The results of these discussions was a contract proposal sent to the APBA by the SBI’s representative that required us to surrender television rights, tell our series sponsor that they were not welcome at the event, race under SBI technical rules, safety services and race course design. This proposal was deemed by the APBA to be not in the best interests of our racing membership, sponsors, or the citizens of Key West.

It should be noted that many of the local officials and leaders of commerce have been telling us since our canncelled 2003 race, that the City really wanted the APBA back in 2004.

At that time it was also announced that the APBA had secured the transfer of the Coast Guard Permit application previously made by Lee Mills for the dates of November 17, 19, 20 and 21, 2004, which were applied for on January 3, 2004. Mr. Mills was present at the meeting and acknowledged publicly that he had signed over to the APBA, all rights and actions that he had taken towards producing the race in Key West for 2004.

The SBI group’s 2004 race calendar at the time on their website showed them racing in Key West the week before and specifically on November 10, 13 and 14, 2004. Jim Poplin, our President, through his working with the local Coast Guard Commander noted that as recently as February 25th there still was no permit application officially made by the SBI or it’s promoter for permits matching the posted event dates.