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I have been following the SVL group of racers for the past year.
The comments about this new ‘mystery” fountain boat entering you class, has lowered the professionalism, that stature that you worked so hard to establish over the past few years. I wondered why the new owner did not step in, and defend themselves a few days ago, after all the bashing, rumors and complaining that has been established.
Hindsight is clearly 20-20, and the new owner has done what any good military person would do,,, sit back and let the other team become there worst enemy, ( fight, complain, protest and fear the unknown) .It is surprising how many people started quoting rules and policies that do not even exist. (thread entry # 534 M Sandborn). The new fountain SVL entry appear to have done everything they needed to by the “rule book”
Now after all that bitching, complaining and comments about there motive, and driving skills, talents destructive decisions,,……………..”you welcome them”.????
With all the jabs and pissed off opinions about a boat builder, and you wonder why they are not supporting racing events ( like the mercury racing and herring props) as a factory?
I have watched this team( Saratoga Stampede- V Extreme) perform control with a boat that far exceed the speeds of the “vintage” SVL class in Key West last year. Every time that boat showed up to an event, it was impressive and turned heads. These guys had some early mechanical issues, but were professional and can drive a V bottom boat at speeds in excess of 145mpn (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PweJJTstRsM ). Last fall, I have read an article about him in a Powerboat interview, and had an opportunity to meet them at a couple events, when I was invited to his home at LOTO during the Shootout,,,. Clearly the owner, his son, and the entire team, were some the most professional, generous, articulate competitors to the circuit. They have the backbone of a legendary boat builder, with a crew energy level that is unsurpassed.
Now that Powerboat has reveled who owns this new fountain boat, I understand why they did not stoop so low.......... to toss rocks back at the negative comments in this forum. ..........I suggest that the majority of your boats will not fit back into the original hull mold as required?!
………”Those that think they live in glass houses, ,,,, should not throw rocks,,,,,,,,,”
The fountain team most likely understand the rules and will let there efforts be best expressed on the water this weekend and throughout the racing season..