Not sure if this has been asked before... Why don't we have a bomber or junker class for guys like me that have no racing experience? I was going to start with thunderboats this year but after seeing some of the beautiful TBs like Scott's and Aaron's I would be terrified to race with them for fear of running into them. Sure would be nice if there was a class where you brought a boat that you EXPECTED to not come back without a scratch. I bet a lot more people would start racing if there were such a class.

If wisdom is worth anything .... don't put pricey paint jobs on your RACE boats.
Rattle can paints jobs are like fine canvas paintings They look best from a distance

I agree...I don't race "pretty" boats! lol And if other guys do, well it was their own decision to put them out there. I know what you mean though and I have always hated the thought of busting up someone else's boat, but it has happened and the favor has been re-payed a few times also! It's all part of racing!

I DO think it would be a blast though to have a class for bumping, no lane infractions etc... just get 'er done and get around the course 6 times without cutting the buoys...would be fun...I would get me some of those rub rails like on the WHH boats...in fact, I would simply GET a WHH boat period. Those things are rock solid! There SHOULD be a class for them, it would be a blast!

I hear ya on that one My problem is last year I entered my first race and things went really bad and it made me not want to race again. I hit a bouy dead on but my cat landed fine and I thought everything was ok so I stayed in the race. When I reached the next corner I realized something was wrong because the boat wasn't turning well and was pretty much out of control. (The rudder was flipped up) I was focused on my boat and nothing else and just cut the engine. I didn't notice that a boat was right behind me and he ran over my boat. My boat didn't even get a scratch and the other boat was heavily damaged as it hit my engine. To make matters worse it was the race promotors' boat. Lots of people were mumbling stuff under their breath and some were yelling at the CD that they wanted me DQd for the day. My son and I felt like crawling under the sod. My son and I both want to race but I think we will be 10X more nervous next time.

Hey we all started the same way you have to learn somehow, 3 years ago was my first race and I felt just like you, in fact I almost threwup on the drivers stand. As the day progressed I figured out that these guys put there pants on one leg at a time just like me. Get out there and have fun. Gary

LS 27 mono is as close as Ya get, just stay in lane 12 and out of trouble for your first few races . I too would like to see a bomber class for new boaters.

The stock class was set up with new boaters in mind and the first thing all the hot shot boaters did was to build a special boat/motor combo for that class and generally kick the beginners ass.

I see people on race day that have not run boats enough to be able to keep a lane. I feel all the new guys should be able to do that before racing.

Another thing is I have seen a new boater show up with a custom painted sport hydro to race and he couldn't even keep it on the pond , come to find out that he had been running cheapo electric toys and had his boat custom built and tested by one of the well known builders. Not really a beginners race boat.

I could go on with more examples but there is a real need for a class LIMITED to novices and run what ya brung.

My 2 cents worth

Riggerman,

I go to races all over the place and I can tell you that you should not quit racing. Get back up there and do it again. I wish you would race in my district as I would make sure to pit for you and explain to you what is actually going on and what you should do and not do. I think it is terrible that those guys did not come and help you and tell you what you did wrong without making you and your son feel bad. The only one who has the right to mumble anything under his breath would be the one who has never done anything wrong on the race course and believe me there is not one of them who can make that claim.

Good Luck and I hope your next boating experience is a much better one.

I should say that the guy that got his boat damaged was very nice about it and had nothing mean to say at all. Some of the folks there eased up but it was just uncomfortable. For now we are racing each other and another freind trying to build up some confidence before next summer. We are going to try and attend some of the big races this year as well so we can watch and learn as much as possible.


CC Racing Engines wrote:

In Racing for near 20 years now, been hit a LOT, also have been the hit man quite a few times also.

It is Racing .... don't want to be involved in altercations? keep yer boats at home during race days.

But feel secure in knowing that while more experienced racers crash less, when we do it is usually quite a zinger with crazy amounts of carnage

I hear what you guys are saying. We are going to get as much practice as possible in the next few months. I think it will go better next time. One things for sure, if I ever see another boater going through a first race like that I will do everything I can to help them out.