THEN WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? I'm just trying to understand the current position of racing, and your post was confusing.

I'm not, sorry if it came off that way. I'll edit.

I met with the Conch republic folks in August with the request to have OSS invited to attend the KW World. I offered everything possible, yet our proposal was turned down.

We all want to race together in Key West for a unified World Championship, but it appears only one thing is standing in the way.

Someone in the town of KW should have the four racing organization at a meeting to discuss how it can be made to be a bigger and better event for the benefit of EVERYONE.

None of the racing organizations are going away anytime soon, so why not find a way to work together and do some joint races? We also attempted to work together in Sarasota and we invited SBI to our race in Kenner LA last summer. I just never seems to work out so maybe I should stop trying.

I apologize.....I should not have used the word rivalry.

I am talking about the logistical problems. One problem that was mentioned was parking room........boats on trailers and the trucks and semi's that bring them for the racers take up a lot of space in our LIMITED area.
This area - has become SIGNIFICANTLY tighter due to military rules. (I will not get into that for obvious reasons)

One thing that does help with this is the fact that someone mentioned that the poker runners COME ON THEIR BOATS.
This helps a lot but not all the poker run people are in the boat and want transportation when they get here and want a place to park.

In years past, there was room for poker run boats and trucks, patrol boats and pace boats to also park in our pits.
That has changed very much, and it hurts me to have to tell my volunteers that we don't have enough room.

I apologize if I said it wrong.
I will go back and edit.
PD

How stupid are these guys??? If it wasnt for the poker runners, I personally think this race would be history, half the freaking crowd are people that came in with the poker run! for a sport the seems to be hanging by a theard you would think the two enities would want to work together!!

I see what you mean now. Yes, the "rivalry" word was what sounded so crazy since the different organizations have somewhat of a rivalry. I couldn't imagine the poker run group being merged into that because we ALL love to watch the races, no matter what organization it happens to be that weekend. :cool-smiley-011:

Thanks for clairifying. :ernaehrung004:

Ron I remember talking to you right after you had these discussions and remember your frustration. I would hope that maybe all the organizing bodies could unify and put the pressure on to bring in you-know-who

In my best Bartles and James voice:

We thank you for your support. :ernaehrung004:

I think we did our best to represent you and your org. professionally, on and off the race course.

I think I even gave you the bird as we passed by your table on sunset pier. :eek::evilb:

Quote from Pat D:

I have also received many emails and pm's and at first I was afraid to open them.
But it has been interesting, and educational. Racers who race with SBI and people I've never met have given me new insight into some of the people posting and commenting on the situation that started it all. Some are pretty funny and most won't even get into it because the song is so old.
Different opinions and complaints are expected and can be dealt with.

Pat,
I'm coming in late to this party, so forgive me if this request is out of line. Could you remove the names from some of the PM's and E-mail's you have received and post them? I would love to hear some insider commentary on this issue. You know fair, balanced and not pandering.
SQ

You know what?
When I went out my back door this morning and saw all the pleasure and fishing boats in my canal and on the gulf on my way into Marathon, I looked at them in a new light.
Little do they know, they are the lucky ones. No pressure of racing or disagreeing with a head fisherman.
I decided then that when this thread got to 5000, I would jump out.

The emails and PM's were all POSITIVE.......in one way or another and not pandering at all, but on a more friendly level than when people know the world is reading their stuff. I heard from people on this thread that I did not know at all but hope to meet in the future.
I really enjoyed them, and I will save them.:D

My goal was to state facts and not argue.
SBI is not only John Carbonell. Our staff has been together for years and we do 10 to 12 races a season, sometimes 2 a month, we travel a lot together and we are a family. From medical to cranes to inspectors to registration to patrol boat volunteers that show up faithfully every year at our sites. Our group is very strong.

I will say my favorite pm's ..........Marc Granet from Geico, Hot Duck and Johnny Stanch/Cintron. Thanks guys.

The views are now over 5000
Later Steve............PD