Factory racing
 

according to another poll factory racing, is seen as a favorite, so i am curious why has the numbers of boats have fallen so much??

Re: Factory racing
 

All of the above, but it seems to be coming back at least F1

Re: Factory racing
 

The factory classes were/are awesome.

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/photos/F2-62-53168.jpg

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/photos/Utz53026.jpg

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/photos/Wallace53131.jpg

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/phot...ction61112.jpg

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/photos/MCS61043.jpg

http://www.freezeframevideo.net/photos/Propco61159.jpg

Re: Factory racing
 

My vote for F1 is to many motor options. Most F1 guys were struggling to afford to race an F1 boat. I also believe that F2 died its death do to people that could afford to buy a F2 boat could also afford to to buy a canopy SV. F2 has run its course but F1 has a good shot of coming back. You can all thank Frank for all his hard work if it grows. Keep up the work Frank.
MD

Re: Factory racing
 

Too many engine options. With the HP500 several boats including Warlock were competitive. As soon as the 525 was introduced to the class, Kryptonite (Typhoon) and Activator began to dominate. Possibly because of the costs, it seems that was when a lot of teams dropped out.

Scott and Randy,
I don't see any reason for optimism. During the winter there were about 8 teams that were being counted on to race F1. These included Activator, Formula, two Velocities, Venom, and several others. Randy, I believe there was some interest in both of your boats. To date I think 4 boats have turned out.

It is a mystery to me that the F1 boats were required to go to the 496 while the F2 boats ( one boat?) stayed with the HP500. The object was too slow both of these classes down to make them safer. Unfortunately both these classes are dead or dying. That of course is just my opinion.

Re: Factory racing
 

thats my point if it is the best racing then why hasnt it surged??? there is only one sactioning body that has F-1 and F-2, so you cant say that's at fault! SBI/APBA/WPR/UIM has the classes so where are the boats???

Re: Factory racing
 

you might have more boats out there if they just left them as HP500s. theres quite a few boats just sitting on the trailers for sale. only one big problem, you cant get new motors. 525s are just too expensive to upgrade to.

additionally, because of the merger, this is a transition year. many teams are sitting out to see how things develope. if it goes well, you'll see more boats next year

Re: Factory racing
 

Ding...ding...ding we have a winner!

Re: Factory racing
 

Bruce, do you think it will be in both F-1 and F-2 ??

Re: Factory racing
 

Bruce, based on your words of wisdom :eek:

I have just cancelled the 5 races I had planned to attend this year. :evilb:

I told all the hotel reservation specialists to contact you for the rationale of my cancelleing.. :drink:

I hear Bruce is pushing these : :D

Bruce hope to meet you at Sarasota.. I'll have the red Ferarri hat on...

Re: Factory racing
 

hard to speculate on F-2. I'de like to think so but......

I do believe F-1 has a chance to make a strong comeback.
I dont think it will be the F-1 that we knew back in the day.

Meaning, I dont think factories will be so quick to support F-1 race boats or offering any kind of incentives to teams. I do think some of the older F-1s will get sold and repowered, and hopefully come back out to race. If and when the class makes a comeback, you may see some manufacturers looking to get back involved. But, they are gonna want some TV exposure and I dont see them getting the kind of exposure they got in 2001 2002 2003

just my opinion.

Re: Factory racing
 

Sorry...I disagree

Laveycraft has always been a contender. Im not so sure bout the Venom. Theres nothing special or progressive bout its design. Plus its too big for the class. Thats alot of boat to push with a 496.

Right now, the 27 Activator is the boat to beat. and there are a couple of boats out there that can put up the fight.

ie: Typhoon (Kryptonite), Screamin Eagle (Warlock), Propco (Warlock), Raising Cane (Phantom) Twisted Chix (Phantom), Flashwave (Warlock) Velocity VR-1 and possibly the new Extreme.

I dont see anything special being done with these boats that will give them the edge. In F-1, its all about having balls. Who's gonna run wide open through the ruff stuff? At the end of the day, that will be the winner.

Re: Factory racing
 

Additionally, I dont expect to see anyone running to spend 80 or 90k on a F-1 boat, when there are so many competitve used boats on the market for half the price.

Re: Factory racing
 

I was one of those very people that gave F-1 serious thought for this season.
I would still like to get out there and give those guys a run for their money. I had my choice of boats available to me . but between my busy work schedule forcing me to miss the first couple races and the pending success of the class, I elected to wait it out. Plus, I dont think I would have been able to get the 496 in and ready by the time I decided to run.

So...if I dont get my Supercat next year, maybe I'll try F-1 :D

Re: Factory racing
 

So what are they sitting and waiting for? What are they looking to see happen? A stable race series? check. A stable rule book? Check. A voice within the sanctioning body? Check. What am I missing?

The merger has been done. Unification for factory class is complete. Everyone's prayers were answered, so where are the boats?

The F2 teams took a vote and decided to stay with what they had, 500s. F1 decided on the 496 for slower speeds and lower cost of entry.

I'd like to see F1 grow again as the spec class on a budget. I agree, anyone with the $ for F2 should go directly to the safer Super Vee class.

I hate to say it but what's missing is the dream of a bigger picture..or a brighter future. Just my observation.

Re: Factory racing
 

Give it time Ron....

I think 2 or 3 more boats might show before the end of the season. And Next year ..maybe 2 or 3 more. Then you'll have 10. We may be onto something here :eek:

Re: Factory racing
 

I hope you're right. Spec class racing is way different than P-class and F1 was/is the only inexpensive way to get started. It should be a big part of the SBI fleet.

Re: Factory racing
 

The only problem I can see is there are still motor options. Is the 496 a proven RACE motor? That is still a big question in my mind. Will mother Merc. step up and help see this class grow with contingency money. I wouldnt count on the Factory's. There are very few factory's that make competitive boats and even less that are willing to take a chance on there reputation if the boat is not winning. Most of the manufacturers are small time and build great boats but cant dream of supporting a race team to represent there product to its potential. If they just sell the boat to Joe racer and the racer doesn't preform well then its a reflection on his product. What would be really cool is if one of the bigger Manufactures would make a F1 boat at a killer deal and everyone had the same motor and drive combo. :D
MD

Re: Factory racing
 

Well said MD!!!

Re: Factory racing
 

I started racing in 2000 was just thinking of the teams that
were racing. how many can you remember?

Factory 1
F1-91 TEAM WARLOCK - F1-13 ALE HOUSE RACING
F1-20 FOUNTAIN DIRECT.COM - F1-38 TWISTED CHYX
F1-54 TEAM PROGRESSION - F1-23 MORAL HAZARD
F1-76 TWO CRUEL - F1-17 RAISING CAIN
F1-1 FREEDOM OFFSHORE - F1-14 FULL TILT RACING
F1-49 ERASER - F1-35 TEAM BAJA
F1-02 TEAM WARLOCK - F1-56 TEAM LINEBACKER
F1-08 TEAM FORMULA - F1-60 RUSTY WALLACE/ FOUNTAIN
F1-32 TEAM SUNSATION - F1-29 TYPHOON
F1-52 OFFSHORE ADDICTION - F1-2 TEAM WARLOCK
F1-06 TOTAL LASER CARE - F1-24 HYPERACTIVE
F1-11 COMPUTE THIS - F1-96 HOLLIS MOTORSPORTS
F1-58 GREEN GOS - F1-19 MAX
F1-26 LIGHTHOUSE MARINE - F1-55 SHOWBIZKID.COM
F1-50 SUTPHEN/BOXER - F1-96 PROTOTYPE

FACTORY 2
F2-75 LAKE CUMBERLAND - F2-98 TREADWELL MOTORSPORTS
F2-57 UTZ - F2-1 MATCO VOYAGER/HIGH VOLTAGE
F2-38 TWISTED STYX - F2-80 HERBOTT/RACING (I THROTTLED)
F2-77 AWSOME - F2-42 MORAL HAZARD
F2-24 AQUANATOR - F2-62 TALISMAN RACING
F2-40 LADY HUSTLER - F2-33 TALKSTORY OFFSHORE
F2-21 SNAPPERHEAD - F2-52 FAST TECH RACING
F2-32 TOTAL MARINE - F2-60 TSUNAMI
F2-78 XTRA LEAN - F2-45 VELOCIRAPTOR
F2-51 TEAM BAJA - F2-54 TEAM BAJA
F2-58 CGS FEROCIOUS - F2-15 PARTS UNLIMITED
F2-95 MAXX - F2-30 MICCOSUKEE INDIAN GAMING
F2-90 VOODOO RACING - F2-46 TALK'N TOOLS
F2-31 TEAM SCARAB CANADA - F2-88 TEAM SNAP ON
F2-76 ANOTHER FOUNTIAN - F2-47 TEAM CHIROPRACTOR
F2-34 PIPE DREAMS - F2-56 SUPER SONIC
F2-17 DICK SIMON MARINE - F2-07 BAANG CAF'E WILD CHILD
F2-16 BACKDRAFT RACING - F2-50 TEAM SUTPHEN
F2-27 DON'T BLINK - F2-26 SUN COUNTRY RACING
F2-05 TWISTER - F2-18 GONE BALLISTIC

F3
F3-37 TEAM BOAT HOUSE - F3-67 TEAM TELLIUM
F3-16 ROLL OFFS - F3-1 WARLOCK POWERBOATS
F3-12 PEPPERS - F3-13 DONQ-INCOMTEMPT
F3-33 CATTITUDE - F3-58 TEAM AWESOME
F3-07 SEBERTECH - F3-53 RELLIES RACING
F3-11 TEAM DOUGLAS - F3-36 UTTERLY FANTASTIC

F4
F4-9 BLONDIE - F4-1 CITRE SHINE
F4-34 TEAM BOATHOUSE - F4-38 CRITIAL LIFT
F4-28 FLOWMASTER - F4-19 CAT CAN DO
F4-57 ZERO PATIENCE - F4-21 CATASTROPHIC
F4-30 TEAM EXTREAM - F4-69 BODYGUARD
F4-17 ROAD HARD - F4-45 MFW RACING (my fathers wallet)
F4-17 EMS RACING - F4-05 CITRE SHINE
F4-88 BARRY CUDA - F4-02 SECRET AGENT

CRIMEBUSTERS
i apologize if I forgot anyone. Jo
__________________
Life is to short to have an ugly boat!

http://www.formulaboats.com/
http://www.davidbrianjewelers.com/

Re: Factory racing
 

Some memory!!

I count at least 12 manufacturers in F1 and at least 11 in F2. Since I am not familiar with all the boats there may be more. How many F1 teams actually had major sponsorship from the manufacturer other than Warlock? And they were almost bankrupted by___?

Re: Factory racing
 

Richie Rich?

Re: Factory racing
 

Richie Rich :D

Re: Factory racing
 

It can still come back if you keep it simple with reliable power and tight inspections. You would have to go back to the Innovation seals as the only sealing company and get support and contingency money from them. The blue print is already there guys. Remember multiple motors killed it so start with only one and stick with it. Dont let other motor builders in. If another motor builder wants in, have them give all the existing racers free motors and offer a plan that the racers cant refuse. Then get rid of the existing motors. The goal should be 1 motor no matter which one. I dont care if it cost more or less. Let the manufactures bid on the class and offer it to the racers for a vote.

MD

Re: Factory racing
 

:D

Re: Factory racing
 

Pete one of the problems are, look at who ran those boats...of the racers who are still in it...you will notice a large amount of racers have moved up into the super series class's...not everyone is always goint to race F1 and F2...They were great class's to get started into....I never got into F1 for the prize money...I got into it because there were so many F1 boats racing....for racing to continue the racing Organizations can not just forget the Factory class's or the P class racers...these are the teams of the furture for the Super Class's,,,you have had some of the Super Series Racers Retire an a lot that are still racing but you will see in the next 2 to 4 years they also will be hanging it up....I remember when there was only 3 or 4 SV's back when Nick C. and Meadia M. were running....today, the eninge package is cheaper and you have 22+ teams racing this year...look at how many racers today who are racing SV,SVL,SCL were racing in Factory and P class just 3 or 4 years ago....Just throwing in the towel on Factory 1 becuase there is only 4 boats needs to be looked at as the new Factory 1 Series has just started with 4 boats and let it move up from there...
I haven't follow SS that much, but today there are 10 racing with mor being built....sometimes you just have to ride the wave even when it dosn't look good and then the outcome is a great result....Guys that are racing Factory class's stay with it...it will turn out good....There are a lot of us that want to see that class back to what it used to be....lots of great memory's that will stick with us for a long time....

Re: Factory racing
 

with the lastest news of opa racing in michigan, it maybe a good turning point. and yes i agree you need starter classes, however that was what p-class was suppose to do, F-1 and F-2 where super series classes, I still think a lot of guys moved up due in part to safety, for those on a budget and living up north it will be nice to see them have a place to race.

Re: Factory racing
 

Brian, what motor are you running and how is it holding up and how many hours on it? And also to the Activator team the same question?
Who makes the motor mounts for the 496?
Are the 496 motors sealed at Innovation as well?
Are there any incentive programs in F1?
What stricter body modifications are you referring to?
What kind of speeds are you running to be competitive?

Keep the fans informed on these types of questions and make it easier for them to realize F1 racing is the place to be.

Its the best bang for the buck by a long shot on durability alone. I have told countless P class racers this over the years and some have listened. It looks expensive at first look but it will cost you way less then trying to build your own motor and blowing it up every other race in P class.
MD :D

Re: Factory racing
 

Gino, keep smoking what ever it is. I think Im starting to like you again! Nice boat.
MD

Re: Factory racing
 

....

Re: Factory racing
 

The good old days...

Re: Factory racing
 

When you have this much fun on the parade lap...

Re: Factory racing
 

Who are the Activator Team members and where are they from?

Re: Factory racing
 

You can go to the SBI website and get all that info. on all the Team new and old.
WWW.superboat.com

Re: Factory racing
 

When he's right ...He's right :eek:

Re: Factory racing
 

Thanks. What kind of speed numbers are we looking at? Is 76 mph a doable number.
MD

Re: Factory racing
 

What a great thread, Frank Sarro has to be given alot of credit for the F1 boat class to come back into play. It is a shame that Merc did away with the 500 hp motors period. Because of this is why many F2 boats have also stayed away from racing again, most of the F2 boats had 525 in them.
Something has to give for this to work again, everyone involved has to establish a plan to get this F1/F2 back where it belongs, in the race course at full speed.

Re: Factory racing
 

80's. Dave

Re: Factory racing
 

There is another great example if someone is looking for a performance boat to play with and still race when they could...and its already dialed in, you know any F1 boat running that speed with a 496 is going to be running up in the front.....

Re: Factory racing
 

What a great shot of F1-11 Laveycraft on page 64 of the latest issue of Powerboat!