Sbi/opa. Bad Bad Planning ?
 

I have seen some foolish things to do but this was the worst! As I heard through the Grape vine that SBI/OPA moved there May race right on top of a Major Poker Run in NJ. The Atlantic City Poker Run was always held on The 1st weekend in June. We anounced this at the Atlantic City Boat Show and on our annual poster. Are schedule was in place on the NJPPC web site in January. Then I saw the schedule on the NJ Offshore site as seen below!
Here is the problem that I see!
1) Our Paramedics are the same that volunteer there time for both obligations ( These guys are Great! and deserve to party after the Poker run like everyone else) The race the following day is not going to allow them to have a good time are run back with us in the boats!
2) Most of the volunteers for the race are the Members of the NJPPC that are going to be in the Poker Run Sat/Sun, Including myself!

This seems like someone is forcing boat lovers to make a choice!

As a volunteer of the OPA and a member of the NJPPC, I will honor the Poker Run and say good buy to the Point Pleasant Race as I know many of us will!
Unless someone uses there head and moves the Race, That was placed on top of a Poker Run that has been an Annual event for years. They stand to loose some Key Volunteers, Medic boats Pace boats and Patrol boats.
In my opinion the OPA/SBI should put there poltical views in the closet and do the write thing here! Races can't be operated with out the proper Volunteers!
We as a Club watch every one else including OPA/SBI to make sure we don't step on anyone elses toes. Thats just the right thing to do! We honor all the races and all the Local Poker Run clubs! Our Members are love doing as much boating as they can in a short summer that we have!
Here is the Schedule posted on the NJ OFFSHORENJ Offshore Power Boat Racing Association is the oldest Offshore Power Boat Racing Club in the United States. We have held a race in Point Pleasant, New Jersey for the past 33 years. You are invited to watch the race for free at Jenkinsons Pavillion or on your own boat. This event is surrounded by an entire week of festivities in the Point Pleasant area and you owe it to yourself to take the day off and enjoy this incredible motor sport first hand.


If you have always wanted to get a little closer to the action then feel free to give us a call and volunteer your time or services during race week. It's a rewarding experience that you will not soon forget.




The 2002 Racing season is in place. Mark your calendars for the these SBI/OPA NORTHEAST DIVISIONAL SERIES races.


June 1, 2 BRICK, NEW JERSEY
June 21, 22, 23 SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ
August 2, 3, 4 WASHINGTON, NC
August 14, 15, 16 POINT PLEASANT, NJ
September 6, 7, 8 NEW YORK, NY

Schedules
 

Well I guess it is now official??? That race will be running that same weekend??? :( Yes Frank, I am a bit dissappointed. I enjoy as many festivities as I can. All I can say is, I'll be enjoying a relaxing breakfast in AC on Sunday morning with many of our NJPPC members. If by chance I catch the race on the way back, GREAT! I will just have to play that one buy ear. I wish them LUCK. ;)

I am with you both. I was planning on volunteering at the race, but looks like that will not happen. Plan I me being at the poker run and enjoying breakfast in AC as well.

Please allow me to speak on behalf of OPA and NJ Offshore.

No one (sponsors, racers, volunteers etc) was pleased about the race date change but apperently a lot of things have happened over this past winter at SBI.

As you know the last few years we have run an SBI National race in May and then an SBI/OPA divisional race in mid summer. Origainlly the May race was to be a National race slated for May 19th and a divisional race in August. Then SBI picked up the Fort Myers race site which also had May 19th set as a race date. They also wanted to hold a national race, so OPA agreed to go with a divisional race in May and a National race in mid summer.

Once this was announced many racers voiced thier opinion that two SBI races should not be on the same dates because some of them wanted to run both races. See www.superboat.com. So once again the date was changed, this time to June 2nd. Even that date is on top of the race date for Ocean City.

We couldn't move it further back because the next race is on June 23rd so even from June 2nd there is only a three week break between races.

We are very aware that many NJPPC members will be busy with the A/C poker run that weekend. I am thankful that this is a Divisional races rather than a National so we should be able to get enough volunteer coverage.

Please rest assured that this was done because of internal SBI race date conflicts and not for any other reason. There are only a few weeks of summer and a lot of different events that need to take place. It is inevitable that some will be on top of each other.

I am suggesting to NJO and OPA that we move the race back an hour to a 1pm start in order to give the poker run club an opportunity to come to the race on thier way home if they want to. It could be a great end to a long weekend Poker Run. Hopefully that will allow NJPPC members to enjoy a long breakfast and a fast ocean run back to an Offshore Boat race. I'm not sure if this will help but I'll never turn down a volunteer that wants to help. In this case some concessions may be needed.
Let's just hope its not another day or 10 and 12 foot seas.

Ron, I am sorry I dont think there was a good plan here at all. You dont put a race on in the same state that there is a Poker Run happing with 90% of NJ and East Coast Boaters!
No one would have done this to Billy Frenz in NY for the his runs.
Why do this to the NJPPC?
There are key players involved here, Racers that are Members and Members that have been invloved with helping out for a long time just for the love it! I know of about 12 Members that will be forced to make a choice! AND THAT IS WRONG!
They could have moved the race back a week in May or foward a week in June. The 1st and 2nd should have not been picked out of the respect for another NJ club running an Event and its Members!

Ohh boy,
If I have to get outta bed early Sunday its not going to be good. I question the number of volunteers OPA thinks they are going to round up, at least on the water side. I do hope it works out for all but Ill, without doubt be in A/C. Hopefully the ocean will lay down a little this year and we can run that up, catch the race and aviod the SANDBARS!! :eek: Right Jimmy/Frank :cool:

Damn, this is quite a conundrum, and the first I've heard of it.

Good luck to both organizations. As promised, I will see what I can do about getting additional medical/safety helicopters to volunteer that day. I'm on it already.

Jennifer

Ron:

I need your new e-mail address. I deleted it.

Jennifer

Well..it's never dull here in Jersey Offhore Boat Land!..:rolleyes: :(

Let me first say that RonP and many of the members of NJOPRA and OPA have been very supportive of NJPPC in the past and present when it comes to our events. Alot of NJPPC Members are volunteers for both organizations and vice versa. There are also several NJPPC members and sponsors who race OPA as well.

The fact that the May Race has been moved to June 1st & 2nd has come as no suprise to me at all. The shame of it is, is that the fans loose as well as the great people from MONOC (paramedics) who volunteer their time to both organizations. They loose BIG! As a gesture of our appreciation for these great people and the time they dedicate to us, NJPPC has for the past several years shown our appreciation by picking up all food and lodging expenses for the medics in Atlantic City for the weekend. They also travel home with us on the boats the following day. Now, they will have to travel down with us and go back to Toms River the same day. Thats the real shame.

This whole problem stems from the leadership of both OPA and SBI. Their tactics this year have sunken to an all time LOW.

1. I have received numerous annonymous personal threats via email from their supporters.

2. They have also publicly said that "NJPPC is the Competition" since they are an APBA Club.

3. They have also tried at GREAT LENGTH to prevent NJPPC from hosting our August event "Roar at the Shore" at Windward Beach this summer. Again, touting that we are the competition.

At NJPPC:
We don't make threats
We don't make people choose
We don't try to "intervene" in other people's events
We welcome everyone into our club

No matter what shenanigans continue to occur we WILL NOT sink to their level - PERIOD.

We want to wish everyone well and we feel very sorry for those folks that have been put into this situation.

Bottom line - we did not create it.

Dave, thanks for the kind words and I think everyone agrees that NJO, OPA and NJPPC will all be at a loss because of this scheduling conflict.

If there was a way to avoid it, we would have done so. The problem is the week before is Memorial Day weekend and the week after is getting too close to the next race.

I really don't expect people to choose as Frank suggests. I expect all of your club members to enjoy the overnight A/C poker run.

Like I said earlier. Maybe if we move back the race an hour to accomidate your members, this can serve as a final destination on thier way home.

Have a safe run and we hope to see NJPPC members help out with our first Seaside Hieghts Ocean race in late June and our SBI national race in August.

Sorry for the conflict but it really couldn't be avoided. This conflict helps no one.

Hey, why don't we make the race part of our poker run hell it would be a great end of the day activity EVERYBODY WINS;)

Now that's the spirit. This can turn into a positive for all involved.

Could you guys make it back from A/C by 1pm?

Sorry ron posted new thread like i said eat at 8 cant' have a bloody so 65 mph make it back to be a sweep boat

Racing on Holiday Weekends
 

RonP's quote:" The
problem is the week before is Memorial Day weekend and the
week after is getting too close to the next race. " Don't take this the wrong way Ron, but I have to ask...What is the big deal racing on a Holiday Weekend? When I raced, I was racing on every Holiday weekend there was in the summer. Most towns used it as an attraction to bring more people to their towns. Looking at both APBA and SBI they both have races scheduled for 4th of July weekend. Now that is a Big Holiday. I know it may be too late but my wish would be to see if the organizations could try and get Memorial Day Weekend for the race. Just my 2 cents;)

Shark,

I would guess that the town does not want the race on a Holiday weekend..as a matter of fact they don't want us there on a summer weekend..thus the Wednesday races over the years...

mc

sorry..just wanted to get 600...;)

Oops! My mistake. I forgot we were talking about Pt Pleasant Beach! :rolleyes: They would rather not have the race there at all. Then they realized that Brick would do it if they didn't. They have no real choice do they? :eek:

Sharkey, your answering your own question. Foget about the town, the Coast Guard and Marine Police don't want to hear about any additional boat traffic on Memorial Day weekend.

Just maybe??? The traffic would lighten up on the river and the bays because everyone would be out in the ocean watching the race? Or better yet...be at Jenks!!!:D :D :D ;) I hope it all goes off well for both events. I personally, would rather watch from Jenks or become a sweep boat...

Dave`s buying drinks , See you in A.C.

p.s. Sorry can`t pass on a free drink

MIKE



p.s. , I need a ride :confused:

a 13' sweep boat!!!!

now that would be good for a larf!

I still am deaply troubled! I still feel that this is a force issue to see who is dedictaed to who! And not started by the NJPPC.

Pete Who loves the races and is as dedicated to Offshore racing and is also been a Pace boat from as many years as I can remember is also a Member of The NJPPC and loves Poker Runs!

Charlie, Who loves the races and is another dedicated Offshore volunteer as a Medic boat also a Member of the NJPPC and loves Poker Runs!

These are just 2 names and I could go on and on!
Ron is this fair to these guys that they are forced with a choice!
and Ron you know me! I dont care about SBI-APBA or any other racing association. I just love Boating any boating and I like many others like to help out!

Why Leave any Boater with a choice they Don't want to make. Be Smart and tell them to change the date! The NJPPC is already writen in stone.

PS. Yea running a poker run is a good Idea when the Poker Run is running in conjunction with the race not the opposite way to hurry home the next day to volunteer after a night of partying!

Chris yes we will definetly be partying that night! and I am hoping for semi calm water because I am taking her out in the Ocean!

Frank, you are trying to start something that is untrue. As I mentioned before, the schedule conflict was within the SBI race schedule. Like it or not, these are the facts. It sounds like you want it to be something more sinister but it just does not exist.

We don't want anyone to have to make a choice. Please go on the Poker Run and enjoy yourself. Just think how great it is for your poker run to end at a boat race! Don't many Poker runs try to schedule something like this? You make it sound like the Poker Runners would like to take a nice slow ride home on Sunday rather than rushing back for a boat race. Come on Frank, these guys live to rush around in their boats, so now you have a good reason to take a fast ride home. Isn't that the way they like it?

I think that this is all working out for the best and your just not seeing it, or don't want to. The only thing you'll miss is the party at Jenks the night before the race. I thought you stopped drinking anyhow??? The only one I really feel sorry for is Scott Blue and his medics that will need to come home early Sat night to do physicals in the morning.

Frank, actually you did some good by making your voice heard.
I just got back from the NJO board meeting and along with the State Police (Harry) we came up with some ways of specifically catering to the NJPPC club members that want to come and help with the race on the way home on Sunday.

We all agreed (primarily because of this thread (the power of OSO)) to delay the race from a 12 pm to a 1pm start. That is official! There are a few other ways that we will help NJPPC members to attend as well without needing to attend the volunteers meeting and even the Police will do inspections on your boats as you eat breakfast before the Poker Run on Sat. Now how is that for service! I'll address this subject fully in an email to the www.njoffshore.com mailing list tomorrow. It's late and it's too long to type right now.

I hope by our actions you see that we are sincere about our appreciation of all those NJPPC members who volunteer their time and boats in the name of safe offshore racing. Without volunteers there would be no race at all. We understand this and have done the best that we can under the conditions that were handed to us. As in all situations of life, it will prove to be impossible to make everyone happy. At least we tried. We hope you agree.

Ron

Mike,

Sorry you can be there?

As always we will need to wait and see who shows up. For a divisional race if we have 25 boats it will be a good turnout.

What happened to the King of Brick? Have you been dethroned?

HOW 'BOUT THEM YANKEES??!!!!

:rolleyes: :mad:

BODYSHOT,

This ain't da civil war! Shooooot, that war ended a long time ago. Dese are just some guys who's underwear is all tied up in a knot about some stupid boat race.:rolleyes: Now where are my wife's daisy dukes?:eek:

I hear ya' Shane..just disappointing to see all of this done in public, speaking as a member of both organizations...

ah well...

:( :rolleyes:

Okay, I am probably going to take some heat for this, but so be it, I dont mind the heat...I dont think SBI did this on purpose, SBI is a racing organization, and I am sure they try to respect all of the poker runs and other events, but as Ron P stated, there are only so many weeks of summer and so many events to fit in...The season is very limited...Ron P had a great suggestion to start the race a bit later to accomodate poker runners that might want to attend, I didnt see any other suggestions...Has anyone talked to the people involved I am sure SBI and OPA will try to be as accomodating as possible...I dont see a reason to start throwing stones here, I can understand why people are torn, but dont take it personally, I'm sure it wasnt intentional...Me, I will be at the races, only for the fact that I am not a huge fan of AC...whichever event everyone decides to attend, have fun and be safe... ;)

hey there boat girl!!!!


where have you been???? Hope all is well!



You better be at the OPA races!!!!

:D

To Everyone. I don't want to be the bad guy here. I am not one for dragging someone through the mud. I bought this foward Not to be labled the bad guys again! So here is my final say!

I acted on a couple of past problems that have happened that I will not bring up! Ron you know what they are, that is why I am uneasy of what was going on!

So with that said, Ron thank you! that is a nice gesture of moving the race 1 hour . Hopefully you will have a good turn out and if a few of the guys can make it up there in time that would be a good thing.

Now I know why i like offshore racing and Formula ! auto racing.
SAME STUPID POLITICS !!!!! :mad: :mad:

When is everyone going to stop all the finger pointing and crying?? as far as i can see , NEVER! Unfortunately, things cant always work out the way everyone would like them to.
NJPPC has to realize something. SBI is a major racing oganization, they are not. Sbi (as well as APBA) deals with many different pokerun clubs and other small boating organizations to help them out as races . I'm sure that schedules dont always coincide to everyones liking, and someone has to sacrifice. in the end its usally the little guy, but thats life.
SBI is the sanctioning body that makes this race happen, so we have to bend towards thier needs more than anyone, also towards the town where the race is being held. After all, they provide the access to the site.
To make a comparison, and this is with no disrespect to NJPPC,
SBI is like CART in INDY car racing, they run the show. CART is'nt going to change their race schedule because a group of local fans are going to see a dirt track race at Billy Bobs race track and cant make the race.

I realize that people are going to have to make a tough choice due to both events, but all involved will have to do whats best for them.

The opinions expressed above are those of the host and not of the station or advertisers!:p

Well the way I determined where I would be that weekend was the one that already had their schedule set and in place and I had already committed to. I will try to make the second event, but can't see how one would be able to volunteer showing up one half hour before the race...The schedules are set, so now let's just let it play out and hope both go well..... ;)

Vin Man,
I agree there are going to be conflicts on somebodies calander just because, and I dont think it was intentional to create a conflict BUUTTTTTT.
NJPPC's Poker Run will get twice if not three times the participants the race will and many of the volunteers that this SBI event needs are going on the Poker Run. SBI is a major orgnization that DEPENDS ON major volunteers. They are making it way difficult on themselves. Not Smart! Ron works hard every year to scrounge sweep boats together and just to make this race happen. (it always seems to be on the verge of not) Without *****en and cryin I dont think they are making it easier for themselve.
NJPPC has the organization (thanks to Dave and Staff) and the participation levels to make the Poker Run a great event, and its going to be. There are no worries there.
I dont see it as one against the other (maybe it is but I couldnt give a $^&%) I hope the SBI can come up with the volunteers they need and put on a good show. Ill be in A/C and if my heads not throbing too bad mabe Ill catch some of the race that afternoon.

I was an almost full-time volunteer for the OPA last year, and I am also a member of the NJPPC. I realize you meant no disrespect to the NJPPC, but that remark simply wasn't a fair analogy in my opinion.

Good luck and my best regards to all.

Jennifer

Sharkey, we are making special arrangements for NJPPC members so that they will have the sweep boat flags ahead of time and can show up 10 minutes before the start of the race.

We are doing everything possible to make this a smooth progression from the Poker Run to the Race.

The only thing that can screw this up is mother nature and 10 foot seas.

I'm sure this will come together nicely.

I know you will do everything you possibly can Ron , because you always put your heart into these races. I wish you nothing but the best with it!!!;)

Mike, don't you ever have anything good to say? Dude life is short, get one.

I realize that many people will take my anology of Of CARTand NJPPC the wrong way, and apologise if i hurt anyones feelings, but , I still stand by what I said. Hey, what it comes down to is racing! Pure and simple! Our sport needs all the help and promotion it can get. The ego trips of a few people are not helping matters any, it's just hurting the sport.
All the APBA ,SBI ,NJPPC bickering is a bunch of Bull****!! When is it ever going to end??? Get over it people!
Racers and race teams invest alot of time and money into what they do, the last thing they need is grief due to the egos of the people who run or help run the races.


Smitty , AMEN!! Well said!!