Input on Changing "P" class speeds
 

There is a older thread in the SBI section that talks about changing the "P" class speeds. I know a few of you OPA guys have posted on there, and I appreciate it. I just wanted to invite all of you that might not other wise see it, to check out the thread and would appreciate your input.

I think having a set of uniform rules/speeds in "P" class racing would be a step in the right direction, for the good of the sport.


As the AMF guys would say "united we race"

Brad

I think it would be great, but looking at the thread it doesn't look like the SBI teams wanted to change. I'm sure OPA rules are locked for two more years and I don't think all 84 teams in OPA would vote a change. I haven't heard anyone in OPA say they weren't happy with the current speeds.

I have a question is sbi using the rules from the original APBA. If this is the case they other groups should adapt.

Up until 2005, SBI was running based on max avg lap speeds, while OPA was running boat top speed in optimum conditions, which was adopted from APBA. This year OPA added P-6 class and bumped the max speeds in each class up by 5mph. OPA doesnt need to adapt. They decided what works best for them. Maybe someday they will all align, but not today.

not when opa is doing it and has the most boats:D

If giving a little will get the Worlds together, maybe each org. can give a mile or 2 in each direction.? Don't hate me I'm happy with the speeds we have now, just a suggestion:D

Brad, Can you organize, (not on your own, through SBI) a conference call with the P class teams, that our class reps can join in on, to begin this disscussion. I will call you and JC on monday. Thanks. Smitty

I don't see it as an OPA vs SBI thing, I see it as OPA only has the class 1-6 format, they have spent much more time perfecting (tweaking) the class series and rules, I don't see how you can do better than the Tracking System OPA is using now. Just my .02

Eddie

I will do / try anything to help!!
Brad

opa its the best set up, so others should bend a little. OPA has the best set up:cool:

I appreciate everyones input, I know that OPA has done a lot with their class series and rules, and seem to have it down to a science.

We plan on racing a few OPA races this year and I'm excited to see how thier tracking devise works.

But last year when we raced in SBI I don't recall any problems with the GPS set up that they had.

I think it is safe to say that both work just fine and that they are just doing it differently. That is the point, however we do it I really don't care, we just need to make more uniform.

Brad

My problem is that I couldn't race with the same boats in SBI that I Race with in OPA, thats my concern. SBI has a 28' limit
for class 5.

Eddie
#568

I know I'll get jumped for not having a dog in this discussion but here it goes. Eddie, when you inquired as to race F1 with SBI/APBA, consessions were brought to my attention in order to allow your previous F1 motor to be grandfathered in(I think it was a HP2 vortec something like that), in order to allow you to race. You never came, hence no concessions were made. You could easily move into the ORL if you wish to remain up north and then run the NC and NYC SBI/APBA races in F1. Also if you revert the speeds back to where they were ie P5 70, P4 80, P3 90, P2 100, and P1 110 then you would fit into the P4 class nicely and cross the lines. Also there wouldnt be a need for the P6 class and that makes more boats, less classes. Wasnt the P6 class created because of the F1's running P5?(I dont know, just what I was told) Boats then could be built for the class and not vice versa. It seemed to work for APBA LLC way back, why wouldnt it work now?

Eddie, you have a hell of a boat and you are one hell of a racer, but dont take this me as wanting you specifically to come race with Frank and I(the invitation is always open) but you now have the ORL up there and Brian seems to have it together for the F1's to make a comeback. Why not race in F1?

Trent

Now I See how people get sucked into this BS, First of all I never asked for any concessions or contacted anyone to Race F1 with SBI, I was contacted by a SBI as to what motor I was running and that they were trying to bring back the class. All I said is that I was still running the HP3 and that I would not buy yet another engine to race F1. Give me one reason the new (06') OPA format is not better than is was previously and that of what SBI is running now. These changes were made (P6) to allow the smaller 24's and SOB's a place to Race and (P5) to separate the F1 and equivalent boats from Racing the larger twin engine boats. We had great competition all year in all classes.

Trent are you and Frank committed to running ORL this year? ORL needs commitments from teams now that they will run with them. If you guys dont step up now with the only two F1 boats that are running in that spec. class, the class may die before it starts. I have stated before I am in but I need someones a$$ to kick and you and Frank are on the top of my list!!!!!!
Love MD:evilb: :evilb:

Eddie,

I apologize, by no means are you trying to be sucked in. I was either lied to or severly mis-informed by the F1 group(as it was)

Candy, we are here anytime and with you commiting to ORL the last time I checked they have KEY WEST on the schedule, I am glad that you are doing what is best for the sport, putting your ego aside and look forward to racing you there.

I havent spoke to Frank in some time in reference to this so I refuse to put words in his mouth. As far as me commiting, I go where the sponsors tells me to go. I have submitted the SBI/APBA, ORL, and OPA schedule to them since those are the series that my boat is eligible to run in. They havent responded as of yet, but when they do you are the first to know besides my team.

Thank you once again for putting your ego aside and commiting to KW, it goes to show since you are a leader in this sport and everyone looks up to you that you are willing to do what is best for the sport. I look forward to show-down that has been brewing for what, 5 years now!

xxx's + ooo's,

T-Bone

Randy, if you care to discuss more about Frank and I and the F1 class, either start a new thread or you can call me, but we need to let this thread get back on track.

Trent

Sorry ...I have to ask

How the hell did you come up with T Bone?:confused:

:evilb:
http://www.foodlion.com/ButchersBrand/images/T-Bone.jpg

I didnt come up with it, some buddies did when I sat down and ate 2 20 ounce T-bones at one sitting. With the first name starting with "T" I guess it kinda stuck. Nice call Rick! I only sign off with it on special occasions and Candy, well he is a special occasion:p

Trent

I answered the question, lets let them have their thread back

Back to input. OPA has the best system hands down on controlling a run what you brung type of boats. The classes were set up by Mark Henderson with the intent on fair racing with simular size boats. All the teams in OPA were in favor of these classes and with the new GPS tracking system its a no brainier. OPA has locked down these rules for 3 years and at are last meeting in 07 awards there wasnt one team that had ANY questions or concerns. Can you imagine a room with 30 teams in it and every team saying dont change the rules everything is
good the way it is! With that being said and the huge growth of OPA in the last year I would love to see SBI alighn themselves with the same rules. If you truly want unity SBI should look real hard at the class 1-6 rules and make the hard call to unite the two organizations. This can only be done by adopting the OPA rules. It sounds harsh and one sided but it is working really good for OPA with big growth.
MD

Great Post RANDY, Glad to see you using spell check!:D

See Ya in Biloxi.

Smitty, where is this topic at? Are changes still being considered, haven't heard anything lately.

Yes, Things are moving forward.

Smitty I could not download the 2007 rules. Are the speed classes the same as last year? And what about entry fees. Are there race entry fees this year or is J Haggin still helping out?
Thanks

Hey, all is the same as last year. No changes to any of the classes, and no entrance fees. I believe Haggin and AMF are on line for three of our races. He is still in support of anything we do. Smitty

Smitty sounds good Thanks

That's cool! :drink: