Dean....I agree we need sum type of sponsor support....but I may have something coming.....I think it is time that we get some kind of backing on some of our equipment....I think my engine package will be a big test for 09....and can open the door on a lot of things for the racers....

OPA is big enough that a program like this would work.....compitition is great in every type of bussiness.....it won't be overnight....but if people are discussing options and are showing interested in this economy.....that is a very good sign....

No Randy not kidding at all. I would be willing to bet that the 85 OPA teams run more Mercury parts than any other organization. If they are parked in KW with 45 boats and the majority are P Class racers, why wouldn't they want to come to St Clair where there were more boats? Heck Harrison Twp had 43 boats in our first year. Merc is only one example, OPA has the show and perhaps if they did become sponsors they would benefit not only from the racers $ but gain wallet share from the spectators. Remember they sell alot more than just 850s, they sell props, drives, oil, 525s, etc. These companies aren't there to support you, they are there to promote their companies. Supporting you is the cost for them to be there. So it is about exposure.

As an organization, OPA has leverage. We spend a lot of money as a group and "perform" on a relatively large stage. We should promote that. I would bet that most of our events have greater fan exposurer than the vast majority of poker runs.

And Randy what benefits the OPA will also benefit you and all of offshore.

Also besides what we buy for our race boats and what potential impact on the fans sponsors like Mercury may have, alot of us also have Mercury equipment in our pleasure boats as well. Also there are some people in OPA that are in the performace marine business that sell and service companies like Mercury marine. Just one example

Has anybody from the OPA called Mercury?

Sean , I don't know for sure. Merc was only one example of who we should be working with. There are penalty of allainces we should work. From an OPA branded cash back credit card to Holiday Inn. We have seen how many little stickers are on NASCARs, we should make a killing, my boat is at least twice as big as one of the cars. :drink:

750 teams don't have time to call, they are out boating. it seems it's the belt throwing, oil leaking, gaurdians that need attention. just my opinion, but before bashing of my opinion starts, fire up another thread so we can keep this one on rail.

I actually think that they would only come to an OPA race if they would benefit from the teams,,,,,,,,,Mercury does not need any advertisment at a race because they have enuff worl wide.
So if they dont atleast make 3 K a day for there efort to show up,,,,they will not be there.:eek:

I would make that on my list of who to call if I was promoting a race site. Hint, hint Dean. :drink:

Merc is a great asset at a race. Securing their support may bring more teams in that may otherwise not show. For a 850/525 team its like having an extra crew member or two whenever you need them.

i saw more 750 boats not finish laps in KW than 850... but thats not really what this thread is about now huh? :drink:

And you drive it much slower too, so the fans have plenty of time to read the sides as you cruise by.