Sean, What Merc. racing products do you run? Are you aware that Merc. Racing is not the same as Mercury? Unless you run a 500 EFI,525 EFI or a supercat motor they wouldn't have parts for your motor anyway. And for the drive you would have to have a XR,XZ,sports master or a #6. They are a business that needs to make money to survive. I cant imagine what it costs to have a truck with 3-5 employees there for a weekend. I would bet they thought they were doing you all a big favor by just saying they would show up but then telling them they had to pay to be there! As a business man would you say this is profitable and we should do more of this or cut your losses and pull out early. How much product do you think they would have sold to 8 boats to possible justify paying to be there? And also of the 8 boats how many had the equipment listed above? Just something to think about.
MD

Typhoon,

I appreciate your comments. So to clarify, I've been around boating for over 20 years and know the difference between Mercury and Mercury Racing...I'm just now getting to know the racing side of the house.

I run a Bravo 1 XR drive...motor is Innovation. I do have aspirations to move into a class where I'll most likely run all Mercury Racing products. Also, I know at least 7 of the 8 boats in Panama City run Mercury Racing products (engine and/or drive).

I guess I'm considering those intangible costs...and no, I don't expect them to show up at races where they'd be losing money. However, I take exception to Panama City. I look at it this way...Mercury Racing's new facility is in Panama City now, is it not? So they couldn't park their truck in the pits over the weekend to show their support of the first offshore race in the area in 13 years? I think it's probably about a 7 mile round trip for them. I find it hard to believe that Mercury Racing is struggling financially that they couldn't "take one for the team" on this one. Granted, to save money, they didn't need a full crew due to the boat count. I won't comment any more on what they had to pay to stay, since I don't have first hand knowledge of that transaction.

Nonetheless, it would've been nice for me to get to know some of those guys in a less hectic environment than at a national race. But external to my personal desires, I also felt them leaving was an insult to the city they now reside in. It would be like Fountain Powerboats not showing up to support the Washington, NC race.

I do appreciate the discussion since it helps me learn more about the in's and out's of offshore racing and the support provided. Unfortuntately, Mercury Racing just hasn't given me a good impression right now...hopefully it will change in time.

Sean

Sean, those all all good points. Welcome back to Offshore racing. Its always good to see people return to a sport after being out for a while. Good luck this season!
MD

UHHH, Mr. Maddog....I think TGOR said hes been around boating for 20 years and just now, getting to know the racing side.

he does make some very good points though.

Bruce,

You're correct...long time boater (and user of Mercury engines/drives)...new to racing as of August last year.

Sean

Good deal...hope to say hello in Sarsota

regards

All I can say is Mercury Racing's support is unreal. We don't need to overstock our truck with parts and they are always there to lend a helping hand. In Pickwick they spent most the day helping update and reconfigure our smartcraft system (which is awesome by the way) Plus we left the race with $2,500 of their money!!! They are a class act! Thanks Mercury!

Ken Bowen
Adrenaline Racing/Spiderman

The boat is registered and backed just the same as our Adrenaline Donzi. The only difference is the Donzi had Imcos and the Skater has Merc 6 drives which qualifies us for the contingency purse.

Mercury was great to us in the Donzi as well.

There is no hidden message. Not sure what you mean??? Neither the Donzi nor the Skater are Mercury Backed boats. Maybe you can explain to me what you are referring to. We run the same stickers that everyone else runs per the contingency purse rules that have been posted. Simply giving thanks to Mercury for their support to all the racers at the events weve have attended.