What's Great About Stock Outboarding

[14-H]

Over the last month, I've received numerous calls and emails in response to a lot of the banter on HR about the state of our sport. Rest assured, there are many boat racers out there who make up the silent majority and who don't see things in the "doom and gloom" lens often portrayed here. So, in that light, I thought I'd mention just a few of the things that I think continue to be great about Stock Outboard Boatracing. I would invite all of you to share your thoughts in this thread as well.

First, kneel-down outboard racing still continues to be the starting ground for most of the "super stars" of powerboat racing. No one can argue with the fact that some of the most competitive drivers who go on to race in other categories get their start and learn their skills in outboard racing. Indeed, learning to start and drive in one of the A or C classes will give a powerboat racer an education and advantage in driving bigger boats that cannot be "learned" elsewhere.

Second, outboard racing is one of the few sports that requires both mental and physical abilities to compete. While many sports take strength, stamina and endurance to compete, the planning, ingenuity and strategy are not as necessary. Not in stock outboarding where design, set up and driving strategy are very important skills needed to be successful.

Third, outboard racing is a true family sport. The entire family participates and must help each other in order for the driver to succeed. This not only makes it fun, but it also makes the boat race an opportunity for the family to be together and work together. The result is that family relationships are strengthened because of participation in our sport.

While the economy in general has made a turn for the worse, boat racing participation has really not been affected to the same extent. I personally believe that it is for some of the reasons above. We can debate for years on end whether one class or engine should be combined with another or whether it shouldn't. In the grand scheme of things, however, our efforts really must be focused on preserving what is good about our sport. After all, that is what will attact other people to it and keep them racing.

[Shep]

Well said. That's a great reminder!

[raceright]

Agree as most will. But what is good for the sport is where the road is split.

Pat Wright

[blueskyracer]

Ed, thank you for saying something positive for a change. To many folks focus on the negative. When we go racing it is a team effort and we love meeting everyone again just to catch up. We love our extended family!!:usflag::usflag:

[nbass]

I started racing in 1961 and have been an enthusiasts ever since and raced last in about 2000 when we adopted a bunch of foster kids. I have run stock, mod and pro. I never set a record, did not finish a bunch of pro-class races and always had fun. I mostly enjoy technology and racing is a test of what was done in the shop. All to say, boat racing has been a great journey and I hope the sport will hang on through the bad economy. Ed, I hope you can further the sport.
Thanks,
Neil Bass

[B Walker]

The best thing about Stock Outboard (Mod and PRO too) is the comraderie.

Comraderie is the intense feeling of brotherhood felt by most racers that have extended the gift of trust to the driver beside them. The trust that they will not screw the pooch and do something careless and stupid that will injure or kill another person. This level of trust allows the highest level of competition and creates lifetime relationships that are extended throughout multiple family generations.

The only other place I have felt the same level of comraderie as powerboat racing was for the people I worked with when I was in war zones in the US Navy.

There are a lot of current and former miltary in outboard racing for a reason.

In the grand scheme of things, however, our efforts really must be focused on preserving what is good about our sport. After all, that is what will attract other people to it and keep them racing.

Ed, I agree with you that those three points are some of the greatest things about Stock Outboard racing. To be fair though those three things are consequences of the nature of the sport. Not results which may be changed by a rule or at the whim of the SORC. In other words, we can focus on preserving it but that wont fix anything.

The three points you have made have been true about Stock Outboard my entire life but I have watched the membership slowly decline over the last 35 years.

If we are not growing, we are dying.

Any predictions if there will be an increase or a decline in the membership for 2011?

I appreciate the attempt to change the tone but good feelings and good intentions will not fix what is broken in this sport.

Brad Walker

[burl11]

I realize I am probably not typical of most racers, or even typical of newcomers to the sport, but here is my story and why I race:

http://sorracing.yolasite.com/living-the-dream.php

I believe we have to build on the positives and work toward the best solutions for the sport. I lack the experience to offer many opinions on the issues of the day. I have met many great people with decades of racing experience, and have come to believe they have the best interest of the sport at heart. In the end, I trust the collective judgment of the racing community, and offer support to those interested in building a strong consensus to move forward in a positive direction.

[reed28n]

I have been the benefactor of all things good about boat racing. I have seen my family enjoy everything about the sport and even though many family members no longer race, it always enters the conversation at family gatherings. Always sharing stories about all of the positive things.

I watched this sport mature my nephews into boat racing family members, helping in the pits and learning some valuable life lessons from a broad spectrum of participants and through the victories and defeats ready to face them in the real world.

Because I left this sport from 15 to 30 years of age, I came back to the sport as a virtual newbie. Some of the names were the same, one of the classes was the same 20SSH. All of the other classes had different motors. So, much of my passion in debates on this web site are surrounding the experience of being that newbie coming back to the sport, trying to get the right information and the right equipment to be competitive.

I wanted to race BSR because that was the most attractive class to me as a kid. It was full fields of arguably the best racers in the sport. In 1992-93 that class was the 15 cubic inch Hot Rod. So that is what we got. We struggled for years and much of that was our own fault.

Scott Clark on the other hand didn't care what class he raced. He entered the sport at the same time on the East Coast and bought the only 25XSH that showed at many races. He likely would have quit if it was not for Bob Goller and Charlie Gonyea tutoring and helping him get into classes that had lots of boats.

Meanwhile back at the Reed camp we dug in for a long battle with the Hot Rod.

What is my point?

Everyone here that has stuck with this sport over the years has recognized the value and enjoyment of participating in our sport.

But for the new racer. Make our sport marketable to the small number of people we attract by having only good choices for these potential racers. A low number of classes with good quality motor choices that can be obtained new, that do not require a machine shop to maintain. Then we have the best of all worlds. Point to a National program and when some is attracted to some motor not on that platform let them race it a local races.

[nbass]

But for the new racer. Make our sport marketable to the small number of people we attract by having only good choices for these potential racers. A low number of classes with good quality motor choices that can be obtained new, that do not require a machine shop to maintain. Then we have the best of all worlds. Point to a National program and when some is attracted to some motor not on that platform let them race it a local races.

:claphands:I agree, the key is not to require the new to racing or new to the class to buy from the junk pile. :clever:

[raceright]

:claphands:I agree, the key is not to require the new to racing or new to the class to buy from the junk pile. :clever:

AMEN



Pat

[Graham]

:) Ed: Well said. I generated the South Shore Outboard Association Boat Racing History Manual in May 2001. The following quote was used and I think it applies always - " WE WOULD RATHER HAVE ONE MAN OR WOMEN WORKING WITH US THAN THREE MERELY WORKING FOR US" By: J. D. Day

Also stipulated in this manual are the following benefits of outboard racing which helps to build one's character.

1. Camaraderie.
2. Dealing/complying with outboard racing safety.
3. Increases one's awarness and reaction time.
4. Following a structured set of rules.
5. Forms lasting friendships.
6. Provides an opportunity to utilize ones individual mechanical, woodworking,
and engineering skills.
7. Therapeutic value.
8. Family travel and activity.

Last, I always new where my kid was!

Sincerely,
Don Graham

[David Weaver]

Well, from years of racing along side the SO category, I would say that Yamato SO racing motors make SO great. C stock hydro is the most exciting outboard class in racing (I have said this before, so I am not trying to work any agenda). Pound for pound, the 102's and 302's are simply great racing engines (as is the 80).

[blueskyracer]

:) Ed: Well said. I generated the South Shore Outboard Association Boat Racing History Manual in May 2001. The following quote was used and I think it applies always - " WE WOULD RATHER HAVE ONE MAN OR WOMEN WORKING WITH US THAN THREE MERELY WORKING FOR US" By: J. D. Day

Also stipulated in this manual are the following benefits of outboard racing which helps to build one's character.

1. Camaraderie.
2. Dealing/complying with outboard racing safety.
3. Increases one's awarness and reaction time.
4. Following a structured set of rules.
5. Forms lasting friendships.
6. Provides an opportunity to utilize ones individual mechanical, woodworking,
and engineering skills.
7. Therapeutic value.
8. Family travel and activity.

Last, I always new where my kid was!

Sincerely,
Don Graham

Don you said it all. When our daughter was growing up we did horses with her and had the same experiance. Plus we ALWAYS knew where she was. Much better than video games and texting

[blueskyracer]

Well, from years of racing along side the SO category, I would say that Yamato SO racing motors make SO great. C stock hydro is the most exciting outboard class in racing (I have said this before, so I am not trying to work any agenda). Pound for pound, the 102's and 302's are simply great racing engines (as is the 80).

So true, In three years we have won a lot with a 102 and 302 and I have never been on the end of a tow rope at a race. Always go out and come back on my own except for one swimming adventure. :rolleyes:

That goes for these engines in Mod also

[14-H]

Let me just add to this thread: what would be nice to hear are success stories. One of the best APBA national conventions I have been to was the one that took place two or three years ago where the Inboard Category put on a 1/2 day seminar about how to conduct a successful race. They had three race organizers from three of their most successful races give a presentation. It was very helpful and I have incorporated some of those ideas into my race at Dayton.

So I'll start it: At Dayton, the awards ceremony is very important. Anyone who has been to my Dayton race knows this. When we ran the SO Nationals in 2005, we had a qualifiers party and gave out fastest qualifiers awards. Our finals drivers meeting WAS the qualifiers party where we had our DJ call each qualifier up to the stage one-by-one with the music playing. That was our required roll call.

While we have cut back on giving trophies, we still consider our Saturday night party very important and give tropies to the J and AX classes as well as our highpoint and fast lap awards.

One other thought: One of our club members made center pieces for the tables that were wooden racing boats this year. We auctioned those off and made an additional $300 that helped pay for the facility. Great fundraiser and we had fun during the auction.

[14-H]

***I appreciate the attempt to change the tone but good feelings and good intentions will not fix what is broken in this sport.

Brad Walker

Brad: No one agrees with you more that "good feelings" are not a fix. No one disagrees with you more that there is something "broken" about our sport.

While there are certainly many things that can be done better, this sport still has many very good things to offer.

[Graham]

:boat: The following is taken from the manual I reference earlier concerning benefits of SO Racing. Looks like this thread may become very constructive so I would like to quote again. One paragraph taken from the 2001 manual is as follows and remember this actually applied to the South Shore Outbord Association membership but certainly can be adapted in principle county-wide. PARAGRAPH XII 2001 AND BEYOND

The following information pertains to some outboard racing issues and
ideas that should be addressed by SSOA throughout the millenium
years. SSOA has a membership with many talents and expertise to
assist in deciding our future as outboard racers. With this in mind,
we at SSOA invite the membership to supply ideas and most
importantly "solutions"

* SSOA will generate a five year plan outling outboard boat racing
items of importance and a means to get them accomplished. We will
seek membership advice where required.

* Communicate with other Regions soliciting their input.

* OBTAIN MORE MEDIA COVERAGE - Get outboard racing out there
where people will hear about it. I.e., newspapers, membership local
towns, local town TV, word of mouth and any other way deemed
necessary.

* Investigate new engine posibilities for outboard boat racing with
technical folks, manufacturers and APBA.

* Investigate along with other Regions the possibility of locating
two or three race sites that could be utilized alternating weekends.
Under this scenario, racers would be able to have events throughout
the entire racing season. The alternating sites could be highly
publicized in the anticipation of attracting new racing members and
spectatorship.

Remember that the above was generated for SSOA but can apply anywhere.
Each racing club should have a plan. REMEMBER - IT'S EVERY MEMBERS
RESPONSIBILITY TO PROMOTE OUTBOARD BOAT RACING. Go get em!!

I enjoy watching and you folks must ensure the enjoyment.

Sincerely,
Don Graham

[raceright]

Well, from years of racing along side the SO category, I would say that Yamato SO racing motors make SO great. C stock hydro is the most exciting outboard class in racing (I have said this before, so I am not trying to work any agenda). Pound for pound, the 102's and 302's are simply great racing engines (as is the 80).

This is a joke right. (as ha happened before David I see red and you see blue lolololo)

[raceright]

Brad: No one agrees with you more that "good feelings" are not a fix. No one disagrees with you more that there is something "broken" about our sport.

While there are certainly many things that can be done better, this sport still has many very good things to offer.

I think I'll stop now as most of you know how I stand in reguards to this topic so good luck and you know what Ed maybe if you are up to it we should have a few beers in Detroit and I might be able to make you see a few things I believe you need to see. (I do have trouble believing you are a conservative)

Pat Wright

[reed28n]

We are celebrating celebating! Nothing tops a good awards ceremony coommmmmbahhhyaaa...........

I think what Ed is trying to say, is people that race love to attend events. Not just back yard races. So let's just say that everyone that races loves racing. And it doesn't suck to get a trophy in front of your peers and hear the appplause. That is great fun!

How do we get more people to love racing? That is the debate.

And Ed I know you are a little to the right of the aisle .......but I have to side with Pat you sound a little soft....

[B Walker]

Ed, I am honestly incredulous you think nothing is broken in Stock Outboard.
Please put away your rose colored glasses before you read any further.

Here are a few things I think are broken:

1)No plan for motor of choice in every class that is available new or reconditioned.

2)No plan or process for sunsetting a class with poor or even no participation.

3)No plan for membership growth and retention.

4)No plan for promoting Stock Outboard.

5)No long term (more than 1 year) plans for anything of any sort

I am sure the gallery will chime in with more.

The decline in membership is the elephant in the room. There has been a gradual decline in membership scince the membership peak in 1974.

Increasing the membership base solves a lot of problems. It lowers everyones entry fees. It provides fresh ideas and leadership. It provides a higher level of competition.

A higher level of competition drives membership growth. It comes full circle

Membership growth is the key to the future of Stock Outboard.

There is a 30+ year history of decisions by leadership to "protect the trailerbox" that have driven away the "joe average boatracer". As Dana noted several years ago we dont have a problem getting new racers, we have a problem keeping them.

But it is all OK, there is "nothing broken in Stock Outboard"

BW

In the spirit of the original poster I tried to attatch a picture of a unicorn pooping a rainbow to give out good vibrations to the boat racing community.

[pops67g]

First I am trying to figure if you're angry, bitter, disappointed or just plain don't like Ed. Whatever it is I guess there is something that you are free to do and that is - have you figured it out yet? - quit racing and do something else! Find yourself an activity that is perfect in every way and immerse yourself in it. It should be easy to find because all you have to do is follow the huge throng of other people who must be already doing it.

[B Walker]

Stock Outboard membership: less than 1k

Jet ski racing members nationally 4.5K international: 32k

Lawn mower racing membership: 5K

Bar stool racing membership: 4K

Snow machine racing 6k

Dont even ask about Karting cuz it is over 100K internationally.

Bar stool racing has 8X more members than Stock Outboard?

BW

In the spirit of the original poster I tried to attatch a picture of stars and glitter but it got stuck in the scanner

[B Walker]

First I am trying to figure if you're angry, bitter, disappointed or just plain don't like Ed. Whatever it is I guess there is something that you are free to do and that is - have you figured it out yet? - quit racing and do something else! Find yourself an activity that is perfect in every way and immerse yourself in it. It should be easy to find because all you have to do is follow the huge throng of other people who must be already doing it.

Angry, bitter, dissapointed, dont like Ed?

None of the above and sorry it came across that way. If you had ever met me you would find me one of the most postive people you had ever met.

I simply fundamentally dissagree with Ed on very basic issues regarding the future of Stock Outboard and to walk away from them would be taking the easy way out.

None of this is personal with Ed and I am sure he understands it but we have a very long history of dissagreement on most issues regarding Stock Outboard.

I am sure some of my posts come across negatively but in context and taken as a complete body of work I have worked hard and long to support and improve Stock Outboard racing.

BW

In the spirit of the original poster I tried to attatch a video of Cartman from South Park and his experiences with rainbows

[raceright]

Stock Outboard membership: less than 1k

Jet ski racing members nationally 4.5K international: 32k

Lawn mower racing membership: 5K

Bar stool racing membership: 4K

Snow machine racing 6k

Dont even ask about Karting cuz it is over 100K internationally.

Bar stool racing has 8X more members than Stock Outboard?

BW

In the spirit of the original poster I tried to attatch a picture of stars and glitter but it got stuck in the scanner

Because you can buy the stuff at almost any local dealer in the neighborhood.
Pat Wright

[David Weaver]

This is a joke right. (as ha happened before David I see red and you see blue lolololo)

12 C stock hydro's abreast is as exciting as gets in my opinion. That's does not mean that other exciting classes do not exist (they do).

[xcsp700]

Hmm let me see , In the last two seasons I have had my fair share of problems trying to get back into boat racing but through it all the one thing that has kept my attitude positive is the willingness of fellow racers offer to lend their help to keep me going for that I am truly thankful and I hope some day I can do the same THATS WHAT I THINK IS GREAT ABOUT STOCK OUTBOARD RACING :2cents:

[Big Don]

Stock Outboard membership: less than 1k

Jet ski racing members nationally 4.5K international: 32k

Lawn mower racing membership: 5K

Bar stool racing membership: 4K

Snow machine racing 6k

Dont even ask about Karting cuz it is over 100K internationally.

Bar stool racing has 8X more members than Stock Outboard?

BW

In the spirit of the original poster I tried to attatch a picture of stars and glitter but it got stuck in the scanner

Just a question...or a statement
What were their memberships at in their heydays? Have they seen a steady decline?
BTW...I just had a long conversation with a guy who races stand up jet ski's...he was telling me all their problems...I could have swore he was talking about boat racing...my point, don't act like we are alone in our issues every hobby similar to ours has the same issues.
Briefly he said…
Sponsorship has steadily gone away for the local races
Insurance has skyrocketed
The new person getting into our sport want to win right away and not work at it, they wanted it handed to them
People don’t like to travel
They can’t justify spending the money for a top rig for the reward
He went on and on but I would have swore he was talking about boat racing
Does that mean we shouldn't try to get more members and figure out how to keep them, No we need to.

But I also agree with Ed there are a lot of good things about our sport it's not all doom and gloom.

[reed28n]

Just a question...or a statement
What were their memberships at in their heydays? Have they seen a steady decline?
BTW...I just had a long conversation with a guy who races stand up jet ski's...he was telling me all their problems...I could have swore he was talking about boat racing...my point, don't act like we are alone in our issues every hobby similar to ours has the same issues.
Briefly he said…
Sponsorship has steadily gone away for the local races
Insurance has skyrocketed
The new person getting into our sport want to win right away and not work at it, they wanted it handed to them
People don’t like to travel
They can’t justify spending the money for a top rig for the reward
He went on and on but I would have swore he was talking about boat racing
Does that mean we shouldn't try to get more members and figure out how to keep them, No we need to.

But I also agree with Ed there are a lot of good things about our sport it's not all doom and gloom.

Sponsorship is one good thing about Stock Outboard Racing. I have stated in the past that SO is somewhat insulated from the sponsorship cut backs because we were just never good at getting them. SO is racer sponsored. You pay your APBA membership, you pay to get to the race and your entry fees typically pay for the event.

I am starting to see there is really not much reason to deabte the state of Stock Outboard. We have too many members that just want to leave it alone. They don't want change. Stock Outbaord is a club. We are not forecasters or planners. We are operations people and maintenance people. Maintain what we have. If someone wants to join let'em, if they don't we'll race anyway. And that will be our legacy.

[pops67g]

Big Don, at least in my experience, is stating the obvious. Too many young people in this day and age are so wrapped up in themselves and into instant gratification. Any activity that does not yield fame and fortune is rarely considered as something they would like to do. Add the complication of a learning curve such as boat racing (or any serious racing) requires and it's a no go. Stuff showrooms with our type of racing equipment and I still think the main source of new racers is our own gene pool.

[Bill Huson]

What is great about our sport is even though we are in competition with each other, we help each other out. Example: One year at Camden my 15ssH was smokin' fast and I was winning every heat. 2nd day I loaned Brad Walker my son's best wheel and the dirty rat beat me with my wheel! I laughed - good fun.

Okay, that's my cheer for Ed. But I cheer for Brad as well. Our sport does need fixing. I don't have the answers, but a few suggestions: When I got into SO membership was dismal. In the next few years Region 4 more than doubled it's racer numbers when other regions were suffering a decline. What was different?

A. We put out a newsletter which sent to CVRA members and out of region racers known to attend our events. I seem to recall spending $40-$50 a month on stamps but it was worth it. Of course clubs could now use the internet to post newsletters, but I am a Luddite and prefer to sit in my comfy chair with a cuppa coffee and read actual paper with words on it.

B. Test rides! Yes, K&K would have pitched a hissy-fit if the knew about all our shenanigans, but we had fun! After the day of racing we would set up a few boats, ASH, 20ssH, CSH, and even a 500ccH PRO boat one time. Deal was if you wanted to try it out get in line. We'd fit them out with borrowed gear, give them quick instructions, fire it up and turn `em loose!

I believe those two things resulted in fielding lot of new race drivers and keeping them involved.

Oh yeah, now and again we would cut a little slack. Example: One time three guys showed up at Camden with CSH rigs. River racers. Our inspector (bless his dear departed soul) was convinced their engines had been worked over and was itching to do a tear down. Sez me - they've never raced with a full field, so let `em race. They raced. Did fairly well and had so much fun they became regulars. Steve Dunn was one of three and he is very active in our sport today, organizing races in Tabor City, NC and elsewhere.

My 2 cents. You go, Brad!

[B Walker]

If Reed is giving up on change in Stock Outboard then why am I beating my head against the wall?

Bill, I got the numbers off that prop then called Dewald first thing Mon morning and placed an order. It was my best wheel in ASR, ASH, 15SSH and 15SSR for the next 5-6 years.

Thank you :)

I sure miss racing at Camden, NC.....

BW

[nbass]

Stock needs to return to it's roots, off the shelf engines, at least for a couple of classes. Try racing off the shelf 20HP 4-cycle engines, fishing lower unit and all. Pick somthing where several manufacturers are available. I bet the membership would grow. I might even buy one for my 12-year old. Cooperation with manufacturers needs to improve 250%. Maybe the large manufacturers would get interested again. It is not that hard, just do it.

I started racing wildcat with a 16HP scot atwater, then a mark 15, and a KG7. Then I moved to APBA racing a KG4.
Neil

[immulmen]

Stock needs to return to it's roots, off the shelf engines, at least for a couple of classes. Try racing off the shelf 20HP 4-cycle engines, fishing lower unit and all. Pick somthing where several manufacturers are available. I bet the membership would grow. I might even buy one for my 12-year old. Cooperation with manufacturers needs to improve 250%. Maybe the large manufacturers would get interested again. It is not that hard, just do it.

I started racing wildcat with a 16HP scot atwater, then a mark 15, and a KG7. Then I moved to APBA racing a KG4.
Neil

This is a quote of a reply to one of my posts with a similar idea.

"Cost effective stock motor racing to attract new racers like most every other motorsport and boat racing country in the world has????

You'll likely get banned for mentioning such a thing... "

[blueskyracer]

I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.

[immulmen]

I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.

My son Silas has been racing for 3 years and I raced a little last year and more this year. The best part of racing is the people and I can't stress that enough. The first person we met at a race was Billy Allen. He helped set up Silas's CSH and gave him instructions on how to drive. I also want to thank Mike Cook for letting him try his CSR then letting him use a 302 until he can get his own. [anyone want a 25xs at a good price? It kept up with the best of them at Kingston with a rocky behind the wheel]
Chris

[nbass]

I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.

I think boat racing is great, but we need to make it available to others. I did not mean to detract from the message. I will make no further comments.
Neil

[raceright]

Stock needs to return to it's roots, off the shelf engines, at least for a couple of classes. Try racing off the shelf 20HP 4-cycle engines, fishing lower unit and all. Pick somthing where several manufacturers are available. I bet the membership would grow. I might even buy one for my 12-year old. Cooperation with manufacturers needs to improve 250%. Maybe the large manufacturers would get interested again. It is not that hard, just do it.

I started racing wildcat with a 16HP scot atwater, then a mark 15, and a KG7. Then I moved to APBA racing a KG4.
Neil

DITTO DITTO if we are wrong we are wrong but with out trying ya will never know

Oh and just for the record outboard racing is great,but a future depends on leadership and growth. Am I wrong about that???

[Bill Huson]

If Reed is giving up on change in Stock Outboard then why am I beating my head against the wall?

Bill, I got the numbers off that prop then called Dewald first thing Mon morning and placed an order. It was my best wheel in ASR, ASH, 15SSH and 15SSR for the next 5-6 years.

Thank you :)

I sure miss racing at Camden, NC.....

BW

Yep. Since Jeff wasn't racing I passed the wheel to Billy Z who used it on A & 15 hydro and runabouts as well. Dang good wheel for sure.

[Racerkyle20]

If it were not for stock outboard i don't know what cool stuff i'd have? a morgage? overated! a newer car? overated! how about a girlfriend that will stick with you through one season of racing?! LOL

Point is I choose to spend my time and money is a sport that is unique, fun, family oriented, competitive, and also has great networking. If boat racing was not in my life i would not have the friends (even best friend) that i have today. I've been around SO for 15 years, growing up from J stock to D stock. And still can't get enough!

For the newer folks. It's just like any other sport...you put time and effort and wins, etc will come. I like to use basketball as an example, sure LeBron James is a gifted athlete, but how many hours upon hours did he perfect that jumper before he was even thought of as a great basketball player? He made himself an NBA player. J Michael Kelly, JW Myers, Chip Hanaur, etc. These guys have put years into boat racing before they got paid to do it. Where did they start? Stock Outboard. It's a great starting point for those inspired to become paid drivers. And also a great place for folks who just want to come out to the races, go fast for a few laps, then drink a few spirited beverages with fun people after.

It's an atmosphere we offer, an arena for folks to hone racing skills in a safe, competitive enviornment. Sure theres some things we could change to make it better, and maybe class consolidation is one, maybe it's another idea. The great part about the sport is you can have an input. Whether you think you do or not.

Tha's what I love about Stock outboard racing.

[STEVE FRENCH]

Stock needs to return to it's roots, off the shelf engines, at least for a couple of classes. Try racing off the shelf 20HP 4-cycle engines, fishing lower unit and all. Pick somthing where several manufacturers are available. I bet the membership would grow. I might even buy one for my 12-year old. Cooperation with manufacturers needs to improve 250%. Maybe the large manufacturers would get interested again. It is not that hard, just do it.

I started racing wildcat with a 16HP scot atwater, then a mark 15, and a KG7. Then I moved to APBA racing a KG4.
Neil

QUOTE=blueskyracer;169022]I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.[/QUOTE]

I think boat racing is great, but we need to make it available to others. I did not mean to detract from the message. I will make no further comments.
Neil

HEY!!!! NEIL/nbass.... I get it/what ya ment!!!!..............And it IS constructive!!!!!........:2cents:

Ron Hill 19/C Prop builder has been hammer'n the same philosophy all along!!!!

Here's a..... "What's Great About Stock Outboarding" .............STOCK outboarding /OPC class very close to what you refer... http://hydroracer.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8433

[raceright]

QUOTE=blueskyracer;169022]I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.



HEY!!!! nbass.... I get it/what ya ment!!!!..............And it IS constructive!!!!!........:2cents:

Here's a..... "What's Great About Stock Outboarding" .............STOCK outboarding /OPC class very close to what you refer... http://hydroracer.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8433[/QUOTE]

The time to race off the shelf engines is now. Believe me the outboard MFG. need the business,and there are quite a few around.
Ya might get them to compete with each other if ya start using there engines. Do not be foolish and make a class for a motor open it up to several MFG's. Won't happen over night--needs planning and time.

[pav225]

Well, from years of racing along side the SO category, I would say that Yamato SO racing motors make SO great. C stock hydro is the most exciting outboard class in racing (I have said this before, so I am not trying to work any agenda). Pound for pound, the 102's and 302's are simply great racing engines (as is the 80).

I couldn't agree more!!! We been able to get many new people started in our Region because of high quality, low price Yamatos!

- Mike

[kampkurz]

There are so many great things about stock outboard. Many of those things have been mentioned in this thread. That's why I'm in love with it, the positive things! They far out-weigh the negative.
I've been a racing member for only three years, but have been involved at several levels since I first met Craig Bowman at the 'Piney' a few years before we had our first 'KampKurz'. I think I met Craig in '82', he'll correct me if wrong I'm sure.
As I am a relatively new member, I tend to let the veterans do most of the decision making. They are people that I admire and respect. Still, I find the negative attitude of some of these veterans, that I have yet to meet, rather disgusting. Sure there are a few things that could be fixed, but a large portion of the conversation seems to focus on the negative. If I strung all those negative comments in a row and was forced to read them back to back, I am certain there would be a large grey cloud over my head and I would be trying not to cry. Honestly.
I think this sport is the greatest, and we are all lucky to get together once in a while to race and hang out. Lets stick together, do what we can, but remember that we are lucky folks, indeed. I'm not afraid of change, and I still have hope. Can't wait for next season. Mark Kurz

[Islandmon]

I thought the title of this thread was what you like about Stock racing. There is another thread or two going with all the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please use it.


Thank you Mike :yes: !!!

Ok, here's my two cents. For me it's about the whole package. By that I mean it's the sights, sounds, smells and noise. It's great paint jobs and some not so great. It's about testing and making improvements. It's about pitting next to your friends and making a mad dash to get each other’s rigs in the water and then having time of your life racing for 2nd or 3rd against your buds.

It's about pot luck dinners, thunder storms and nervous walks to an outhouse that's too far away. It's about sunburns, cold water and long drives. Ok I think you get the picture, can't wait for 2011 :boat:.

As as side bar note if you really want to find out how to attract and retain new drivers ...........why not ask them. It wouldn’t be too hard to develop a data base of every driver with five years or less time within SO racing. Just a thought.

Sam,

[racer121M]

Well said Mark and Sam!! I have been hooked on stock outboard racing since the mid 50's when I saw my first Top O marathon from the banks of a very remote and wild Devil's Elbow. I can remember drawing pictures of runabouts with KG4s and 7s and Champ outboards when I was 10. I was entranced by the speed and agility of the boats as they wound around the hairpin turns. Like any other hobby/sport there are pluses and minuses but for me the good is far more common than the bad.

[Gunjumper]

"It's about pot luck dinners, thunder storms and nervous walks to an outhouse that's too far away. It's about sunburns, cold water and long drives. Ok I think you get the picture, can't wait for 2011."

Agreed... I've had more fun doing all of these things than the actual boat time. I've heard this line many times: "the racing gets in the way of the rest of the fun stuff", I believe this to be true. On the course or off, no matter what happens in Detroit, my family will be involved in Stock Outboard until the end. Greg Lyons

[reed28n]

My Grandfather Gerald Reed (founder of The Fishers Landing Racing Club in 1949) and my late Uncle Donnie doing a little testing on the St. Lawrence River in Fishers Landing New York.

APBA started in New York.

[aojesus]

One of the greatest things about stock outboard is the great friendships you never would have found if it weren't for the racing. Many of the friends become family for life.

Amy and Emily Hutchinson Jesup Fall 2010

[Islandmon]

[QUOTE=reed28n;169143]My Grandfather Gerald Reed (founder of The Fishers Landing Racing Club in 1949) and my late Uncle Donnie doing a little testing on the St. Lawrence River in Fishers Landing New York.

Boy if that's not a Norman Rockwell moment I don't know what is.

[Racerkyle20]

<a href="http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z253/racerky/?action=view&current=7729_626987365403_27203903_37283089_427355 6_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z253/racerky/7729_626987365403_27203903_37283089_4273556_n.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Jonathan Nilsen, Jamie Nilsen, Zach Malhiot, Kyle Bahl (2000)

Exuse the poor photo quality...lol

[blueskyracer]

thats what the sport is all about !!!:usflag::claphands:

[dsprint2000]

What's great about SO racing? That you can use a motor that is 25+ years old still be competitive in CSR. That you can be with like-minded people and have a fantastic time every time you show up at a race site. That mpst of the time, the best times happen after the boats and all of us are dry. That you never get beat on the beach - everyone makes sure everyone gets on the water to race...... among other things.....

David

[ram95]

My Grandfather Gerald Reed (founder of The Fishers Landing Racing Club in 1949) and my late Uncle Donnie doing a little testing on the St. Lawrence River in Fishers Landing New York.

APBA started in New York. I didn't know that!!!

But, I do have my name on the "Donnie Reed Memorial" trophy, I am some proud to say.

Alex Poliakoff
the "Mad Russian" 12A DSH

[Matt Dagostino]

The BEST part of Stock Outboard Racing is bonding with the kids and eventually having them grow to kick your butt!! I still have nightmares of Val and Justin passing me on the outside!!

Val is in the yellow helmet!! Passing me..........

Matt