BC,
Thanks bud....I know we think alike and have the same views about racing and you have been behind us all year and we won't forget it..

Duunoit and Joe I,
Thanks for the offer...we payed it and we would have had no problem of paying it if the LLC would have been nice as only giving us a phone call or even a letter....but thank you...its kinda like the Jersey Boyz pitching in for Typhoon for one of the OPA races....since I post this yesterday the phone has been ringing of the hook and the e-mails keep comming....and I want to thank you all for looking out for the racers and offering the help......and its like I said with the support the racers have...we will always have a place to race.....

Lobsterboy,
I know...I always thought racing on only one organization was the way to go.....well I've change my mind on that thinking...their is alot of good people in all organizations...
Thanks
Gino M

Gino , i agree with you totally!! There is great people in both organizations , my problem is the "organization"!!! Or actually the lack of !!!

I am aware of many new issues that have come to light in my first two weeks as your new Chairman of the APBA Offshore, and one of them is that you are not happy (I have know this for some time, and that is why I am now your Chairman...). Well that makes all of us unhappy because I came here to have fun, and to enjoy our extreme weekend of family boating.

The LLC is in a difficult situation and is attempting to solve these issues one at a time. I assure you that I have the Racers interest at heart (hey that is the ONLY reason that I stepped up). I gladly accepted Mike Tomlinson's assistance in the Hall of Champions debacle, and I will accept yours as well. Draining the swamp is not why I got involved in the first place, but I will try my best to gain your trust and respect. And I have every intention of doing that, but it will take time and patience. And a whole lot of your help.

There will be a lot more issues yet to deal with, and some of them will be as difficult as where we are right now, however a positive solution that respects the APBA Offshore brand and improves it image is my focus, and to see that "if" it has to be returned to the APBA, that it is with diginity and honor. But be aware that Mark, Nigel, and I, have not given up on turning this boat full of angry race boat warriors into one that is full of pride . That means the only real way out of this, is for ALL OF US, to go in one direction, in harmony, and maybe banging hull to hull once in a while.

That is why the APBA Offshore brand is over 100 years old and will survive everything that is in this chat room.

You don't think that the recent events have not happened before within the APBA? Because Fred Miller laughed like heck when I asked him if this wasn't about the 15th time in history that strong individuals with high ideals had disrupted the growth of this sport? Come on now, you all know that the our market is too small for several Offshore Race Series. Heck it can't hardly make any growth curve as it is, if we were ONE.


Gordon Kraft
Chairman
APBA OFFSHORE

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gkraft
[

That is why the APBA Offshore brand is over 100 years old and will survive everything that is in this chat room.
Of course it will no one is discussing The APBA ! The problem is with offshore llc or what ever the new name is!
You don't think that the recent events have not happened before within the APBA? Because Fred Miller laughed like heck when I asked him if this wasn't about the 15th time in history that strong individuals with high ideals had disrupted the growth of this sport?Are you talking about the previous CEO ???

Manatee,

Stick to your guns and hold your head high. The TRUTH is on your side. I have been BASHED countless times for telling it like it is. Many here pounded on me for exposing truths that most wanted covered up. All but none have not said a thing since. When you are right you are right and you need to stand tall and proud. Honor and your word are all you have, and for those who have neither, they have shallow souls. If the powers that be cannot respect your dignity and fortitude for addressing such issues in a public forum, then take Augie's advice and say F&CK 'EM! Best wishes for being recognized for what you have earned and for a safe and successful season in 2004.

As far as the need to address these issues in a private forum because a few people don't like to read about the inner workings of the sport, I have some advice. DON'T READ THIS SECTION IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ WHAT MIGHT BE CONTAINED HEREIN! If you don't like pornography, don't buy PENTHOUSE! Now isn't that simple?:eureka:

So true!!!;)

Cool Shane.

Gino,
We all look out for each other, were a family.
Joe Iglio

Gordan PLEASE call me about our money and trophies. i have sent numerous emails to APBA and have left messages as well...one again 2 min ago.

Gordon K.
Thank you for responding....and I'm aware of the problems you have step into and I don't hold you responsible for this. What Mark N. wrote in the letter you have been doing and thats what we need....A phone call or letter would have takin care of this......but thats behind us now...I know alot of us are behind you in making this work....and I think communication is the most important thing we all have to do...we all know their are going to be ups and downs to make this work, nothing is perfect.....but being up front with your troops is a very strong place to start....and you will see the troops will be behind you threw thick and thin.....So with that said Mark and I are still behind you and want this to work...
Thanks for taking the time for reading this post and hear what your troops are saying..

Gino M.