JO - PANTERABOATS

Hey Members,

As of 1/21/03 I became a board member with O.P.B.R.A. the oldest offshore race club in the United States. I will be working with them to put on some great " OFFSHORE " races in the very near future and could use all of your support and input.

I have had an idea for sometime now and brought it up at last weeks meeting to have an " OFFSHORE " boat race in February 2004 during the week of the largest boat show in the world ( Miami ) where boat manufactures and suppliers would be able to showcase their products in front of you all and the worldwide media.

My idea of an " OFFSHORE " race is to run out in the gulfstream atleast 15 miles offshore and the February date would most likely bring in some big seas. Is it not what Offshore racing was meant to be ??

I would like input from all of you positive or negative comments and ideas to make this happen.I think this race could be real big if not one of the biggest since we have all the major players in the boat industry from not only the U.S. but all around the world in attendance at the largest boat show in the world. All the media and major publications are here covering the show also.

On top of that we would guarantee the baddest party in South Beach the night before the race and after the race. O.P.B.R.A. is willing to put full effort to make this event happen and would need all your support and help from the Offshoreonly Family.

What do you all think of my idea ???

Regards,

JO - Pantera Boats

AugiePensa

Hey Joe..I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. I feel the race would be fantastic and I will try to get The Jersey Boyz Offshore Racing Crews involved. I don't think Kurt from Bandit Racing can get my engines done in time but I'm sure we can work something out. Congrats on your election to the board of O.P.B.R.A. Regards Augie.

JO - PANTERABOATS

Hey Troutly,

We are thinking more like a triangular coarse where we would run a mile or two along the beach and then head due East in search of bigger water out in the gulfstream.

South Beach runs between 3 rd and 20 th st. so this would be the spectator viewing area in each lap we would concentrate on.Instead of running 6-8 mile laps up and down the beach you would run maybe 1 or 2 miles along the beach and the rest head more "offshore" to seperate the men from the boys.

This could all be worked out with time.

Regards,

JO

Pantera24

Sounds like an awesome idea.

And during the Miami Boat Show!! This will be like Mardi Gras for boaters!! OH YEA!!

Any help you need getting this together COUNT ME IN!

Angel

JO - PANTERABOATS

Hello Augie,

It would need to be put for next year 2004 since there is not enough time this year.To cordinate this race correctly it will take sometime.I would like for it to be first class all the way.

We could bring all the Jersey Boys down here to race in the Winter and the Florida boys go to Jersey in the Summer.

Thanks for the pictures.

I will see you this year hopefully at a few races.


Regards,

JO



Hi Angel,

Thanks for offering your time and effort.We will need all the help we can get.

JO

Indy

Love the idea, but the spectator considerations will need some work. How about a screen(s) with coverage from the 'copters so we could see the "real" action going on. The appeal is good and there is built in drama with racers trying to negotiate the rough stuff. That would draw much coverage for the event.

JO - PANTERABOATS

Hey Indy,

Thanks for the input.This is the kind of Info. I am looking for.

I attended the Miami Gran Prix Indy car races a few months ago and they had a live feed on big screens so spectators could see the action around the entire road coarse. It was done by Speed Vision TV.

Maybe we can arrange also a big boat located here in Bayside Market Place to take spectators and enjoy the races OFFSHORE with drinks and food served.These boats approximately take a couple hundred passengers at a time.

I would like to see many Manufactures involved and Co - Sponsor this event including myself.

How about a factory class shootout ???


Thanks Again,

JO

NASTY HABIT

I think it could be quite an event...also alot of opportunity for some interesting sponsorships both for the racers and the event considering the boat show happening at the same time...live feeds would be a must for specs on the beach and maybe somewhere at the show...

Tim G.

Jo,
Sorry to have to haul a-- from your shop yesterday..just didn't have time to chat. Many thanks for your assistance.

Anyway- I'll be happy to assist in any way with the race.
Let me know when the next "meeting" is, and I'll join you.

I have quite a bit of experience organizing motorcycle races up north. www.ber.us I'm sure I can be of assistance.

FYI, I have a contact at SunCruz Casinos that may be interested in providing you with a big boat for spectators....

You may scare some competitors off by sending them out into real big boy water. The races lately have been pretty smooooth.

The spectators will love it.

It's never too early to start looking for sponsors..

AugiePensa

Joe, whatever we can do just call! Regards Augie