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I dont think there were any Fatalities in KW last yr ????

My error.....2011 was the year not last year. But the litigation is still going on.......

In what way would you thing it would be an issue at all for the racers. It wasnt last yr why would it be any different in the future. Maybe u know something the rest of us dont ??

No....not involved in it but I do recall the lawyers were experienced in the field and the litigation had extended out to the sponsors...........spook the sponsors and the city sees that as a bad image thing and it will go away quickly.

If the races go away I suspect "it would be an issue for all the racers!"

It is not at all about KW pulling out. The Worlds are the 2nd or 3rd biggest draw the Island has all yr.

Vs. the millions of tourists that get off the cruise ships that stop regularly? I would bet if Jimmy Buffet had one concert a year in KW it would generate more people/spending than all the races/poker run combined!

Fantasy Fest would probably be the biggest draw KW has annually.

Wonder what the boat racers think ?

Actually its not I was suprised also. I guess the reason being ppl are always coming and going and a lot of day or two visitors. They dont book 10 day stays, and also the cities say the bars dont do nearly as much. They seem to bring their our and alot of private parties that the also supply bottles and not retail bar prices. The resturant r the biggest differance the Race/PR ppl spend way more at resturant thoughout the city hands down. Another huge differance is the amount of Scooters and golf carts the Racers/PR"s rent that week.

Ok, I have to say it...the city of Key West sees it as a bad image thing? Key West? We aren't talking Boca Raton here.

Everything in Key West is a bad imagine thing.

interceptor since you asked ,I can give you my take as a racer...Its pretty simple..its about MONEY..Key west has grown very expensive over the years to participate. Hotels ,bars and even the TDC really dont care to support SBI or the racers to get there. Over the past year I have spoken to many race site principal people who were questioning on how to help racers get to their venue, some provided tow money some have shown interest
in discount hotel rates etc..Key west does none..very sad. Clearwater obviously sees the benefit to hotels,bars and local economy and would like a piece of it.Our hotel has helped us for years with consistent pricing to help us get there...I dont think that goes on much with others...All for nothing it probably just doesnt matter To KEY WEST till its gone,and Im sure it will be just another sunny week in the city without the roar of boats in and out the harbor. Most other sites will be in Key West this year to view the event and try and do what they can to take it..Again all about Money...