Originally Posted by Mike A.
From my perspective, 2010 is over and everyone should look toward 2011 right now. There are two real sanctioning bodies. Both groups should adopt the same rules for their common classes. I think the racers should tell anyone trying to put a third sanctioning body together to forget it and work within the existing two groups. The sport does not need another sanctioning body.
If it were me, I would take all of the existing non-P classes and put them in P. Maybe tweek the rules a little to separate twins from singles, but that is it.
Then, I would create one single engine spec V class and one twin cat class that all existing 36'-40' cats could fit in. I would go to Ilmor and get them involved as an engine provider, and then allow the 525's to be modified up to the Ilmor spec. I might even have some rules laying around that could be used as models to make this a little easier. Talk to the racers for input but do not let them vote on anything!!!!!!
You might have something then, but the current mishmash of classes and rules does not work too well IMO. When Bob Teague cannot get the classes straight while giving radio commentary you know, or at least you should know that there is a major problem.
Originally Posted by imco offshore:
i love the Ilmor sound ,,but i think it would be much easier for ilmor with all their resources to detune to 575 ,,than all the teams to try to build up to 625 ,,plus ,,after 600 you will see a lot of drive issues ,,so then comes ,,let the indy in ,,then let the #6 ..and the exspense goes thru the roof ,,the 525/vortec on an bravo/ IMCO has proved to be very reliable ,,and cost effective,, I like the Ilmor,, but it being a v-10 the torque benefits are much better ,,just like the vortec ,,merc,,,torque parity was 200 rpm
Ilmor 5200 merc 5400 vortec 5600 (or something like this)
Good points, particularly on the drive issue, but these are details that can be worked out easily. Been there, done that. The key is to create a platform which permits older boats to remain competitive while the class grows. Believe it or not, once the rule makers (not current racers!!!!!!!) get down to business, competitive balance can be maintained and costs can be contained.
At the end of the day Ilmor needs to be a prominent part of the sport going forward IMO. They have a great racing heritage and appear to be dynamic at the moment. Therefore, I would include the Ilmor drive too.
The important thing to remember anytime changes like this are being discussed is to remain calm. It can be done, but as Jimmy said, it may be that the majority of current "racers" really are anything but. Close, exciting competition is not for everyone.