Well It is time for a change-Poker Runs and Racing
09-12-2013 | 08:33 PM
#331
Fast Singles Club
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,039
Likes: 490
From: Raystown Lake , Pa.
Reckless and negligent operation of a watercraft can carry a fine plus expulsion from all state waterways for a period of (4) years . I don't know the laws in Kentuck but if they are anything like this and I were the OP I would NEVER take that chance again . The very nature of what we do can lead to brain farts in judgement , if we can walk away from it intact and without causing injury or worse to others then we MUST LEARN TO NOT REPEAT THAT MISTAKE .
09-12-2013 | 08:48 PM
#333
Registered
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: madrid, ia
About 12 years ago I was heavy into street racing. I loved it thought it was great. We raced on isolated roads and did stupid sh*t. Now one night I made a mistake and ended up flipping my car four times at 130+. Looking back I realize that I was beyond dumb. I had zero safety gear on but ended up unhurt. Now I am outspoken for racing smart. I love speed, and I love racing. Hell I love seeing boats run 100+... however its about being adult enough to make sure we do it safe and smart. No one should be getting killed on a regular basis. Yes people will get pissed off about rules and speed limits. But think about it would you park 10 ft from a top fuel dragster? Those have barriers and fences to try to protect the spectators. On a lake we have nothing to protect us other than ourselves. Its sadly time to figure out a way to keep people from dying.
09-12-2013 | 08:54 PM
#334
Gold Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,917
Likes: 9
Just to add my condolences. I've read a lot about people that I have never met on this board. Obviously, the two guys that died in this run were extremely well-liked. Families are devastated, including children that have no father. I know tomorrow is a very dark and sad day for some of them. It's sadder than hell that kids have no father, and a wife has no husband. But it's TREMENDOUS that they can be so proud of who they lost. The respect for them is immense. Obviously this is earned. I'd like to throw in my congratulations to those I never knew for being such great people. It's a tribute to how they lived, and I hope those they left behind are proud.
It's rare you see such an outpouring of love and friendship for anyone, so the families should indeed be very proud. I've had my own losses in life, but nothing as bad as losing people so young. I offer my condolences, and I hope you take solace in how many people are so proud of the way they lived their lives. It is inspirational to others.
It's rare you see such an outpouring of love and friendship for anyone, so the families should indeed be very proud. I've had my own losses in life, but nothing as bad as losing people so young. I offer my condolences, and I hope you take solace in how many people are so proud of the way they lived their lives. It is inspirational to others.
09-12-2013 | 08:58 PM
#335
Registered
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 1
From: Lk. st. Clair MI
About 12 years ago I was heavy into street racing. I loved it thought it was great. We raced on isolated roads and did stupid sh*t. Now one night I made a mistake and ended up flipping my car four times at 130+. Looking back I realize that I was beyond dumb. I had zero safety gear on but ended up unhurt. Now I am outspoken for racing smart. I love speed, and I love racing. Hell I love seeing boats run 100+... however its about being adult enough to make sure we do it safe and smart. No one should be getting killed on a regular basis. Yes people will get pissed off about rules and speed limits. But think about it would you park 10 ft from a top fuel dragster? Those have barriers and fences to try to protect the spectators. On a lake we have nothing to protect us other than ourselves. Its sadly time to figure out a way to keep people from dying.
09-12-2013 | 09:05 PM
#336
Member #154
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 1,066
From: SW CT & Long Island Sound
The fact that some are on here defending blow-bye's by the big cats past a boat that is anchored, a boat with no steerage or ability to avoid trouble, boats that are tethered by line...is astounding to me. The stationary boat, the boat at ANCHOR is interfering with a big cat running at 100+...puhleeze. Not to mention that many of the anchored boats have swimmers in the water. This is crazy.
"Hey Smails...you scratched my anchor!!"
"Hey Smails...you scratched my anchor!!"
09-12-2013 | 09:10 PM
#337
Diamond Member #001
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,808
Likes: 5
From: Coastal North Carolina
You all know where I stand on this and have stood for decades.
I agree with Marc's assessment of the problem.........
Racing is shrinking and some Poker Runs are out of control.
His solutions are probably not realistic because:
1. Poker Runs are bad events to go fast (over 70)under any circumstances. You have a wide variation of boats, speeds, closing rates, and driver experience.......a very risky soup at best.
2. There are really no acceptable safety and rescue crews at these events
3. There is no DRUG or alcohol TESTING that I know of at these events, nor are physicals administered. Many of the participants are not in the best shape.
4. In truth they should be well coordinated parades on the order of motorcycle Poker runs, where you can show off at the marina...but not while underway.
6. Races are for racing, but our sanctioning groups are too numerous, diverse, selfish and ego driven to advance themselves.
7. There are too many racing classes (with more invented all the time) for the sport to gain any meaningful audience or fan base.
8. " Charlie Checkbook" controls both formats, Poker Runs and racing. Either sponsors, big boat owners, or the "savior", AMF, sets the rules on the latest whim of a very few, generally shortsighted individuals with small minds and big cash flows...... and, of course, their legions of (financially rewarded....or fed) "fans and followers".
It's kind of like this year's election, you don't really have a decent choice.
My take on this is to sit back and wait until the whole current mess collapses of its own weight and ignorance. At that point assemble a single oversight group from the truly qualified leaders (Steve David, Dave Patnaude, George Linder,....etc)...... and create a single sanctioning body for performance boating from the ashes that remain.
At present the "noise" level remains too high, the chest thumping still rules the day, the often drunken egos lead the band, and the cheerleading continues for an ultimately losing dynamic.
T2x
I agree with Marc's assessment of the problem.........
Racing is shrinking and some Poker Runs are out of control.
His solutions are probably not realistic because:
1. Poker Runs are bad events to go fast (over 70)under any circumstances. You have a wide variation of boats, speeds, closing rates, and driver experience.......a very risky soup at best.
2. There are really no acceptable safety and rescue crews at these events
3. There is no DRUG or alcohol TESTING that I know of at these events, nor are physicals administered. Many of the participants are not in the best shape.
4. In truth they should be well coordinated parades on the order of motorcycle Poker runs, where you can show off at the marina...but not while underway.
6. Races are for racing, but our sanctioning groups are too numerous, diverse, selfish and ego driven to advance themselves.
7. There are too many racing classes (with more invented all the time) for the sport to gain any meaningful audience or fan base.
8. " Charlie Checkbook" controls both formats, Poker Runs and racing. Either sponsors, big boat owners, or the "savior", AMF, sets the rules on the latest whim of a very few, generally shortsighted individuals with small minds and big cash flows...... and, of course, their legions of (financially rewarded....or fed) "fans and followers".
It's kind of like this year's election, you don't really have a decent choice.
My take on this is to sit back and wait until the whole current mess collapses of its own weight and ignorance. At that point assemble a single oversight group from the truly qualified leaders (Steve David, Dave Patnaude, George Linder,....etc)...... and create a single sanctioning body for performance boating from the ashes that remain.
At present the "noise" level remains too high, the chest thumping still rules the day, the often drunken egos lead the band, and the cheerleading continues for an ultimately losing dynamic.
T2x
Here is what I added in one of the other threads. It got plenty of "likes", and I was asked to re-post it here:
There is a successful model for the implementation of safer high-performance boating: the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club. From the start, and particularly after 2001, the club's leadership made a commitment to safety, recognizing that the congested nature of Barnegat Bay and other club waters made for a tricky situation. They assembled a good set of common-sense rules AND ENFORCED THEM (shouting intentional). Despite the difficultly and aggravation it created in the early days, a number of participants were thrown out of events or the club for violations. The remaining members enjoyed the club events even more and most of those who were thrown out returned, agreeing that they had been in the wrong. The club also actively reached out to other organizations that had to share the waters with them and/or had complained about performance boaters (many of who were not even club members), and now enjoys a strong and positive relationship with the community.
Every event starts with a mandatory Captain's Meeting, where the rules and plans for the day are comprehensively reviewed, and problem/congested areas are given special treatment. A particular concern is the plethora of boats often anchored smack in the center in several of the highly-restricted navigation channels. The local authorities have confirmed that these boaters are acting illegally, but admit that they are overwhelmed and cannot clear the path. Club members have adapted by running significantly reduced speeds in these areas, and doing the best that they can to allow as much room as possible between boats.
Now, the club is one of the most active in the US, with events ranging from charity rides to one of the "Top Ten" Poker Runs in the country. Have they banned unlimited running? No - they have simply restricted it to designated open waters, and implemented pace boats elsewhere. This does not eliminate the danger of an accident (one subject), but it has significantly reduced participant/spectator near-misses (the other subject).
This kind of success story is because the club members have come to regard safety as an attitude, not a hindrance. Develop the proper culture, and proper behavior will follow. Choose to ignore the rules, and you'll have to go play elsewhere.
__________________
Retired! Boating full-time now.
Retired! Boating full-time now.
09-12-2013 | 09:14 PM
#338
Registered
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 11,901
Likes: 1,138
The fact that some are on here defending blow-bye's by the big cats past a boat that is anchored, a boat with no steerage or ability to avoid trouble, boats that are tethered by line...is astounding to me. The stationary boat, the boat at ANCHOR is interfering with a big cat running at 100+...puhleeze. Not to mention that many of the anchored boats have swimmers in the water. This is crazy.
"Hey Smails...you scratched my anchor!!"
"Hey Smails...you scratched my anchor!!"
09-12-2013 | 09:16 PM
#339
Registered
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Here's some food for thought from a former state prosecutor: if the driver of the red boat had killed anyone doing that pathetically arrogant, stupid move, he would likely be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for manslaughter. My guess is that the citizens of that county would find him guilty too, and he would be sentenced to a long prison term.
If people want to go 150+mph and risk their own lives they have that freedom. They do not have the freedom to risk the lives of others. That includes spectators or passengers. That is really the point, right? It's basic respect of others.
If people want to go 150+mph and risk their own lives they have that freedom. They do not have the freedom to risk the lives of others. That includes spectators or passengers. That is really the point, right? It's basic respect of others.
09-12-2013 | 09:26 PM
#340
Registered
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 1
From: Lk. st. Clair MI
[QUOTE=C_Spray;3994954]I was making a sincere effort to wade through this entire thread when I came across T2x's contribution. He hits it on the head.
That man is ahead of the times. An inspiration. Thank you for posting that.
That man is ahead of the times. An inspiration. Thank you for posting that.
