Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Since you have the time, read the rules and get as much done as you can. You will find all the help you need your first race and most of your tech time will be filled with suggestions and not penalties :p Most of the stuff (like a manual bilge pump) are pretty good ideas anyhow on any boat and your tech guys will give you even more thoughts. GPS' are somewhat frowned upon now that we have telemetry and there should not be a need after you finish your setup. Spend some time on prep of the little things that stop the boat in the middle of a race (invest in lots of tie wraps and wire clamps) and you will have all the help you need at the race site.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

I'd be happy to help as much as possible and I'm sure Smitty will help out as much as he can too. Feel free to PM me anytime.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Tomcei,

Just a suggestion, with Smitty, Augie and the rest of the boys racing in Chat next weekend, why dont you come up and introduce yourself to them and that way you can meet the man in charge, face to face and get things going in the right direction. By your location, you couldnt be no more than 1-2 hours away. Just bring a vig for Augie, he gets a little testy w/o it :evilb: :evilb:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

thanks guys. I'll do my home work and bring my questions to Chattanooga. I'll look up as many people as I can. I can't wait :D

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

I’m looking forward to this, I hope it all works out ($$$ wise that is)

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Guy's, Brown paper bag. Nothing less than stacks and stacks of fifty's then we'll answer any question you might have or call Smitty, 732-920-3945 or myself at 201-665-1033. Regards, Augie :blaster:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

You may think it's a good idea to convert your pleasure boat to a race boat but just remember lot's of those OPA guy's have purpose built offshore race boats , and they don't play around. I know Augie races the condo but he's an exception. Do you want to tell your friends you race or do you want to win? Just some info for thought!

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Jerry already proved my boat can win. I'd like to try it now.
To answer your question, It would be the latter.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Well that is one reason I wanted to race P6, don’t get me wrong every class has its top drivers/teams, but the P6 class seemed very first-timers friendly. But P5 Should is fine with a little more work to my current boat. But keep in mind I’m not planning on jumping right out there with no experience and winning. If this is something I enjoy and like doing I’m sure I’ll build a purpose built boat just for racing. But I have never raced before or even been around the sport, so for me to run out and buy a race boat just to “Test” the waters is a little crazy to me.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

just a suggestion. get your boat out there. run class 5 safely, to the best of your ability. The rest of the fleet will most likely run away from you, so you wont have too many boats around you. Run at your pace until you get the hang of it. Then decide which route is best for you.

No need to dump aload of cash into something your not 100% sure about.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Amen!!!!!!! just wearing a helmet and jacket doesn't make you a racer, being competitive is where a racer is known. With that said, in OPA alone in P5 if you are not to par you will be in the way, experienced racers that run balls to the wall from the start. Good luck, it is a ruff sport with a bunch of maniacs going into turn one. :D
Albert

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Exactly! You need to start some place. My Class 5 has a maximum speed of 75mph – I’ll do my best to have my boat doing 74.9999 for Algonac.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

OPA has definately matured over the years. Some real serious hardware. Dont fool yourself into thinking Class 6 is for beginners. The first two boats you would have to deal with is The Michigan madman, Tyler Crockett, and the psycos in the Dukes Boat. BUT....We will help you in anyway we can to help you get comfortable in your boat, and get you to the front. Smitty

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

No kidding, the front-runners have some serious hardware in ANY class! But I look at it this way, 1991 I raced a few Supercross rounds in the 125 class, I knew I could not win – hell I would be lucky to make a main but the experience that those rounds gave me was priceless! I’m not looking to win, that’s crazy –I’m looking to have fun and see were it leads.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

That is the perfect attitude. Cant wait to meet you

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Thanks... I even have my Pit Crew Ready (From East Town on Gratiot) :evilb:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

My 1st race was a purpose built F1 boat w/ Lance Henrichsen throttling. I guess I'm just going on from my own experiences. The guy's playing around with pleasure F1 boats were never seen. Where did they go? You should be fine with easing into the sport. Good luck , I meant no bad will.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Forget the boat, just bring the pit crew. :evilb:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

I understand totally and thanks for the advice.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

That’s my Wife and her good friend! Totally normal but a blast to party with :evilb: … and yes they both already said they would not miss the first race.

~ P.S. Sorry Guys, They are both married.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Another thing to remember is the layup schedule is different on a pleasure boat , bulkheads , etc. I've seen many boats come apart. As I said I'm just trying to help. See ya in Destin!

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

They should fit in perfectly! :drink: Welcome to OPA :cool:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Rick -

Took me awhile to put two and two togetheron who ya were...glad to see another D-town homie gettin' the bug! First it was hockey (Wings), now baseball (Tigers) and soon domination of OPA offshore! Detroit's comin' around! LOL We'll have to get together over a beer sometime, sounds like you've got a lot of the same plans I did/do. As I think you know my "winter" project became my summer project and totally killed my racing plans (that and this new job!). Ok take that back...I ran the Algonac race in a rented boat but I would hardly call 40mph@3500rpm in a 75mph class racing! LOL Anyways, you're gonna be hooked once you try it for sure so be prepared...time and $$$$$. Upgrading your boat is ONLY way to go for trying it out. You're actually closer than you might think...mild mods, time spent dialing it in and you're good to go!

I'm still debating hitting Destin for the week or possibly just a long weekend. You got any plans to head down?

Thanks again OPA for giving us little guys a playground to play in!!!!

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Dont debate.....JUST DO IT !!!! :evilb:

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

oh ya, we need to pool our resources too. I have a couple to add to the pit crew.....

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

:eek: Dayum....you can ride with me as long as you bring the PITCREW :D

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Done! Sweet now I can build that blower motor like I want and just use my phantom for poker runs! Killer!

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Really want to go for sure. I'll be in Iowa for two weeks prior for work so it'd be a little crazy but I'm tryin'. Won't be draggin my carcass of a boat down though. Just coming for the action and parties. PM me if you have any of your MSD boxes left. I've still got some major bugs to work out before the snow settles in...

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

I should have signed up under my "Michigan Mafi Name" Pachanga_rick; But I signed up under my MX Chat board names... Opps...

Are you going to metro this weekend for the party? (Both Blondes in the photo will be. :D .) we can talk then about what I should be getting asap and what can wait.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

We have some P5 and P6 boats ready to go, as well as some boats you could rig yourself and customize. We would be willing to let you try something for the Worlds in Destin to see if it was for you. Let me know.

Chris Reindl
513.706-3199

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Hey Chris,
Just wanted to thank you and Dan for both OC and Cambridge MD...to bad the engine in Dan's wouldnt spin over 4300 rpms in Cambridge coulda been a contender. If ya happen to get an open seat i'll be in Destin i believe Dan has my number

Bernie
732-539-5882

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

The o.P.a. series has renewed my intrest after the disapointing Alwies years at A.P.B.A. You will be able to run your equpt at 80% thus it will live for another day and so will your wallet. The "dukes" boys{ P.6 }have a wattsup engine making 700 plus and don,t break. Crocketts Engine {P 6} is out of his lawn mower, he can,t help it he loves to make power. seriously I.ve had a couple of scarabs And a cigarette with small blocks, I don,t think thats your answer. A lite weight single engine boat with lots of H.P. at 80%will give you lots of fun and plenty of challenge .Twins are just to much work and expense for a new race effort.My concern is, you risk losing intrest befor you have the fun the vast majority of O,P.A. guys are experiancing. WE look forward to your arrival in O.P.A. "Grumpy1" Crockett Marine Engines.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

Single is the way to go...we destroyed both our motors (amongst other things :rolleyes: ) the first year, and are still recovering...

Hope to have the Beast out in 07.

See ya there...Good Luck!

Marty

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

It's spelled Allweiss. Mike did alot of great things for offshore racing , let's leave his name out. OPA is about unity , non bashing , not looking back to the past! Anyway back to the thread.
When you convert your pleasure boat to race , plan on loosing a ton of money when you get ready to sell it. Just trying to help guy's. There are alot of used race boats out there that are dialed in.

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

That’s were I’m lucky, I bought the boat (WELL) under market value at a repo yard last summer. I’ll set up and give it a run, If its something I enjoy I will build or buy a “race only” boat.

I truly appreciate all the help and encouragement you guys are offering, If all works out I’ll be seeing you at Round 1 2007

Re: Question about Opa-racing series
 

I can tell you're a good guy and will do well in offshore racing. Hope to see you in Destin!