Ken's observations appear to be make a lot of sense. The only part that I find unclear is that Brunswick is still a major stockholder in Fountain Powerboats aren't they? Apparently this approach benefits Mercury at the expense of Fountain Powerboats and in the long run works best for Brunswick?

How about this as a thread! Stories of how one boat is scrutinezed at an inspection excessively and another just slaps new numbers on their boat and your racing a boat out of your league. Probably be the longest thread in the history of OSO. I guess there is nothing that will change that scenario, whenever you have an authority figure involved in a situation there nature and personality comes to play, like one cop gives you a warning about speeding and another gives you 20 tickets after seeing your seatbelt unhooked. In a way this will definatly make the OPA even stronger, Smitty and everyone at the OPA has been doing an unbelievable job in making our races great, the gps systems we are adding will help to squelch any squawking, key word being help lol. Like Smitty said " P classes are more fun" though maybe its time for the OPA to add some new classes? ST Clair is this weekend woo hoo!
Be Well,
Louie

I believe It's Mother Mercury that has the part ownership in Fountain Powerboats, not Mercury Racing Division. It may not be to Mercury Racings best interest to see Fountains win but it probably is to Marcury's stockholders. I believe Mecury Racing div. is beholding to whatever Mother Mercury wants. Therein is the difference.

Brunswick basically guaranteed an $18,000,000 loan for Reggie in 1993, in exchange for a contract to buy engines exclusively from Brunswick for a number of years. Here is the link to all of the legal mumbo jumbo.

Brunswick Fountain Agreement Link

like sands threw the hour glass...so are the days of our lives

thanks chris you made it verry clear. some people jest woun't to stir **** . i hope to make the opa races some time i know it a hell of a party . and thats what it supposed to be . to wazzup come on back to nc we would love to have the jersey boys back here you guys are the best .can't wait to see you all agin . robbie rogers .

WHO WAS THE INSPECTOR?

Ask Smitty I'm sure he'll be happy to tell you the story, and lets not forget how his wife was treated....

I think Smitty had a few heated words with a Race official, not an inspector, in the hot pits. If Im not mistaken, It stemmed from his wife being asked to leave the hot pits because she did not have the proper credentials. Having proper credentials in the hotpits is enforced because of insurance reasons. Usually, a wristband is issued if you have signed the required waivers, and from what I have been told, She did not have them.

You are correct, it was a race official.

See Post 18 of this Thread