Gary, that was one of my initial questions... whether there is a penalty for not attending the races on the schedule. I understand that you are saying that there is not a penalty then? Will we see you and that bad ass boat at some Sbi races this year?? I sure hope so!!!

Gino thanks for the offer but does that include the rest of the OSS fleet. I don't want to race against 3-4 boats in my class and call myself the world champion. If its so important to have 2 starts with SBI and John REALLY wants a TRUE world championship then let the OSS teams run for FREE so everyone qualify's. Thats only if it's because the rules of UIM are so strictly and its truly not a political way of keeping OSS out. The way I see it the ball is in Johns C. court and if he wants it to happen it REALLY EASY.
People dont have to like me but have to race me to call themselves a World Champion. Not letting me race because someone wants financial gain from me sucks!
MD

PS. Gino do I know you?

"I don't want to race against 3-4 boats in my class and call myself the world champion"..... Nice. Setting the tone so you may complain later that poor OSS gets bashed........

Also, why in the hell would John let you guys race for free?? That just doesnt even make sense. Are you that self important that you feel you are entitled to race with sbi at the worlds?? Maybe the ego comments are on point.......

Thank you Gary Nichols for posting.

Shane B, No I will not be the crewing for Team Imco, I travel for work out of the country for unspecified amounts of time, I have been invited to crew on various teams when available this season, and will attend races when i can.

Randy....I understand what your saying and I'm not saying its right or wrong...I want to race against all SV's in Key West for the Worlds but I don't own any Organizations and don't want to...I'm just saying if SBI/APBA wants a 2 race minimun...then thats there disition and we should respect it and race there or not....I made you the offer because if it was about the money I would assist...you and your teams have helped me when a ran my Fountain plenty of times and would not take any money from me.."just buy us a beer"....I'm just returning the favor.

Gary....it would be good to see the OSS guys at some SBI/APBA races if they can make it...if not maybe something will workout were we will all race together...either way we are looking foward to Orange Beach...It dosn't matter what Organization is hosting the Orange Beach race...it is just a great place to race and thanks for your involvment for putting it together....

Sbi/Apba does not need Oss , Oss needs them, Go race your 6 races (if you have them) and have fun.

Mike

ouch!

Gary

You are very well respected man on the racing circuit and have my respect as well. The statement above is false. Conch recieved the TDC grant and in turn signed with JC and SBI. At the Miami boat show(2004) John and Deanna met with Elaine and I believe Todd Werner in the fountain booth and OSS signed a letter of intent to run in Key West with SBI and Conch. During the Sarasota race last year APBA signed a contract with SBI to race with them in KW and then within a couple of days OSS finally signed the finalized contract. The point is moot now, but misinformation is what gets offshore racing in the state that it is, well that and egos.

Guys go race where it is best for your team and your sponsors and more importantly be safe

Trent Weyant

As I said before egos aside, OSS doesnt need SBI they have the BIG wallets. They can do whatever they want.

I agree with you totally and for those in OSS that dont have the big wallets they have Sugar Daddy's with big wallets. But Mr Kerbdog, I am sure you are a businessman of some sort. How many more times would you reach into your own pocket and spend spend spend(going into the millions by now). And on top of it get no return. The people that are putting the money into it(OSS) are very successful businessman and they didnt get to where they are today, by throwing money away. It wont last long, I can assure you of that, they are too intelligent.

Trent