Michelle, first, if you have read the posts I have written concerning the "Worlds" issue you will come to realize that I am not a "basher". Second, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Suncoast Offshore Racing Association, and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Offshore Showdown. For the SOS I was the co-chairman of the Driver Sponsor party, co-chairman for the tow/patrol/turn boat committe, a member of the Race Committee and the "Course Captain" for the races. I probably realize a heck of a lot more what is required to produce these races than you might realize. We put ours on in basically 90 days, and have personally been told by over 300 people it was without question the best race ever held in Sarasota. Here's a no cost observation, it only takes one turtle or one manatee to hold up the start of a race, or even to cause a "red flag" during a race. So if your going to try to schedule four races in one day, all it's going to take to completely blow the schedule is for one speciman of marine life to show up uninvited and you are sol. If a "marine life observer" sees something, the races are shut down. Period. Funny, I would have thought a "race" promotor would have known this. So all in all I suppose you could call me an extremely enthusiastic and VERY VERY involved fan. I wish you the best of luck. If you try to run four races in one day, you will certainly need it. Make no mistake, I'm not bashing you, or your event, I only wish you the best of luck for a great and safe race. I just have learned how fast something can screw a schedule up after the best of planning. The answer: KISS....No disrespect meant.
Outlaw

Absolutely no disrespect taken. I am very glad that many of the concerns you have to deal with are similar, and appreciate that you also realizethat some are different as well.

Out of curiosity, is your dry pits space provided or do you have to pay for it???

As for the line-up, I am sure that you know that I do not make the decisions for the schedule entirely alone, we, meaning our local team, works hand in hand with the extremely experience APBA Offshore Team, and the schedule and any delays will be something that we will work out, with the racers support and that of everyone on our team, as yours did. The weather is usually our biggest obstacle.

Speaking of, awfully glad that they moved your race out of July, as we had to deal with numerous thunderstorms every year - which made it hard for the big boats to run more than a couple laps.

FYI, my father in law started the original Sarasota Race and the Suncoast Foundation with Gene, Kevin, Dick and the group, and this year, Barkley and my Child SMILE Tour will have donated $5000 to the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped by the end of October.

Hope we can all do something on that one, to bring the foundation back into the fold as well. Any chance you guys will stay in August?

Oh, yeah, see you in Ft. Lauderdale

I should have played the Lottery the weekend of the SOS races. It had POURED rain every day for almost six weeks prior to the race, had a great weekend, and started raining again on Monday. The weather gods were certainly looking out for us. We jumped at the chance to hold the 2nd Annual Sarasota Offshore Showdown in May. Much better weather, and not as much conflict with the turtles and manatees. Holding it just before Memorial Day weekend should ensure that more of the local population that might be leaving for the holiday weekend will be able to enjoy the races. The official SOS dates are May 13-16, 2004. As I'm sure you are aware, the Sarasota Offshore Showdown benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Police Athletic League of Sarasota County. The 20th Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix is scheduled over the usual July 4th holiday. Not many details of the Grand Prix have been given out as of yet. It is unfortunate, but I have apparently "ruffled some feathers" as I support both races, which I will continue to do. My wife and I are planning on coming to "Lauderdale" for your race. Again, good luck and be safe. Outlaw

Count us in... See you all there!

Michelle,
We know how much time and hard work you have put into this race.....I still remember you coming up to us in April in Daytona promoting this race. We appreciate all that you have done to put this race on.
Thank You,
Gino