To Whom It May Concern
 

My name is Gary Nichols and I am the founder of the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association. I DO NOT participate in chat groups on the internet but, my secretary has asked me to respond to some rumors that are floating around about our first offshore race which is being held on August 21st thru the 24th in Orange Beach, Alabama.
First of all I wish to make it clear that I have no political
involvement with the APBA Offshore, APBA or Superboats. I am friends with Michael Allweiss and John Carbonell and have several friends that own raceboats that run in both circuits. The decision we made after meeting with both groups and listening to their presentations was based on several things: Money and costs, and contract concerns that Michael shared with us about the litigation between the parent APBA and APBA Offshore, among other things.
All we are trying to do is put on a special event for our state and community and to promote offshore racing. The local response has been fantastic and thousands of people from all over the country have already booked rooms and will have the opportunity to see our beautiful beaches and enjoy our hospitality with four fun- filled days of events.
As far as the rumor that Michael, Reggie, and John met Tuesday night- that is true and I was involved in making that happen. But to set the record straight- Michael called me on tuesday morning and we discussed future races and the possiblity of bringing the two organizations together for the betterment of offshore racing. I knew that John and Reggie were in Tampa doing the tape over of the Sarasota SBI race and I suggested they swallow their pride and have a meeting which I feel certainly will someday better this sport.
As far as me begging Micahel for boats- that is not true, we already have 36 boats committed to our race and if we only have 36 we will still have a great sucess for our first year. We have raised close to $200,000.00 in 2 months plus another $40,000.00 given by the state to promote the race thru television, radio and major newspapers all over the Southeast. We have over 100 boats entered in our local poker run- Thunder Run, put on by the Mystics of Pleasure, even though the biggest poker run in America in Destin, Fl. is the week end before our race.
So, if you want to come visit you are more than welcome- we would love to have you. You will have a blast. Don't hate us because we chose SBI. We have a good relationship with the APBA and many of their teams.
See ya at the races!

Gary Nichols

I'm all for it. I just love watching powerboats race, and it's a heck of a lot more interesting when there are lots of boats in the same class. A good veiwing area makes a heck of a difference too. We were at Marathon for the Apba, and the boats were running just a few dozen yards from where we were sitting.

What is the veiwing area like there in Bama?

Getting in touch with Gary
 

You can call me at 251- 747-5084 and I WILL get your message to Gary

Veiwing area
 

Right now the Coast Guard wants it 500 yards from the beach but next week we hope to meet and bring it in closer. Keep in mind this is new to Alabama and they are unsure what to expect.
robin

Gary Nichols is a class act guy. He has put a lot of work into this race for no personal gain. Nelems Marine will be at the Poker Run with at least 2 boats and all of our crew will be at the races as spectators. I am not a politician either, just love Poker Runs and Racing. I can absolutely assure anyone that wants to come down to LA(Lower Alabama:)) that you will be blown away by the friendliness and hospitality. Any OSO members that come you will find Karen and I at the Live Bait Restaurant and Bar and drinks are on me. I have been told Gary intends to sponsor and promote races here for several years and that has to be good. I have no connection with this other than I want to see our beloved sport grow. So come on down,it will be fun.RobertNelems

One of my buddies is making noises about going up there for the poker run. If he does, we may tag along. I told him he should race, I know he wants to.:)

Re: Getting in touch with Gary
 

you can email Gary at [email protected]

You guys that didn't get paid keep in mind I am writing the checks and they will be given at the awards!

gary wish we could be there . i hope you get all the racers, no matter who they race with to come to your race that would be great , have a great race jest wish we could be there . robbie

Thanks
 

Thanks!

I'm bringing this ttt again because the thread title maybe leaves a little to be desired as to what this is is all about and many may miss it. Gary's ideas might get offshore racing back to where it needs to be.He is friends with Reggie,Allwiess, and Carbonell. Semi retired with money and a love of our sport.Don't know of anyone else who could get them all to sit down and talk.As I said before I am not involved other than being a lover of the sport. Gary is not even a customer of mine but Gary might be the guy who can get things on track.Come to the Alabama poker run and race if you can,it will be a fun weekend. If you are commited to Sarasota that is understandable,I just have a gut feeling that better things may be ahead so I want to keep this thread going and keep comments coming.

i want to know who picked up dinner? I would of if I could of got them to sit down!!! Hope some good comes out of it,the sport needs it!!!!!!! good luck in bama, i'm booked,but would drag the gtx down in a heartbeat if i could. i'd be divorced and mothersless. good luck!!!!!!!!

What "offshore" needs is more people who care less about politics and more about promoting offshore racing, poker runs, and the activities that surround "offshore". I serve on the Board of Directors for the Suncoast Offshore Racing Association which, along with others, promotes, organizes, and holds the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix, which just completed it's 19th year. I am also heavily involved with the new Sarasota Offshore Showdown, which will happen on August 23rd and 24th. "Politics" prevented S.O.R.A. from taking an "official" active role in the Sarasota Offshore Offshore Showdown, which in my mind is ludicrous, due to the fact that S.O.R.A. is, and was founded as a race club that is supposed to promote offshore racing, irregardless of who sanctions it, or who the races may benefit. Unfortunately, some of the "old guard" don't see it that way. Again, "politics". I am going to help out any/all offshore races that I can, and I really don't care who doesn't like it. Too many people need to outgrow their egos.

Well said guys. I remember back in the 80's before the split the only two bodies for offshore were APBA & UIM.
Racers from all over the world came here to battle it out in Key West. That was great to see all of the boats start back then.

Well,If i have too large a drink bill Gary Nichols will bail me out cause he is one of the owners of Live Bait Restaurant. I expect a large party for the future of the sport,everyone come to Orange Beach,Al.

Thanks Mike A for your honesty. What a shame that thinks went sour. If I didn't trust Gary for what he is trying to do we would be in Sarasota. I cannot understand why JC doesn't want to at least talk about things, but I am on the outside and am not privy to both sides. On the surface it seems you and Reggie want to move forward and JC is not interested, am I miising something here?

Mike, thanks for letting us hear it from a source that was involved. It's great to see you and Reggie working toward mending the fences and doing what is best for this great sport. As for JC, what is his agenda? If he loses Reggie's support, SBI will be deader than a flat cat. What is the cause of JC's bitterness? Good luck with Sarasota, we will be there, and we are really looking forward to St Pete. The Gandy course will be fantastic for the fans.

mike a . im not one of you supporters, but you have jest showed that you are willing to talk . i hope you and reggie can make a minds , on your differencs your race in at reggies was great the show. it was out of this world we look forward to seeing you agin at fountain . robbie rogers

Thanks again Mike for being forthright, as always. It's refreshing to see these two(and their respective entities) coming together to at least entertain the possibility of a new beginning. The future is looking brighter.

Can't wait for Sarasota!! :cool:

Mike A.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend you on your efforts. Although I have not been a racing member of APBA/APBA Offshore for a few years I have kept a quasi close eye on things. First, you have a business to run and make a profit, and no one can take away your determination to make it work. That is the job you are charged with doing and I respect your grit and tenacity. As time has passed many comments, accusations, and criticisms have been thrown at you, around you, and simply "on the table". Some based in fact, some based on conjecture, some based on absolutely nothing. None of us, if not, very few of us, have "ALL THE FACTS" so all we can base our position and thinking on is what we observe or choose to believe of what others say. This is obviously very dangerous but nonetheless reality. Your recent attempts to "come together" with Bubba and Reggie for the good of the sport as a whole is admirable. I am sorry that the end result was not as you, (or all of us for that matter) would have hoped. I hope that the lines of communication are left open, and that maybe sometime down the line both parties can align forces and take offshore racing to the next level.

Best wishes for much continued success and safe racing.

Shane Mahieu

Meeting of the minds
 

Hey guys remember - those are two sides to EVERY story. You are only hearing one side! Morethan what has been explained went on at that table!

Re: Meeting of the minds
 

Okaaaayyyyyy....then elaborate.

Anything to accomplish what "All the King's horses, and all the King's men" haven't been able to do is great in my book. ( What the heck did the horses have to do with it anyway?) I applaud any effort to create one sanctioning body for not only Offshore, but all boat racing in total. This reduces overhead, creates economies of scale and critical mass, while providing credibility and less turmoil on potential sponsor's tables.

That having been said, the true test is are these guys up to the task? John's behaviour, Steve's buying dinner, etc mean very little after years of finger pointing, disappointment, bankruptcies, and accusations of financial and political malfeasance.

If both sides are going to get anywhere, the "My way or the Highway" attitude has to stop. I'm sadly doubtful that either the timing or the participants are in place to actually make this happen........ But, I have been mistaken before ( Just ask Steve David!)...........

Good luck to Mssr's Fountain, Allweiss, and Carbonell. Here's your collective chance to prove me wrong.

T2x

One more thing... I applaud both Mr. Nichols, and Mr. "Float" 's efforts in this regard. But why does Gary call himself "Powerboat Princess"???

:p

T2x

Okay, I am confused. Not hard to do, but confused none the less.:confused: :crazy: How come on the main main page under "Thread Starter" it says "robin". But the thread begins with a post by powerboat princess?:rolleyes: :eek:

name change??

Robin is the secretary of Gary's Gulfcoast Powerboat Association and just changed her screen name. I am not involved other than for my love of the sport but I believe Gary Nichols is the only guy that can get everyone together. Wish I could be in Sarasota and Orange Beach but since I can't be 2 places at once We will be at Orange Beach. My original offer stands, drinks on me for OSO members at Live Bait Bar

Hey Magic:

Good luck my friend........ I hope the race is a tremendous success.

The "Wing" has been gutted....... Pictures will follow in a few days........

T2x

It seems to me in the end the Racers have the real power. What if apba or sbi staged a race and nobody came? If somebody would step up to lead the charge maybe things could change. I know this was tried before, but to many egos were in the way.
Of course I am most likely wrong but it could be possible given the right leadership

MM:

The problem with your approach, as I see it, is:

True leadership means providing a vision that moves toward a goal, not away.

T2x

sorry for the confusion
 

I am the powerboat princess- not Gary. I just work for him and hes asked me to type the letter for him.

SOOOOOO Robin,
It sounds like one side was accommodating and ready to deal and one side was "Grumpy Old Men". I'm not really pleased with either side. But I'm curious to know if that is accurate.

Steve Quick

T2X I have not had a revelation or any great vision. I just keep hearing the same thing over and over. I don't even know if that is what the RACERS want. But if they did, what would happen if they could get together and pick say 5 apba and 5 sbi races in one season to race? I do feel the people with the money can influence what happens, if that is what they would want to do.
This is just my opinion I certainly could be wrong:drool:

I think it might be a case of of one side offered something extremely ridicalous and the other side did not see fit to respond. No one was grumpy.

:confused:

IN my eyes at least Mike took the time to read
O.S.O. and and post on it. He has also responded
to posts in the past. How come we never hear from
John? I can not belive he does not read O.S.O.,when
it has such a big forum. Every story has two sides
but it seems one one side is willing to talk. Just my
opinion.

Now you are advancing a vision....... That is basically what SCORE attempted two years ago...and OPA is supporting now. THe problem with "the people with the money" is that each one wants something different and can't agree on prop selection, much less race rules.

Unfortunately, until real leadership is demonstrated, the current sponsor dominated, finger pointing, over hyped, multi class mess will continue unabated....

T2x

T2X I do remember the1980s with the 4 engine monster boats and the revolt led by Al Copeland Don Johnson and friends and each wanted what benefited them the most. I think that what helped lead to this mess,

Some people just don't use the internet to communicate. I know he is aware of the talk here but he is traveling and may not have access at the moment

Bingo! .......... And that opened the door for any racer who get's beaten in his class , or who doesn't like the promoter's face, to take his ball and go someplace else. The result is multiple sanctioning bodies and enough classes so that everybody gets a trophy. Today, a "National/World Championship" is about as meaningless as last week's losing lottery ticket.

T2x