TGOR

Sharkey...I do agree that we need to make the number panels smaller, whether going back to the single letter designations or 100-500 number series. I don't have the SBI/APBA rule book in front of me, but I seem to remember it requires us to have 1600 sq inches available for series (SBI/APBA) sponsors...that's equates to about 5 1/2 feet of my 28 foot boat. I figured eliminating the "P" and the "-" gives me back about 760 sq inches to use for those required series sponsors or gives me the ability to "sell" that space to another sponsor. So to some folks, the issue you discuss here is trivial...it's not to me.

Smitty...so are you saying this is a done deal for OPA? It doesn't matter to me since we plan on racing SBI/APBA. But your comment comes off as the OPA leadership has spoken and you don't want to hear any more from the racers on the subject. Your words are powerful and can be interpreted many ways...use caution. You need help raising money for a telemetry system and turn buoys...sounds like you could raise that money fairly quickly through entry fees and reduced purses, but I'm sure that's the last thing you want to do. OPA obviously has a good thing going...changing number panels, going from average speed to top speed, and inspectors running boats to verify their performance sounds like the more efficient way to go. Hey...only my thoughts though.

BTW...the only reason we see so many different styles with the current number panels is because, once again, we have lack of enforcement.

Sean

TYPHOON

Sorry if you miss read my post on turn markers. It was an idea to raise money from SPONSORS and to have better visability on the course.
MD

Ted G

iTrader: (1)

I don't think Smitty was adressing your turn bouy post Randy, I personally think it is a good idea even though not necessary on some of the courses. Smitty has lots going on and some issues should just be left alone for the time being, doesn't mean that OPA has spoken, just means that some things need to be handled before all sorts of changes are contemplated.

Ron P

Having discussed this with Smitty a few times, he wants to keep in alignment with SBI/APBA. We don't want to force boats to change numbers in order to run at someone elses race, or the Worlds.

Telemetry is real, we'll test it next week. You guys should love this.......

TeamSaris

Ya i agree! It really isnt very confusing.

SHARKEY-IMAGES

This thread was to ask (the people) from "all" organizations how they feel about this...

Perhaps if enough people from SBI/APBA felt it would make it easier for the fans, sponsors and the general public to understand what boats are racing against each other, they just may consider a change....

Then perhaps OPA can follow the same format being as it will be kept aligned with SBI Rules...???

If it is to remain status quo ....... can we at least see some uniform number panels?

Thanks for everyone's input......

Wazzup Racing

The topic was brought up in Atlanta last year with SBI APBA. Answer was no.

SHARKEY-IMAGES

Who said no?

Was it a majority VOTE by the RACERS, or a decision solely made by the management?

What was the reason for using P's on everyboat?

Even if you dropped the P and just used:

1-#

2-#

3-#

4-#

5-#

6-#

It would sure look a lot better...

Probably be easier on the scorers too!
One less letter to pronounce...

TYPHOON

As I recall it was D. Carbonel that said it was hard for her scoring people at the time to call out the letters. I was thinking maybe SBI should align themselves with the OPA rules
MD

TeamSaris

Ya so we are all the same.