Over the past few days we've lost three really fine people in Offshore racing accidents in Key West. While we mourn their loss, I can't help but believe these tragedies might have been preventable. Racing always involves a risk, yet over the years, groups like UIM and APBA with the insight of Bob Wartinger, Ron Jones Sr, Jeff Neff, George Linder, Dave Vilwock, Mike Hanson, Scott Raney, Rich Luhrs... and others, we've developed safety standards in at least the Unlimited Hydroplane category that have been tested thru well over 100 accidents over 150 MPH. My crash in July was a direct T bone at over 100 MPH and both Dave Vilwock and I walked away. J.W Meyers hit the wall at Detroit at over 100 MPH and receievd a broken foot, and is back racing with us. These designs work. They are snug, with a top hatch and a bottom hatch. there is little room for extremity acceleration in a crash, we have HANS devices to protect our necks, full time air, multiple point harnesses, etc. The canopies used in Offshore racing face different loads and in my opinion, after 40 years of racing, aren't sufficient to meet the current speeds. They are too large, too much flat surface, and not enough structural support. We can do better, there are people in place that can make it better. As we mourn Bob, Jeff and Joey, let their deaths put a new emphasis on consolidating the safety expertise that is available and doing everything humanly possible to prevent future tragedies. Saying "it's just racing" or they "died doing what they loved" just doesn't cut it. I was with Joey Gratton and his kids in San Diego just 7 weeks ago, they didn't come any more professional, any more loving, any more of being the best at what he did. God, please take care of Joey and hold his family in your palm.

I would agree. I expect structure changes moving forward from race boat manufactures from big thunders incident as well as most recent victims. We can do better for protection

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joey.

Please, someone who is in a position of power within the racing sanctioning bodies, listen to the above advice from Steve and stop the unneeded loss of great racers in our sport.

From the OSS Board Chairman...

It is with a heavy heart that I come to you today about the news that we have lost another friend and family member. Joey Gratton. Steve is still in the hospital recovering from injuries.

Our condolences and sympathy goes out to Pricilla ,Blake & Brock and to the whole Page Racing Team. We wish Steve a speedy recovery and a healing heart to all of us that lost a loved family member.

Mike Mares
OSS

Steve David nailed it. Going back to UIM and APBA days when we had specific rules to live by. As a matter of fact when I was advocating for new safety rules after the Gentry accident, I pointed out the success that the unlimited`s had and the various features they incorporated, again on deaf ears. The ( SPORT) needs reorganization and realignment with some responsible governing bodies that are affiliated with the unlimited racing organizations, and the European racing orgs as well. This requires money devotion and an iron fist to establish and implement the rules. In perspective what is the cost of a life. Now is the time, the technology is in place, and can be readily adapted to the ( SPORT ) of offshore racing.

Something needs to be learned from this terrible loss, Steve is right on with this. I spent many years in Dragboat racing and even their capsules have to be certified every few years or after any event that could cause damage to them. My hopes is that offshore looks long and hard at this and with the great people in place something good comes out of something awful

I could not agree more with Steve David on the improvements to safety in all offshore racing boats. I must stop here an say though this is not the thread or place and time to get this topic going! Let the family and friends have there space and time to begin the slow process of healing and moving on.

Please
I would like to see Steve David and 7xchamp start a new thread on the OSO and take this subject to a new place, time and obvious importance in the sport.

Best Regards
Ray @ Raylar

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-switches.html

No Comment !!!!!!!!! I`m done

What a sad week for the sport we all love.My thoughts are with all of there family and friends. Tom