Merc. Racing leaves LLC
 

Got the word today its over for the year. Merc doesant want to deal with the LLC anymore. To bad this had to come to this. But the racing must go on.I hate bad news like this:(
Mad Dog

..and the hits keep on coming!!

:rolleyes:

Randy,
Are you saying that Mercury Racing is done with LLC right now
or that they are not going to renew there contract next year?
I hope this is not true!! Brian

Randy,

Who is your source on this?

J

Copy of Letter From Mercury
 

17 June, 2003

Dear Offshore Racer:

This letter is to inform you that Mercury Racing's contractual relationship with Offshore Racing LLC was terminated as of today.

While we are endeavoring to continue providing the same level of on-site race support you've come to expect over the past 30 years, the ultimate decision is not ours. Be assured that in some fashion we will continue to support you at races. The facilities and services at Lake X are still available to you, and we will honor our commitment to you through the Contingency Programs, assuming a full national race schedule takes place.

Since the rumor mill has already been buzzing with speculation (and spin), allow me to make our position clear. It has already been published in a variety of places that we were in dispute with Offshore Racing LLC over GM's entry into offshore racing. Nothing could be further from the truth. We were not happy with the way it occurred, nor were we comfortable with changing the very nature of the Factory Classes -- affordable spec class racing which shows off the durability of both the power and vessel and highlighting the skills of the race teams. We had no concerns about competing with GM on the race course (just with their checkbook). The results thus far this season, both in the fleet choice and the race results, bear this out.

Contrary to the opinion of some, we have not taken sides in the dispute between the LLC and APBA, nor do we intend to. Mercury Marine has supported APBA and many of its race classes since the early 1940s. As the premiere, century-old powerboat sanctioning body, APBA offers an inherent credibility, worldwide sanctioning affiliations, and the necessary infrastructure and experience that are important to us as a business - and, after all, we are a business. As a business, we made a decision four years ago to move away from independent race organizations - for good or naught - and align exclusively with APBA. We intend to stay with that strategy.

Our current situation is plainly and solely an inability on the part of the LLC to deliver what we contracted and paid for over the past three years. We struggled with having to decide between our rights under the contract, our obligations as a publicly traded company and an intensely strong desire not to abandon our very loyal race customers mid-season. However, we have reached the point where we can no longer put passion over pragmatism.

We are not pleased by the turn of events and hope that you can understand the position we find ourselves in. Also understand that we will do everything we can to continue to provide you with the level of service you expect from Mercury Racing for the balance of the race season.

Continued good luck and race safe,

The Race Never Stops!



Tony Esposito
Director, Marketing & Sales

the biggest asset LLC ever had was the racers and the racers IS LLC united we stand.

WOW!!! This can't be good for racing. :confused:

Alittle early to say HAD dont' ya think?

LLC's true color is coming out, like a lot of people said it would just a matter of time.

Has Mike A. commented on this situation yet?

No....and it would be nice to knows whats going on. I got to hear the news from one of my sponsors. I'm getting tired of telling them everything is going good and then this hits!

Well My sponsers Know the truth.

OOPS .... Sponsors.s.s.s.s

OOPS .... Sponsors.s.s.s.s

This just got faxed to my office today. Its all about the contract they have with each other. Each feels they are in the right and the other is wrong. The bottom line for us racers is lets keep racing and let corp. America figure the rest out. Show me competition and I will race there.
MD
PS Merc will stay with APBA not LLC, they have there loyalty to APBA for years.

Merc is a company and will go where they feel they will get there money's worth. It is a business decision and don't believe loyalty has anything to do with it. If its good buisiness to stay with APBA they will

Gino,

I agree the last thing the sport needs right now is more bad press.Its getting to be a joke,they need to work out all there problems at let the racers do there thing.

Frank

What is APBA alleging Offshore LLC didn't deliver over the past 3 years that led to this decision?

I wish that these things could be resolved and that the sport could move in a positive direction.

As more issues come to light, Mercury's decision to stick with APBA, doesnt make any sense business wise to me.

1. since the split, apba has yet to annouce a offshore race, so who do they think will buy their equipment.

2. a lot of the racers are very loyal to mercury and have spent alot of their money with them.

3. the powers that be amongst the racers need to make a plan to make all parties act like adults and work their problems out.

this is so much bs!

you're right pete,whoever comes up with the solution could make alot of money,no b.s just race!!!!! with competion and level field!!!! is that a perfect world i hear,tune in and stap in it gonna get wild!!!!!

I dont think it effects any of the race teams. Merc will still support there eq. They will just park the truck in a differant location if the LLC wont let them in the dry pits. Just glad its not our problem, but it is. Is that a oxie moreon?
MD
PS there is no right side here.

What happened on the 13th? Wasnt't there a court date?

June 18, 2003

To: APBA Offshore Members
From: Michael D. Allweiss
Re: Mercury Racing

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Yesterday Mercury Racing advised us that they were terminating their current Sponsorship Agreement with us.

While we certainly were disappointed to hear this we will continue to make every effort to resolve this situation so that everyone involved: APBA Offshore, Mercury Racing, the racers, the sponsors and the race sites, wins.

In the meantime, you may rest assured that the Mercury Truck and its crew will continue to be welcomed at our races and will be treated well, as always. Our number one priority is to deliver the best possible racing experience to our loyal and dedicated customers: the APBA Offshore Race Teams!

See you all in Savannah!!!

Sincerely,
APBA-Offshore Power Boat Racing, LLC


Michael D. Allweiss
Chairman

Thanks Mike A. It is important to have the Merc. truck at the races to supply parts for us. We all hope this can be worked out.
MD

Thanks for the update APBA... glad to hear they will be welcome in the pits and hope it all works out soon.

Now lets get to racing in Savannah - and we still have a boat available for lease there if anyone wants to take on some of the best racers in the world in equally prepared boats!

www.reindlpowerboats.com