Is "Rubbing Racing" in our series.......

[gpr717]

I would like to see some of the feedback. I know for a fact that all at the meeting are not listening to what is going on at the meeting.

I have that marks to prove it on my GPR.

[JB]

I think that contact between racers should be minimal. But by signing up to race you should expect that there is the possibility of some contact at times. If you are looking to keep your boat perfect than maybe it should be only used in recreation riding.

[gpr717]

My message is intentionally vague.

I know there are risks associated with PWC Racing. I also know there are rules classifications and standards that we have to live up to as riders and race officials. As we need to follow the rules that are written the Stand by catch phrase in both rule books should not be abused or overlooked either. At the discretion of the race director to the race director's interpretation. These rules are written for safety and to keep things in control. This also states that this Director must make decision based upon those rules. Doing nothing or saying nothing is a very passive decision not very worthy of someone in such a leadership position.

I have tried diplomacy with these younger racers. To no avail. I viewed as the the competition or the enemy. I asked Scott to talk to them. Nothing happens.

The information is out there. We are out there between motos and after practice.

I too can race as though my life depends on the result... However I know better. This is supposed to be fun. The ambulance should be a formality.

I feel as though I am being punished for racing clean and doing the right things by following the rules and procedures. [B)]

[CHOOCHOO]

Ok, There Big Kev (If I may call you so)chill out there a little. Have you ever seen my XPL or my brothers they both have battle scares on them but that is a price you pay. I saw the whole thing that happen at the race you went in the corner and did not get out of the corner has fast has you wanted to. And BANG you got hit. It happens. You are making it seam like he ment to do it.And I am sure he did not mean to. He got in the corner hot and you where still there. If you would like at Pleasent Praire you and I can both go and talk to that racer that hit your boat and let him know that he need to ride a little more under control. Coming from a racer that has a few more laps under his belt might help. There are a few more thing that I saw that they both need to do different. I had the help from Joe and Brad so I will see if I can help them alittle. Because if that stuff happens in Novice Stock class it will not fly at all. We all need to ride under control. And save the bumping for Nationals.
See you at Pleasant Praire, Craig

[fox river pwc]

Craig,
I'm sure Kevin will appreciate your help. Thanks for that.

I think the hit during the race was just the icing on the cake for Kev. After getting smacked repeatedly on the way to the first buoy this season - especially getting smacked from the outside and outside rear when he's holding his line - has been his main issue/complaint.

I don't believe that Kevin expected his boat to remain in pristine condition as a result of racing. I think he is more concerned about his own safety, and wants to nip this situation in the bud before he actually needs to go to the ambulance.

I can see where avoiding collisions during the race on runabouts can be difficult - and requires some skill, experience, and luck to run a 100% clean race. Having a rider in front of you that doesn't move forward when you expect him/her to doesn't make things any easier, I'm sure.

Avoiding collisions on the way to the first buoy requires more common sense and respect than riding skill, IMHO. If a racer has it in his/her mind that bumping on the way to the first buoy is an acceptable tactic, then that is a problem that needs to be handled and eliminated. I agree that such tactics would not be tolerated for long in the Novice classes (or Expert/Pro either). When these tactics are witnessed (and reported) in the Beginner classes, it would seem that some additional education is in order - and promptly. If the additional education doesn't stick, then it's time to send that racer to Noah's Ark, where he/she can go play bumper boats with willing participants ;).

Anyhow, I'm sure that Kevin's concerns can be effectively dealt with - either thru Scott, or more experienced racers, or a combination of both. I don't want him to quit racing, or my hotel bills are gonna double, and I'll have to start buying my own bottled water. I can't allow that to happen :)...

[CHOOCHOO]

Yea you are right about the starts the other 2 guys seam to never be able to hold there lines for more then 10 feet. And that is causing alot of unneeded rubbing at the starting line. That is way we need to talk to the new guys. Because if I am thinking right Scott said he wanted to move every one up to Novice stock for the next race and not holding your line on a 10 boat line would cause alot of problems. It is bad enough when there are just 3 and they hit at the line. I hope that the new guy will listen to us and take some well needed advice.
Later, Craig