I have sat back and just read all of this. First I congratulate SBI in their TV venture. We took a run at it, the ends did not justify the means.
As far as everything else goes, I can only comment on what the OPA is doing.
Our mission from the very beginning was to develope the North east. Move up towards Michigan, and then bring in Long Island. We drew a 12 hour circle on the map, and decided we would stay within that circle. Knowing full well the majority of our teams are just the regular working guys, we wanted to keep the series within reach of all our teams. Our race sites are for the most part run by our racers. Guys who put their effort into moving the sport forward, not sitting here Typing away wasting away valuable energy.
Our goal was and is to provide the OPA teams with quality race sites, that they can bank on for years to come. We have already singed up two new race sites for 2010, that are fully funded, and ready to go.
The unification dream.....It's like this. Our teams have the luxury of racing in their own back yards, with little travel time involved. If for instance we merged with another org, what would the goal be? Take 4 OPA sites, and Maybe 4 OSS, or SBI, sites, and develope a series. This would then force our teams into traveling all over the country. Something I know they would not do. So in the long run It hurts what we have put together. Instantly our boat count would be cut in half. After all it's not their fault, Other series are having problems. We are moving forward with our package, and our goals.
Our races are still free to the teams, Our prize purses are all in place. Any team is welcome to race here, although we do not petition other teams to come. Unlike other series, we built it from scratch. The majority of our teams are either new to the sport, of came out of hibernation to join in the fun.
If a series needs a site to fill in their schedule, the door is open. The OPA teams have always supported SBI. Three times we picked up and ran with OSS. So I you want to say we have not tried, better look back.
My job is to run the OPA for the OPA teams. I am proud of every one of them, and will do what ever they need to race their stuff.
In closing, 2009 will be a challenge for all of us, I wish John, and Ron only the best. I know first hand how hard it is to keep a series running. You efforts should be applauded, not criticized. OPA guys....see you in a few weeks, Ocean City is ready to rock. I know you all enjoyed Friday Night at Seacrets, so we have also moved the awards there for Sunday night. Bring the Tylenol.
To all the other teams....race hard be safe....and just have a blast. Smitty
