The Great Unification

[Mike A.]

tried that. no one listens. this must be ran as a business.
Manager
Marketing
REal Racesites
REAL TV
Sponsors will not come without them seeing ROI. We know this, but no one wants to run this as a business. We all make mistakes in running our businesses and adapt. Why dont we in offshore.
Micheal Stancombe

Mike,

The LLC ran the sport as a business. We had all of the elements you list, including sponsors who were getting a real ROI. We made our share of mistakes and adpated. Like it or not, and no matter whose fault it was, the boycott killed the business. Now that is ancient history, I agree, but there is one very important lesson to be learned from that experience and that is this: Any new offshore racing business must be built around a boycott proof premier racing class.

That is very doable even in these very difficult economic times. Indeed, history shows that times like these present great opportunities for creative business ventures.

As far as me making a comeback Sean, sorry, but no way. But I do love offshore racing and always will. It just really killed me Sunday to see what has happened to it. Nevertheless, I still believe it can be great. There just needs to be a new group of deep pockets willing to take a risk on creating something bold and new.

 

[Phantom1]

There just needs to be a new group of deep pockets willing to take a risk on creating something bold and new.

So the question is.....Are the right people currently involved in the sport, or will it need to be a completely new group of investors?

 

[Mike A.]

So the question is.....Are the right people currently involved in the sport, or will it need to be a completely new group of investors?

I do not know who is involved today, at least in terms of real people with real money.

 

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Another question... should the most expensive class be the premiere?

 

[Mike A.]

Another question... should the most expensive class be the premiere?

Absolutely no way. At least not if you were building a sport from scratch. A premier class formula should look something like this:

1. Fast - The boats have to look fast live and on TV. I do not know how fast they were going but the three top SV's this weekend fit the bill.

2. Loud - whisper boats do not work. see e.g. Unlimiteds

3. Safe - Canopied

4. Mass appeal - meaning, affordable

5. Evenly matched for great racing

6. One man operations - easier to build stars out of the competitors

 

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

You mentioned SV twice now. Are you referring to the twin engine or SVL light?

SV twin engines now occupy SuperV, SuperV unlimited, SV Extreme, P1 and P2.

 

[Mike A.]

You mentioned SV twice now. Are you referring to the twin engine or SVL light?

SV twin engines now occupy SuperV, SuperV unlimited, SV Extreme, P1 and P2.

Jim,

I am not talking about either specifically, and I would not rule anything out which is exactly why I framed the class as a formula.

 

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

The highlight to most people, other than the SV race, was a giant boat that made no sound.

We all know the quiet boat.

I do not know how fast they were going but the three top SV's this weekend fit the bill.

Which SV boats were you referring to? The singles or the three in three different classes?

 

[Mike A.]

Not the singles

 

[Ratickle]

Gotta put in a couple comments.


SVL, from everything I've heard, was the best class currently at more than one event this year. At Sarasota I think they were also the most anticipated (see SVL thread).

In the last major racing group, Factory 1 and Factory 2 were the most watched/anticipated.

If all three turbine boats were at Sarasota, that probably would have been the biggie. Just cause they are quiet, does not lessen the adolation they receive from the average race fan.

Throughtout the history as I know it, the fastest class has been the premier class if there were more than 3 or so boats in it competing head to head.

The next most popular class/classes has always been the ones a fan/boater could dream of affording to run in some day with the most boats in it competing head to head. (Hence SVL popularity).

I can't think of any exceptions to this. Can anyone else?

 

[StillCrazy J&M]

I'd have to agree that this year's Sarasota race was an enormous letdown. I am pumped every year for the race and have been to every one for the last 15 years. This year with CBS being on board I figured the guys would all come out to show what powerboat racing can be and get it on a national stage. Problem was - NOBODY SHOWED! Where were all the big boats? No Aquamania, CRC, Reliable, Cintron, Bud Light and not even any of the smaller cats like Talkin Trash, JD Byrider, BTM Marine, Peppers, Popeyes?

Amsoil, Geico and Panasonic (Cat Killer) were out running by themselves and CMS and Superheat were the only two in there class.

The Bud Light boat was on a ton of the advertisements for the race, but doesn't even race?

It isn't a race when you're out running against yourself. At least to the unknowing spectator there was some decent competition even if the boats were in different classes.

Panasonic and Hard Rock were battling the whole time mostly because whoever was driving Panasonic was slowing so drastically in the turns (were they doing that on purpose to make it appear competitive as that boat used to fly through the turns?) and Geico and CMS seemed pretty evenly matched before CMS disappeared halfway through.

SV boats put on a close race, but the excitement level is nowhere near the same as when the "big" boats come by. Just listen to the crowd when each goes by the first time. Maybe if there were 15 SV's it would be different.

My last comment would be: is the Geico team the only one that understands marketing/showmanship? After the race the Geico boat was the only boat that waited around and then took their time to idle right outside the swim bouys along the whole length of the beach while waving to all the fans. Not only is this phenomenal exposure for their sponser, it's a simple way of connecting the otherwise unseen people inside that boat to the fans. Wouldn't it have been a good idea for Panasonic to do that as they were the title boat for the race? Pretty simple stuff if you ask me.

Anyway, sorry for rambling but I was really disappointed this weekend as it could have been so much better and instead I'm afraid will turn into an opportunity wasted for Offshore Racing.

-Jordan

 

[SVL66]

Never been to a Sarasota race, I thought the event was pretty good. Im sure it could have been better, had another 10 or 20 teams shown up. Im disappointed that many have not come, considering there were no other races this month. Overall, I thought it was a nice event.

 

[SHARKEY-IMAGES]

STILLCRAZY, Teams you have mentioned, Bud Light to my knowledge lost their sponsorship when the company Budweiser was sold. Reliable Carriers and JD Byrider are both tending to their businesses that eventually afford them the opportunities to race. Reliable is taking this season off but we hope to see them back in full swing once this econony turns around. Talkin Trash had a horrible crash in Ocean City and the boat is being refitted with new canopy improvements. Nothing anyone wants to rush that is for sure.

 

[StillCrazy J&M]

Sharkey,

That's definitely unfortunate timing for the CBS covered event, and given the state of the world's economy not very suprising. Just wished more teams were able to make it.

Didn't know about Talking Trash, hopefully they and JBS will get their boats back together and racing soon.

SVL6, the Sarasota Race has been huge in the past with double the amount of boats so if you hadn't seen it before I can see that you would think it was an ok turn-out. It was also unfortunate for teams that came (Fury, Rockstar and Double Trouble) and weren't able to race for whatever mechanical reason.

My next race will be Key West, hopefully more teams will be able to get the funds together to come down and put on a show.

 

[SVL66]

Sharkey,

That's definitely unfortunate timing for the CBS covered event, and given the state of the world's economy not very suprising. Just wished more teams were able to make it.

Didn't know about Talking Trash, hopefully they and JBS will get their boats back together and racing soon.

SVL6, the Sarasota Race has been huge in the past with double the amount of boats so if you hadn't seen it before I can see that you would think it was an ok turn-out. It was also unfortunate for teams that came (Fury, Rockstar and Double Trouble) and weren't able to race for whatever mechanical reason.

My next race will be Key West, hopefully more teams will be able to get the funds together to come down and put on a show.

I have always heard this was the event to attend. Finally, I was able to break away and come see for myself.

 

[SHARKEY-IMAGES]

My next race will be Key West, hopefully more teams will be able to get the funds together to come down and put on a show.

I have lost all interest in Key West.
With races reduced from 80+ miles to now 30 miles from what I hear, it is more of a sprint than a race.

Many people will still show for the week long parties and if a race happens it is a bonus for them.

For me it is too much of an expense for so little racing and or competition...

Bring all of the boats together, and a longer course, it will be worth something again to win in Key West.

 

[MarylandMark]

I have lost all interest in Key West.
With races reduced from 80+ miles to now 30 miles from what I hear, it is more of a sprint than a race.

Many people will still show for the week long parties and if a race happens it is a bonus for them.

For me it is too much of an expense for so little racing and or competition...

Bring all of the boats together, and a longer course, it will be worth something again to win in Key West.

Sunday is double the distance of Wed & Fri races- think Sunday pushes 80 miles for some classes but can't remember the details.

KW for 2 for 7 days cost $7K
Aruba for 2 for 7 days cost $3K

hmmmmm

The races are a side show for me at best- most of the time I can't see past my hand after the 2nd heat...

It has never been about the races for me but if it were and that is the quote un-quote "best" I'd be quite disappointed as well.

 

[Pete B]

It's too bad that Sarasota had low numbers, again the economy is the driving force,
and while the POTUS says we are on the road to recovery, we arent!

the next big event will be St Clair! It may not have CBS, but it will be a entertaining weekend to say the least! and I will ensure their is Great coverage Daily!

 

[TYPHOON]

Trent if OSS was a sham than what are you? You talk a lot of $hit and have not backed up any of it. Where are you at the races with your 2 boat team?
OSS and OPA are trying to do something good for the sport. NO ONE IS CLOSEING SHOP!!! There is a chance that 2 of the 3 org. can unite. Both have strong points that can help the other. It sounds like you don't get it! Please stay out of the idea that we are trying to make a better sport. As you always say ,race where you want and whats best for your team. The problem I see is you don't race. So why do you care? Please don't answer!!!:ack2::ack2:
MD

 

[Wahoo 214]

Still Crazy,

I don't know where you live, but if you can make St Clair, you will not be disappointed. My guess would 50 boats and they race within 20 ft of the boardwalk.