossed the crew, a guy almost lost a arm.
As A boat Builder I think you should put a canopy on the Joker and see where that takes you or at least offer it and see if you have any intrest.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

More.......

1. One death...cancels tens of thousands of good impressions and efforts...... It is never "worth it".

2. Skip the "exotic" hocum......those late model F-1 and F-2 potato chips have more "exotic" materials in them than the space shuttle.

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Sign of the times.

If I wanted to watch a roundy-round race I would go to Brick Stadium. :D

They say they brought the races inshore for the fans but I thought the old format was better. Plus the footage they have nowadays is boring. The new format doesn't lend itself to TV very well, the old format was much better to watch on the couch in my den! :drink:

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Let's say engine was a 425hp spec engine and a checkered flag got you $25,000.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

As one looking into racing next season, I have put a lot of thought into what classes to run vs. safety vs. cost. Factory sounded good but didnt seem like the racing was as close as it should be (even with the same specs some of the boats were just faster then others) which left "P" classes as an entry level point. And I agree that there should be some seperation on the race course with boats doing 75ish and others going 125+ but how would you do that and not have 2 courses? Also wasn't the point of shorting the course and being it in closer to the beach to attract spectators? A long offshore race might be more fun for the racers but it sucks to watch from a beach or pier?

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

2 Classes - F1 / F2 ...no Big Boats Allowed.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

That's what I heard but when the races were offshore they would still run down the beach, just many miles further. The fans would gather on the beach for 15-20 miles, now we're all packed into a 2 mile area and can't see the back half of the course well anyway.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

When Factory 1 was at its peak, a new boat w/ HP500 was what, $90,000?

A new SVL isnt much more. And you dont need to buy brand new to get into a competitve boat.

I loved to watch F-1 races, I just think the class is dead and will never make a comeback. Its been tried and unfortunately failed.

I also think there are reasons why it failed when it was brought back last year. But thats another story.

If there were a 25k check for a checkered flag, and an association willing to support the class, it may spark some interest. But who is putting up the money and who will sanctioning the event? With that kind of $ involved, you better be damn sure the rules are iron clad and enforced.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

What powerboat racing on TV? :(

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Theres the same problem in Desert racing... there solution was to make a short course section for the trucks to fly through then head back out on the open course for the racing part of it. Maybe theres a way to get the boats to do something similar- like a spectator section of the race then the open long section?

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

May not be possible but it would be cool to have a spectator area to watch the boats go by and a huge projection TV with live chopper footage playing throughout the race. :cool:

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Factory 1 WAS by far my favorite to watch. "Little" boats out there tearing it up with identical motors. Back 4-5 years ago when Activator and Typhoon battled it out all year was a GREAT season. I would get up early on Sunday just to watch the races all excited like a kid on Christmas Day. :D Now I don't even bother watching boat racing. Boring is an understatement. I know there is a lot to it behind the scenes, but the bottom line is the new format sucks.

I agree with Fevermike. I liked Factory 1 nad 2 because I could relate to it. I'd much rather watch some 28' boats running 65 mph in 4 footers than the 35' boats running 90 mph in flat water. No disrespect to the racers because they are still out there giving it their all. But, from a spectator's point of view "offshore" boat racing is dead.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Nah...That was just the announcing...... ;)

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Brian:

Do you really think that fans would go to a race site to see F-2 and F-1...without the big cats as the main draw?

The difference in fan (not racer) enthusiasm at the races I've been to....including last weekend... when the "big guns" come out is noticeable. No disrespect to the smaller guys....but 120+ cats with motors blazing.....are a lot more intriguing than watching 3 helmets bouncing off each other in a runabout at 60-80.

This is true in all boat racing where the fans watch the smaller classes (hydros, OPC, stock outboard, etc) as a warmup to the bigger, faster guys... (The "Main").

Add the safety aspect and this is a no brainer.

Brian...break down and put a canopy on the racing Jokers...at least you'll sleep nights....(been there, done that too).

T2x

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

I think most racers got their start racing factory classes. I wish they would bring those classes back. A few years back when Poker runs were getting bigger, some people gave up racing to do Poker runs. They would get their adreniline fix racing on the poker run. Now there are more restrictions at the Poker runs (remember, A poker run is not a race!!")

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

YEAH!!!! it's sad when speed Chanel has bobsledding and powerboat racing gets shuffled to OLN :rolleyes:

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

We'd sit bored all afternoon through ALL the hydros just to watch the skiffs race. By far the most exciting racing of my childhood years and I still sit in awe as those guys race the js boats.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Poor production quality. Racing would be more interesting to watch on TV if they picked a class and followed it from flag to flag. Jumping around from class to class just produces a boring highlights show that most people either can't follow or just don't bother to watch.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

why can somebody want to go back ? safety, many accidents will turn diferent is a canopy is not in place.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

:rolleyes:

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

you got it there, they need more cameras on the course, when the helo follows at the same speed it takes away form the speed the boat is going.with the courses in close more camera views will give a better show.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

This is true. The helicopters that are flying above the boats, make the boat seem like it going slow but when there is a camera on a dock or turn/buoy, the boat seems like its flying. How about several barges placed around the course with cameras on them to add to the helicopters filming?

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Very true!! The races these days have 5-10 minutes of actual race footage and 40 minutes of BS in the beginning and at the end.. :(

Show the race start to finish in all the classes, not this highlight BS.. Bill paid $10K that year to get some Media and TV exposure the only real footage we got was one or two announcements and you guys won a championship. Where's our John Force of boat racing?? If our company name was on the TV screen a little more we would have been much happier. It wasn't JK's fault, it's just how it was.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

If offshore racing was to really work as a spectator friendly (and bigtime TV deal) heres what you need:

2 classes Cat and V... Period.

Motors: cubic inch limit and spec intake... Period, Let some of these bigtime engine builders show what they can do. (Hendrick motorsports?)

Full time Paid Drivers, full time paid crews

16 races, 8 Freshwater 8 Saltwater per season (every other weekend from April to October)

A very very very large financial backer with a huge TV deal and the TV has to be live. Maybe Exxon Mobil should sponsor this. We use enough of their gas.

As professional as OSS is theres still to many classes. If you don't know the boats and classes it still becomes all mixed up. How many of you have to narrate to you're friends and explain why that boat is in front of that one but the one behind is in first in a different class. SBI puts on a good super V show, at least theres not too many other boats in the way.

How many years have we been trying to run 10 different classes together. I wonder why NASCAR doesn't run the Nextel cars and the Busch cars at the same time?

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

The acrobatics of small boats in big water is always fun to watch (but then again, I'm bias). :D
I think the most common problem with the sport as far as spectators go, is they don't really know who is racing who. They see all the boats lined up at the start, they take off for the first pin and thats about all the COMPETITION they see. The classes start spreading out on the course and larger boats are sometimes running with smaller boats, its hard to read the number panel to make the P-4 or P-3 class distinction. That is, if the spectator even knows there are several classes.
There should be some kind of easily recognizable color identifier. One color for each class, each boat should exhibit it roughly in the same place and can be seen from shore. Then at least the spectators can see competition regardless of boat type, conditions...etc...

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

From a spectators view, I alway loved the F1 and F2 boats, found them to be much more entertaining than watching the "Big Guns" , I loved the idea that I could buy the same motor and did as the one they were racing. Using the closed canopy is like building a stock car, yea at one time they were stock but not today???

Just my opinion

WILL

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

This is all good info, keep it coming! I DO THINK fans would rather watch spec racing , open cockpit boats! Yes it's dangerous but what form of racing isn't? Wouldn't a 25 grand 1st place check get the dust kicked off some really good boats that are now sitting? Slower speeds , rougher water , open cockpits and much better broadcasting would make it very appealing to many! Just my opinion and like I said it's just a poll!

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Again look at this, they had it right 22 years ago why not now?
this still gives me goose bumps to watch, imagine watching this in HI DEF


http://media.boatmad.com/gallery/v/m...che_2.wmv.html

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

In person MAYBE I would rather watch the big boats. On TV with good coverage I would much rather watch the open cockpit boats out in the bigger water. IMO Speedwake had good coverage. Much better than OLN.

Re: Fan Question? Factory 1 and 2 VS Exotic Canopied boats racing?
 

Speedvision was Awesome race coverage....OLN was a Fountain infomercial paid for by Reggie