Racing # Designations Poll
 

For years there has been a lot of talk about the Racing #'s and the size of their panels.
Mainly in the Production classes.
Out of curiousity, I was wondering how many racers would prefer to run a single letter and a number as they have done many years ago A-## vs every boat having a P#-### ???

After lining up 30 + number panels from various classes, it really shows there can be a lot of confusion among the spectators while using the current format...

I'm not sure what the current rule states, but when I was racing, it usually had to be either white on black or black on white panels with a border.

After putting all the numbers together, you see there just doesn't seem to be any similarity in the format. Some show the P designation before the number, while others show it after. Some show no P at all or it is too small to see.

Let's see what the POLL has to say whether you like the current format, or prefer to go back to the A,B,C,D,,M or X Designations.
If there was a concern of the letters sounding the same, then perhaps they can use the call signs:
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Foxtrot, Mike or X-RAy

If letters don't seem to work, then perhaps 3 digit numbers could be issued? The first number designating the class. Example: Class 1 would get a number 100 through 199.
100-199, 200-299 300-399, 400-499, 500-599, 600-699

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This is what it could look like:

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B & C

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D.

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V.

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X.

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M..?

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S.

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The numbering system will not change period. I already explained why. Give it up! Here is a mission for you all. You wanted telemetry, we found it. $ 20,000.00 turn bouys, 4,000.00. How about trying to raise some $ instead of waisting all your energy with this . We have more important things to deal with. We are moving forward. How about a little help? Smitty

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What help do you need? Ask away.
MD

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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

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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

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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.

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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.......

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Ya i agree! It really isnt very confusing.

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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.... :confused:

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...... :)

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

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Who said no?

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

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

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... :drink:

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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 :D
MD

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Ya so we are all the same.

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If it is an issue that they can't speak or say the letters, than maybe all the organizations could agree on just running numbers only ??? :confused:

I'm sorry, but I just don't see the logic having every boat run around with P on their boats...

What does the P have to do with separating the Production Classes from each other.....:confused:

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I brought in front of the board last year in Atlanta and they shot it down saying it was confusing. There were many things to go over in Atlanta including speed brackets changes, we worked on that stuff the majority of the time and decided not to argue the issue. To present the # only system in Ft Lauderdale, I will present but I need support.
Give me 10 PM's from registered equipment owners and that should be enough to at least be approved for a vote

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What part of Smitty's response do you not understand Tim?

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I think we are talking about SBI/APBA now

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Thank you Scott!

18 votes in favor of it right now, hopefully at least 10 of them are equipment owners.

I expect maybe more will vote on Monday!
It usually is the busiest day for people checking in to see what's going on.

At least that's what my stats show from my site. :drink:

EQUIPMENT OWNERS IN FAVOR OF DROPPING THE P-- Private Message SCOTTB

Scott, Can you let us know when you received the 10 PM's you need? Thanks!

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It's a new year!!! :rolleyes:

Being as Smitty chooses to carbon copy whatever SBI/APBA Rules are, then the subject needs to be brought up to the SBI/APBA again if majority of the racers are in favor of it...

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I spent a small fortune on uniforms/t-shirts/hats etc. that had A-99 all over them in 1999. Then, after one year of racing............... A-Class became part of the Super Series classes (Super V Light). All of a sudden we are #66. If the racers have no problems re-designing shirts, hats, posters, hero cards and web sites, then so be it.

I just can't figure out why it is your current pet project. :rolleyes:

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Current ??? :confused:

Mike,

Myself and many other current racers have wanted it changed back to the way it was for years now!
This is nothing new!

Maybe you can explain what the need for the P is ??? :rolleyes:

As I stated before, I only started this thread to see if there was anyone else that feels the need for a change.
Apparently they do.
People ask for ideas to help the fans understand the racing and who is racing against who.
Well he is my suggestion...
You can take it or leave it!

PS
You have been around the sport long enough to know that things are always changing...
Maybe another suggestion would help. Only order enough shirts and hats one season at a time! :drink:

And one other reason why.....;) See photo!

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I've already PM'd Scott supporting the change.

I'm kinda curious why folks don't want the change...I don't want to hear the SBI/OPA reason...but the team owners' personal reasons...there may be some very valid points I'm not considering.

Sean
Owner

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Thanks Sean!

I hope to see Scott bring it up at the meeting, even if it is approved and not implemented till next year.

I think it would be fair to give everyone time to make the needed changes and use up any inventory they may have this season in regards to apparel, letterheads, websites etc. ect.

I had a long discussion with one official this evening, and if nothing else, the number panel rule will be enforced in regards to Size and Black/White colors!

I applaud that!

It would be nice to see every boat with a uniform number panel on it.

It's just more professional!

It will also be easier for the scorers to read.

Back in the day, if your number panel didn't meet the rules, you weren't scored. :eek:

Thank you for the responses....

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Sharkey,

Sounds good.

Thanks for taking the initiative on this issue.

Sean

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Anytime Sean!

I am only trying to help with this suggestion.

I think it would make the appearance of the boats more professional, the numbers more ledgeable, but most important of all, help make the sport easier to understand for the fans and the sponsors...

On a side note:

This thread should be looked at as a positive one.

There is no intent to discredit or imply any negativity to any organization.

Constructive criticism so to speak... :drink:

In the end, hopefully the organizations will implement whatever the majority of the racer's want. Whether it be this year or next....

And just maybe we can get the attendance back to where it was in the days of the Benihanna! :drink:

Thanks again!

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Why Start Changing Things Again. I Ran A, B, C ,d Era And Lost National Champ By 1 Point Because Someone Did Not Call My Letter Correctly And Didnt Get Scored For First Lap I Was Leading, Then We Broke With 1/2 Lap To Go. Without That First Lap Scored Ocean Spray Beat Me By 1 Point.
Mike

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I'm sorry to hear that... :(

If the course at that time had 4 turns on the course, I don't see how the other 3 scorers didn't record you passing them too. They could have just looked at the times to justify you went around the course... :confused:.

But that proves my point even more.

No one should have the same number on their boat as someone else no matter what class they are in.

Even if they got the letter wrong, the number would really be what you are scored by.

Still, no one has addressed the question of why there is a need to have a "P" on all the boats?

Sure the other letters make it clearer for the fans to understand, but even if not used, just go with the triple digit number, with the 1st digit identifying the class.

Example: 102= Class 1-02 ......... 205=Class 2-05 ect

Again, If the majority of the racer's are in favor of it, then they can vote on it and implement it for the 2007 season.

This is just my opinion.

I'm only trying to help....

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I feel for ya Mike..."B" kinda sounds like "E" kinda sounds like "C" kinda...you know what I'm getting at! "Consistency", that's what OPA/The Jersey Boyz are trying to bring to the sport, we always have fun so we figure we would go for it all. Smitty has already brought racing at a NO FEE ENTRANCE! With a Minimum 25,000.00 purse combined for the five classes and in some cases this year a 50,000.00 purse! Not bad for a couple of nobody's from Jersey. The guy's from the Great Lakes are looking forward to a great year with OPA but now see some disagreements and friction here in Jersey so their reaction is, The only thing OPA/The Jersey Boyz have over them is the purse money, internal fighting, BS is all still there. Well I'm here to tell you all it's not unless someone else wants to take over OPA. The "P" will stay in our racing circuit(OPA/The Jersey Boyz). Letters, Numbers, Backgrounds, Borders will be to rule book Specs. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS! They are not the correct size you will not be scored. THE FLOOR IS NOT OPEN FOR DISCUSSION ON THIS MATTER, on the other hand Smitty and I made a commitment two years ago to run OPA for a year. Our commitment ended in October 2005. Anyone want the responsibility? It only takes about 6-8 hours a day, 4-5 hours a day during the winter months and loads of $$$ outta your pocket plus all the Bull $hit you gotta put up with but hey...it's a thankless job and somebodies gotta do it. I noticed that people are posting OLD PHOTOS of race boats in the general area, most of them have a "P" in front of the numbers! From the beach, if you had 6 foot letters and numbers people wouldn't know who is racing who...it's just for the scorers. You have no idea how much time goes into keeping OPA Together. How much time is away from our Families and our Businesses not to mention the Money! I feel we should be concentrating on getting the boats and trailers ready for the 2006 season instead of worrying about a "P" on the boat . Write down all your thoughts for the 2006 OPA Meeting and don't forget...BRING YOUR Equipment Fees of (500.00) and each riding and crew member(100.00). Thanks, Augie

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'Nuff said. The horse is dead...............will it continue to be beaten?

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A, B, C, D, and M classes of the past were all specs classes lets not forget, to use these numbers on OPA is crazy because they only run Production class races. I can see if you would change this in SBI/APBA but these were all spec classes not bring what you brung. In consideration with all the people who already have their shirts and stickers made for the season with the P a change like this can cause someone a lot of money and maybe even confusion to their sponsor. Just my .02 cents Like Smitty said leave it alone and try to help the organization in more important issues.....

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I thought there were no equipment fees :confused: :confused:

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No Entrance Fees, OPA needs some operating capitol. Cough up the scratch Goldberg :drink: aren't no entry fees enough?

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I misunderstood.......my sincerest apologies.

I'll just go back to work now :sorry: