Racers Wake Up
 

after an event like keywest how the hell could anyone be content with that schedule.i've been watching races a long time and that by far was the most unbelievable event i've ever attended, nascar races included.to go back to the same old way of offshore racing to me is unacceptable.the potential to attract sponsors,generate a fan base,and take it to the next level is there.it's not going to happen by splitting everybody up again.25 boats per race is not exciting to watch at all. to get peoples interest you need to have something people want to see.weather its a reality show,nascar,even the bassmasters has major sponsorship.for the past 30 years there has always been two or three individuals dictating the future of offshore racing.the only way this is going to change is if the racers themselves band together and decide there own fate.not start another organization but go to the existing bodies and demand joint races,rule changes,whatever.every race should have the excitement and atmosphere as key west.then you have something people want to see. who's in?????????????????

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I agree

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Egos have to be put aside for this to happen.................... well said though.........

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Hmm. You may be on to something. Lets start a racers union and demand all the bodies get together. Or... like Smitty said in another thread, the boat stays on the trailer. HOFFA LIVES woo hoo

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[QUOTE]the only way this is going to change is if the racers themselves band together and decide there own fate.

Thats excactly what OSS did!!!

Non-profit organization!

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But not everyone can be in there special club. :rolleyes:

So they, like everyone else, race with 25 boats.

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Or atleast 3 races together like Sarasota , Orange beach and N.C .

Mike

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I nominate Augie as our union rep. :cool:

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I could not agree more; as Ed said...if every race was like Key West you would have EVENTS that would attract, fans, media , and ultimately, SPONSORSHIP.As good as Key West was, it was only an indication of the potential of our sport.The sport cannot support three national sanctioning bodies, and until that issue is resolved, we are only going backwards.

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Exactly.....So why is it that the sanctioning bodies dont see the potential here?

Its not rocket science

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The best case would be SBI,APBA,OPA,Great Lakes all run together in a P1-P5 series with the same rules.
MD

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It's not up to them. Its up to the racers.

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I'm awake, want me to be the bad guy here? No problem. Of course I am a little partial, I dont want a few boats I want them ALL. Doesnt have to be at all the races, but definetly more than one. OSS has a great bunch of boats, correct me if I am wrong but I think they are running on their own pockets. APBA has a mix, stuggling to maintain their identity. SBI has sites that actually pay him to appear. has made every attempt to give the racers everything they have asked for. OPA best racers in the world ( thats the partial part) but running on fumes. Silver cup needs help from other groups boat count lacking, great organization. Just a dream, but 8 races a year with all in attendance. easier on everyone. Sponsors would have to look at it, way up there with lawn mower racing on ESPN. That would be my Christmas Wish Smitty

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Just another thought.Why wait until late April to start the season?It seems that once the season gets going there is not enough time between races.Start the season in Feb., and have one national race every month leading up to the world championships in Key West in November.Maybe something could be worked out where there are at least two national events in each division(southeast,northeast & central....and maybe even west in the future)
Have a couple of quality divisional races in each division to round out the schedule.Award national high points championships as well as divisional high points championships in each class, and then have the worlds in Key West.A true national circut with alot of boats at each race would certainly be more attractive to potential sponsors than what is going on now.Just my opinion.

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Mark M, what's wrong with Randy's idea? I think it makes sense. Do you speak as an owner, racer, or fan??

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the history of the sport has always been when somebody didn't like the rules or sanctioning body they would start their own organization splitting things up even more like what oss did.this plan is in no way directed at going against the organizations.its main purpose is to bring the organizations together.i believe if the racers stay together and demand joint races people will have to listen.the ones that don't will not survive.i'm not trying to start trouble here.just tired of standing by watching this great motor sport.crumble to pieces every year

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Hey Smitty,see we agree on another thing,and Smyth1 and waterboy1 all exellant points,there should be only one group racing all together,not 1 Super cat racing himself or 2 F2 boats and so on,Key West was how it should be and alot of people would once again bring out ther boats for the competition,I myself as well as alot of other people would love to help make it happen.Leave the EGOS at home and do it for the love and passion we all have for the sport

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Thanks guys but as Godfather you know I have to be in the SHADOWS. My trusted Family will keep me informed of everything. I trust my cousin Val as he is VP of The Truckers Union here in Jersey and we can get him cheap. Keep your thoughts coming as there is some $hit flying around that may answer a few questions soon.

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I like the Idea of at least 2 -4 joint races. Now we all agree its a great idea but someone suggest where these races could be and who would produce them? Possibly
Point Pleasant NJ for the summer Nationals AUG.
Key West FL for the Winter worlds Nov.
St Cloud FL for the spring Nationals April

Talk is great but someone has to put it together and then bigger yet someone needs to come up with the money.

I vote Mark M. to take the lead seeing he has most of the answers in Offshore Racing.
MD

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The GLSCS and OPA are currently working on putting a meeting together to do some joint events for 2005. We understand that boat count is what brings fans and sponsor. The other thing boat count does is make for good racing,

THe GLSCS has put it to racers to decide what they want. The 2004 GLSCS rules were decided and rules on by the officials and races.

For 2005 we will do the same if the racers step up to the plate. I have posted on this board and the GLSCS board for input and ideas for 2005 and received replies from three racers. Pretty sad for a group who wants things to improve.

The GLSCS and OPA are for the racers groups we don't make a dime on any of you. We put every penny back into races, hi-points, etc. This is our hobby and enjoyment. The only way the sport on a divisional basis is going to change is if we all pull together and make it happen. It is up to you. The RACERS......

Regards,

Andrew Bloom
GLSCS Chairman

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Andrew, just curious. Does GLSCS have a max on size and engine configuration in P-5? The reason I ask is because I remember a 39 foot Chris Craft running in P-5. That in itself will open the door to controversy

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That is an issue that will be addressed at the meeting (TBA). I agree with having twin engine over 28 foot boats in P-5. Definate advantage.

A.B.

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Usually , most of your posts I say to myself "WTF is he talking about" but this time I read it, understand it, like it, and think we should do it

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Bruce,

Just to defuse any potential problems - we are no longer racing the Stinger - so this isn't an issue anymore.

Anyone looking for P4 boat?? :drink: :D I know where there's one for sale!

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"Copy that"...thankyou

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Hey Klaatu, why is St. Cloud not having a race?

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what,no st cloud?????????????scotty,get' um

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Thanks Klaatu, that sucks, great race

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The only way to make progress from this point forward is to get everyone on the same page. That's it. Everyone must have a single minded focus, which is the betterment of the sport as a whole. Until then, it will be individuals and individual teams doing thier own thing and making thier own rules and running clusters of smaller, less organized, less promoted, less significant, less paying, less prestigeous races. It becomes a battle of who is the best funded, which is fine, as that is what racing can be about at times, as long as it takes place at one sanctioning body's races, not 4 or 5 or 6 series, all running on the same dates, places, etc... I dont have an issue with people starting a new series, but it can do more harm than good at times. Tricky situation. If it is done methodically, and with people focusing on the same goal, then it can work.

In a perfect world, I see a GLSCS and OPA and a few other regional series, then one national series. Someone mentioned a race per month nationally, I think something like that sounds fantastic. Ofcourse, there would be certain qualifications, etc to run National races, nationals and worlds. You would have a national points race, so it would be advantageous to run as many, or all, of the scheduled events. The winner of the points race would get the highest honors and biggest payoff at season end. Put the emphasis on the points race so the entry sheet for each race throughout the year would likely be larger, hence the big payoff for winning the points title. Make Nationals and Worlds an increased points race setup, even so much as running qualifying races, etc. Make the format NEW and EXCITING. Award consitency and persistence and the dedication to the sport...tell the racers, if you show up and race we are gonna reward you with points and money at the end of the season. Mix up the race events, make it a situation where you have to win on a variety of venues...A river (i.e. Ohio or St Clair), A lake or 2 (Great Lakes) East Coast Atlantic waters, Both FLA coasts, Texas, somewhere inland in the Midwest, a West Coast run or 2...Then, also have a long run, short runs, ovals, rights/lefts, etc...mix it up. I know alot of this is inplace already, but build on what we have so far.

If you can only make a few national races each year, you would still likely have run enough races to qualify for Nationals and Worlds, by so doing, still being able to run your regional series and even earn your qualifications thru those series, or in part anyway.

Just some random thoughts, but until we all get on the same page, it will be the same power struggles over and over. I have my thoughts on how to accomplish this, they are rather simple, but horribley complex in some fashions. I thought KW this year was really cool and a great turnout. To not build on that would be a true shame.

I know I get booed when I say this....but we have NASCAR sitting right here as a PERFECT model on how to run a race body, we really need to use that to our advantage. I know we are talking cars vs. boats, but some of the basic fundamentals would be enormously advantageous for us to utilize. It's not all going to fit just right, but why not see what has worked for them and then customize it for Offshore Racing?

The future is up to the racers, body's, etc. Motorsports has NEVER been more popular, so it is now or never if you ask me.

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Allan4,
Your suggested format is exactly what the sport needs right now.Hopefully,somehow, someway it can be accomplished in the not to distant future.

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Mark,
It is not about the politics, it was when OSS started, but after a year of which many people thought they would fail, they achieved thier goal. Now if you dont run Super Cat, SCL, or Super Vee, SVL, Then yes there are other choices to make as to which groups you care to support, but as a fan, watching one boat race itself is boring, and while no one organization is perfect where is the draw for the fans if there isnt a fleet of at least 5 boats per class???

Glad to see you guys all had a good time in KW, hope all your holidays a good,
12 more days til I get home!!!

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Posted by Pete B

"Mark,
It is not about the politics, it was when OSS started, but after a year of which many people thought they would fail, they achieved thier goal. Now if you dont run Super Cat, SCL, or Super Vee, SVL, Then yes there are other choices to make as to which groups you care to support, but as a fan, watching one boat race itself is boring, and while no one organization is perfect where is the draw for the fans if there isnt a fleet of at least 5 boats per class???

Glad to see you guys all had a good time in KW, hope all your holidays a good,
12 more days til I get home!!!"


Pete

You call 2 races achieving a goal? And they had to foot the bill for both of those races and the 2 that they went and raced with the GLGCS. I would love to see the balance sheet for that business. I agree they proved their point , but if you havent figured out Bob Bull is the man of APBA and MA is yesterdays news. What is their point now? I respect each and every racer that races that circuit, I have looked up to them from the day i came into this wonderful sport. They hopefully will succeed, but time and time again in this sport, due to egos and beliefs, someone breaks away starts thier own organization, only to fail within 2-3 years. How many races will actually be raced this year? They have an impressive schedule as they did last year, but only 2 came thru, oops excuse me 4 because Great Lakes bailed their asses out.

The name of this thread is "Racers Wake Up" and Eddie Smyth as well as others bring up a lot of great points. With the exception of one OSS official(@the drivers meeting) we all left our egoes in Miami and came together and raced. It was a beautiful thing. Your right Pete come to think of it, they did succeed, they succeeded in dividing this sport even more than it was.

APBA will always be there, SBI will always be there, they arent going anywhere. Please Pete all I ask is to promote boat racing coming together and not further division.

Trent Weyant

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Bill France started out as a broke ass hillbilly...... His money comes from the Speedway corporation and the Nascar organization that his father started.

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It was re-investment of profit into the corporation. It grew exponentially because of the re-investment.

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This sport will never be like Nascar/PERIOD.When was the last time you saw 1 Nascar race against no other cars/never,when was the last time Dale Earnheart,Jeff Gordon or Dale Jarrett say well I am not getting my own way so I am going to pack up my toys and go race somewhere else,never,when Nascar has a difference of opinion they all sit down together and work out the problem.In offshore racing we do not have a set of rules that are comporable from organization to organization and you have to many people with personal agendas to be making the rules and that can not agree with anyone else to prove that they are correct and everybody else is wrong that it further hurts the sport.
If the powers that be,being John Carbonell,Bob Bull,Kurt Burger and Paul Whittier can not see that all of the organizations should become one than they are as blind as the people that have never been able to see that for this sport.The only way it will ever become better and more recodnized as a professional sport is if we all join together and act like professionals wanting to race and not be a bunch of constant turmoil oil groups of people with fast boats that cannot agree with anyone but the people in there little click,or a bunch of people that do not really care about anything but there own personal agendas and more for the partys than the racing,once again it is not Nascar,or Bass fishing or even the Xgames but all of those things had one thing in common,one set of rules,one organization,and a professionally layed out program that people can follow and understand.We need to get it all together or do something different with our huge amounts of money that come out of our own pockets.

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guys,one malfunction we all have here is only being able to comunicate with each other on a basically public forum,the only thing that should be public here is competitiveness,individual goals to acheive with and for racing,everybody complains about this or that,but remember,one its christmas time,and two,we don't have 20 cities with tracks or stadiums for us to compete at regularly,we don't have the busch series for the smaller cars and the other series for the bigger and faster cars,we do have a bunch of great people who sell us dearly trying to run things the best they can,trying to find different cities to help take some of the financial burden off us,and you all know thats difficult in this day and time,I'm a racer in offshore,I go where the boats go and somebody's hard work landed us a race,If I can't afford it or can't get the time off due to circumstances,then I don't get to race,But the one thing I can still count on is I know that someones trying real hard to straighten out anothers mess,and they worked even harder and found us a course to run on and that you guys will be there.If someone wants to set up a meeeting say In southcarolina or some where to discuss things and invite these organizations in and try to straighten things out during the silly season,now would be the time to straighten out and set goals for 06.

other than that all I can say is,scott,turn the damm boat and hold on,
and thanks to GMC for there three years of sponsorship and to budweiser for theres in key west,these people fullfilled there contracts completely as sponsors and help us out tremendously!I don't know about you guys,but I drive my GMC truck to the store for budweiser quite damm often,great sponsors!

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guys up until about 10 years ago nascar was at a lower level than offshore, guys like childress were still working out of their garages.nascar is where it is not because of bill france or any other individual.its because a corporate sponsor,winston, saw the potential in it and marketed it correctly.nascar may look fancy on the outside but its still the same mentality you can find at any short track in the country on a Saturday night.the stadium theory does not hold water .the money thats brought in from the gate goes to the track owners who in turn pay nascar to bring a race to them.the sponsors do not care about 100,000 fans in the stands who see their name.its all about how many seconds of air time they get.it's all about having somthing people want to see.another example some one saw potential in a father and son arguing with each other while building motorcycles would make good tv.it only has the potential all together.these towns and sites make a ton of money off of the racers,orange beach had another weekend of their summer season where otherwise would have been dead.key west was basically sold out race week.

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smyth,those cities paid for us to come,key west put there money on the table,that money comes directly from the hotels and restraunts and we should be able to count on them next year.

now what would be nice is to approach these venues and sell them to pay for their own TV produced show,let them get the coverage of the cities airing on TV,most of these sports I beleive got larger selling excitimenet and a great time together,letting the fans know they can book there excitement for next year instead of counting on us to book all the rooms,the cities have the advertising funds available,getting them to redirect the funds and add them to the event funds,getting the three organazations to unify but allow them to recognize there own while still recognizing the individuals who made the podiums together,and splitt the overall costs,and work together and make this a sport to be recognized!

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yes they put up some money, but they had a full hotel for 10 days because of it.if a hotel has 100 rooms at 100 a night.thats 10 gs a night for 10 nights thats 100.000. how much did they actually put up?without the race they would not be sold out.they know it brings money into the town if it didn't they wouldn't do it.it's always been the racers who foot the bill for everything and bring their equipment to the show.

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how about we choose you,your in jersy and from what I read on this board you have alot of true gentlemen who are quite the business men who reside there,what we need is to spend this time finding a production company that has a tremendous marketing department who can sell us some airtime,sell it to the cities during our scheduled events,sell it to the advertisers in the cities that schedule our events,no matter what series is running,they will all follow!