State of the Sport?
 

I started to respond to another post regarding overall boat count...but felt that it didn't really focus on the issues.

1988....... OPT broke away from APBA

Since then has come........ in no particular order NPBA, USPBA, USORA, OPA, SBI, SBR, OSS.

In 1988 there were over 450 offshore boats of one kind or another campaigning in National and Regional events in the U.S.

Today there are about 80........total

My conclusion is that the biggest problem the sport has....started in 1988....and continues.....

The problem is division......

As long as there is more than one sanctioning body.....the friction and factions will tear this fragile activity apart.

Since the APBA joined SBI......leaving OSS apart... the fleets have divided about evenly.......

Bad news.

Each side is about as strong.....(or weak)....as the other meaning that no one group has any significant leverage to "win"...and (mercifully) end the "contest"...for racer's hearts, minds and wallets.

So..

The beat goes on with each side declaring "victory".... and supremacy....... over an ever dwindling fleet of boats.

Because.....

As long as there is conflict....and there is...... many people will turn off and turn away.

As long as there is conflict..... and there is..... sponsors will hear about it....and find other ways to spend their promotional dollars.

As long as there is conflict....and there is....race sites will have half a fleet of boats at their events...half a dwindling fleet.

As long as there is conflict...and there is..... each organization will have only half of the budget available for promotion, TV, Safety, and technological development.

I've listened to both sides...... I have friends on both sides.... beating their chests.... and trumpeting their organizations

all I can say is:

Can the bravado....and get back to a unification agenda.

Time is running out.

For my part... I can prime this pump with some questions............. for instance:

1. How many current (expenses paid) race "officials" are willing to step down (or step out)...for "The good of the sport"? (Those are the ones worth keeping)

2. What is it that keeps APBA Detroit insisting on signing "Long Term Contracts" for the Offshore "rights"?

3. How many classes is too many? OR...is one boat running alone....really a race?

4. Where does a racer get started?

5. When is TV an effective merchandising vehicle....and when is it "Wayne's World"?

6. How many current racers ever went to an event with over 200 boats (other than a Poker Run)?

I hope this stirs some thought......

I, frankly, don't care if it makes you angry at me......

Finally , I wish y'all........ Good racing.

T2x

Re: State of the Sport?
 

:drink:

Rich your input is always appreciated

thanks

Re: State of the Sport?
 

Rich,

Glad you stepped in on this with your knowledge and questions. You have been around longer then most on the board and if they can not realize that then OH WELL!!! Thank You for asking the questions people have been wanting to ask especially the one boat racing against yourself and no one else in a class.

THANK YOU

Re: State of the Sport?
 

Couldn't agree more, Rich.

It's a crying shame.

If this continues, there won't be any "real" races in a couple of years.

Where's Ike Batista when we need him? :( :( :( :(

Re: State of the Sport?
 

A house divided against itself cannot stand. True in the 1860's, true today.

Re: State of the Sport?
 

The fact is that all of the reasons that the OSS boys departed for are now cured...... it would appear that they were successful in their original goals but are now drunk on their own being... what a shame. They are truly standing in the path of the whole thing coming together. If it were a "for profit" organization I could somewhat understand the unwillingness to fold into the Sbi/APBA but they are not.

Re: State of the Sport?
 

Fort Lauderdale: SBI + APBA - OSS = 42
(+ OSS = 75?)
Here we go again, back to the late 90's!!!

Re: State of the Sport?
 

Well it's about time T2x!

Where ya been? GSB perhaps? :drink:

Re: State of the Sport?
 

t2x you are right as allways . now bring every body back togather as one . i rember opt usora apba . :drink:

Re: State of the Sport?
 

So, How do we make OSS go away ??????????


Mike