propeller magazine april 2012

ORANGE CUP REGATTA

PROPELLERVolume 66, Issue 3 // April 2012 apba-racing.com

USA: $5.00

tuned to win

BEGINNERS GUIDE:TUNE UP YOUR ENGINE

two teams prepare for the race of a lifetime

Light-WeightNon-ExplodingVibration ProofFully Baffled

All Boats: Race, Work, Cruise, Assault... Installs Through Small Openings Gasoline, Jet Fuel, Diesel Retro-fit or OEM

AERO TEC LABORATORIES - RAMSEY, NJ U.S.A.

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Fuel Bladders Are:

DEPARTMENTSFrom The Editor: Whistlin A Happy Tune

From The Top: APBA Driving Schools

Driving Digital AdvancementWorking Smarter Not Harder

You Make The Call / APBA Grapevine

Suited For SafetyChanges To The 2012 Apba General Safety & Racing Rules

Looking Back - The Rebirth Of George Simons U-36

Category Corner

Racing Calendar

In Pictures...

Region Round Up

// IN THIS ISSUEPROPELLER

Volume 66, Issue 3 // April 2012

TUNED TO WIN:Two Teams Prepare For The Race Of A Lifetime

Spotlight On...WESTERN IDAHO

ORANGE CUP 2012SCORERS FORUM

BE PREPARED:Advice From The Pros

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1822

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17640 E. Nine Mile Road, PO Box 377

Eastpointe MI 48021-0377

PHONE 586-773-9700 FAX 586-773-6490

EMAIL [email protected] WEB: www.apba-racing.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR //Dan Wiener [email protected]

ACCOUNTING //Linda Likert [email protected]

MEMBERSHIPS //Sabrina Haudek [email protected]

HIGH POINTS, DATA //Cindy Minoletti [email protected]

NEWS, PROPELLER //Tana Moore [email protected]

2012 APBA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENT //Mark Wheeler (12) [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT //Kristi Ellison(11-12) [email protected]

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER //Charles Strang [email protected]

TREASURER //Jose Mendana Jr. [email protected]

SECRETARY //Jean MacKay-Schwartz [email protected]

LEGAL COUNSEL //R. Steven Hearn(11-12) [email protected]

//J. David Augustine Sr.(12-13) [email protected]

//Ernie Dawe (12-13) [email protected]

//Chris Fairchild (11-12) [email protected]

//Fred Hauenstein, Jr. (12-13) [email protected]

//Dan Kanfoush (11-12) [email protected]

//John F. Sharp (12-13) [email protected]

//Mark Weber (12) [email protected]

//Peggy Wendt (12-13) [email protected]

//Donny Lick (Region Rep) [email protected]

//Adam Allen (Category Rep) adamopcchair@gmail. com

COUNCIL-AT-LARGE: (12-15) Penny Anderson, Tammy Dawe, Alexander Jennings III, Mark Miskerik,

Robert F. Moore, Jeff Titus, (10-13) Laurie Allen, Jeff Conant, Jean MacKay-Schwartz,

Jack Meyer, William B. Walker, Rachel Warnock.

2012 RACING CATEGORY/COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN H1 UNLIMITED //Sam Cole www.h1unlimited.com

INBOARD //Mike Weber [email protected]

INBOARD ENDURANCE //Ted Kolby [email protected]

JUNIOR CLASSES //Buddy Tennell [email protected]

MODIFIED OUTBOARD //Tom Sutherland [email protected]

OPC //Adam Allen adamopcchair@gmail. com

PRO //Steve Greaves [email protected]

R/C MODEL //Brian Lepinski [email protected]

SLT //John F. Sharp [email protected]

STOCK OUTBOARD //Jeff Brewster [email protected]

VINTAGE & HISTORIC //Butch Kropfeld [email protected]

PROPELLER welcomes unsolicited articles and photos. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publication and do not represent official APBA policy. Advertising herein cannot be construed as an endorsement by APBA or its members. PROPELLER (ISSN 0194-6218) (USPS 0047-800) is published 4 times yearly for $25.00 (U.S. & Canada); $55.00 (foreign) by APBA, 17640 East Nine Mile Road, PO Box 377, Eastpointe MI 48021-0377

Periodical postage paid at Eastpointe MI and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to APBA, P.O. Box 377, Eastpointe MI 48021-0377.

>WHISTLIN A HAPPY TUNEThey say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. We dont know about all that, but we do know for sure: its warming up, the birds are starting to sing, and that means power boat racers everywhere are whistling a happy tune, anticipating the chance to get em on the water!You may have noticed that this months edition of Propeller has a special emphasis on preparing for the new race season with a spring tune-up. And why is the proverbial tune-up so important? Among other things it: Ensures your boat is running at its best Improves speed and efficiencies Keeps your boat from working harder than it needs to Extends the life of your boat Keeps you saferThis month, youll have the opportunity to get two magazines. One will come to your mailbox; and the other will arrive in your Inbox. Your digital version will have many more stories and will arrive about a week sooner than your print version. Not only will you be able to see more stories, youll have the opportunity to connect to additional links and videos that make your monthly magazine even more valuable. Enjoy them both!In the full version, youll have the opportunity to read about Riggins, Idaho, the site of the upcoming 2012 Toyota - Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championshipan event that only takes place in the U.S. every four years. Youll get all the latest news from your region and category. Youll read how some racers have spent the past few months preparing for the season in the hopes theyll be able to take that victory lap. Youll read about the incredible work Vintage members are doing to bring historic raceboats back to life. Youll discover more things our Association is doing to work smarter, not harder. And, youll see what others across the nation have been up to through online discussions and photos. Heres wishing you a victorious spring. Thanks for letting this months Propeller keep you tuned in to all things powerboat racing.

// F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

///// LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS /////////////////////

Dear Propeller, IjustwanttosaythankyouforthearticlesinPropeller.Iamspeechlessandabsolutelyhonored.Mysponsorshaveseenitandloveit,aswellasafewofthecompaniesthatIamworkingtosignfor2012sponsorships.TheyareveryimpressedwithPropeller.Itrulyappreciateallyouaredoingforboatracingandpromotingthesport.Thankyouagain,TammyWolfTUNNELVISIONRACINGTEAMwww.tunnelvisionracing.comDear Tammy, PropellerhaslongbeensomethingthatAPBAmembershavefoundgreatvalueandexcitementin.Weregladtohearthatothersespeciallypotentialsponsorsaretakingnotice.Racerslikeyoumakeiteasytopromotethesport.Thepressreleaseyourteamsentabouttheupcoming24-hourraceinRouenwaswonderful.ThispositivepublicityisthetypeofthingthatwillhelpAPBAgrow!Keepitup,Tammy;staysafe,andthankyou!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

// FROM THE EDITOR /////////////////////////////////////////////

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PROPELLER

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so with no additional insurance cost. It is important to note that all APBA safety rule and all insurance regulations must be followed during the driving school. Among other things, this means that rescue boats and an ambulance must be present. Also, each student must sign the appropriate waiver and purchase an APBA Driving School single-event membership ($35.00). In general, a single-event racing membership is good for one day only. However, if the single-event membership is purchased in conjunction with a driving school, the membership will allow the person to participate in the driving school and race on Saturday and Sunday of the driving school weekend.To help clubs with the additional costs associated with a driving school, APBA will provide a $200.00 discount on the sanction cost for the event.Financial support for APBA clubs putting on a driving school is also available from the PRO Racing Commission and the SORC. Please contact Steve Greaves for details on support from the PRO Commission and Jeff Brewster for details on support from the SORC.An educational presentation for clubs to show at driving schools is available on the APBA web site. VIEW PRESENTATIONWelcome to the Ride of a Lifetime!

APBA DRIVING SCHOOLSOne of APBAs success stories over the last few years has been the recruitment of new members through driving schools. Some of these driving schools have been conducted through APBA Headquarters; some have been conducted by APBA member clubs. The official APBA driving school is targeted at prospective members who wish to drive boats in which the driver is restrained in a reinforced cockpit. This years school, under the direction of Mark Weber, is scheduled to take place on May 19-20 in Dayton, Ohio. Current plans are for APBAs 5 Litre Inboard hydroplane and a SST 45 OPC tunnel boat to be available for the driving school. PARTICIPATE

In addition to the driving school to be in Dayton, the OPC Racing Commission has also planned a series of driving schools using an SST45. VIEW DETAILSAPBA clubs have conducted several driving schools in the past. These driving schools are typically conducted on the Friday before a sanctioned event. Successful Friday driving schools have been put on by the Marine Racing Club of Illinois, Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association and Seattle Outboard for years. Region 11s East Bay Boat Club and Northern California Outboard Association both have been operating successful driving schools in the form of the NorCal Program for years. Two NorCal participants have gone on to become inductees into the Hall of Champions. Each of these clubs has used its driving school to educate and engage people who have become new members in the club and in APBA.APBA recently received word from our new insurance carrier, American Specialty, that APBA clubs conducting a driving school on the Friday before a race may do

WHISTLIN A HAPPY TUNE

// MARK WHEELER, APBA PRESIDENT


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// FROM THE TOP /////////////////////////////// PROPELLER

// 3

TUNED TO WIN

How two race teams

prepare for the race of

a lifetime

// CONTRIBUTIONS FROM GORD HUMPHREY, SHAY AND GRADY WHITE AND KIM FRIEND

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TUNED TO WIN

How two race teams

prepare for the race of

a lifetime

The 2012 Toyota-Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championship is coming to Western Idaho on April 14th. Occurring once every four years in the U.S., this special event requires an extra level of preparation and skill. Propeller interviewed three competitors: racer and current world champion Gord Humphrey and brothers Shay and Grady White. We learned about their race-day

habits, methods of mental, physical and equipment preparation, and strategies for winning.Idahos premier racing marathon is a grueling, 530-mile torture chamber. The eight-day World Championship can try the most grizzled racers and shred the most finely tuned boats. But what spectators wont see that week is the exhaustive preparation that teams invest months beforehand.2011 World Champion Gord Humphrey exudes confidence. It is confidence based on his racing successes, and on preparation: countless hours spent on racing to win at a world level. For Humphrey, preparation for the next

race begins at the last finish line. This year, he started preparing for the Worlds immediately following his June 2011 World Champion title in Canada. In chilly British Columbia, Humphrey has only a limited time to race and test; he has no choice but to do it in that window. The April race date adds pressure; Humphrey wont have any water time before the marathon. So, he and his crew have been working since last summer.We split up our preparation time and test only when the weathers good, and we dont make any changes to the boat before the race. This event is almost 600 miles, so reliability wins the race. You have to start strong and finish strong. Even the smallest glitch can take you out of the race. Weve tested the boat and prepped it completely, and Im confident it will make it. Unique to this race is that drivers have to finish every leg of the 600-mile race. Failure to complete one section costs a driver the chance for a World title. Prepping the boat is important, but Humphrey says mental preparation is far more important. That means poring over the details. He has never raced Clearwater, and no one has ever raced St. Joe. However, he treats each river the same: by running them two weeks before the event, marking hazards and making a game plan. These are all crucial steps for him to remain calm on the water. Even with this level of preparation, Humphrey is mindful that Mother Nature is unpredictable. The water level can drop a foot or rise a foot on race day it becomes a completely different racecourse. The currents can change even more frequently. To plan for this wild

Very seldom does the fastest boat win a race..

BoatName:Unnatural DisasterClass&BoatNumber: Unlimited (turbine engine) CDN1TopSpeed: 140 miles per hourEst.Horsepower: 1375

Driver: Gord Humphrey Navigator:Chris ZapesockiCountryofOrigin: British Columbia, CanadaNotableChampionships: 2011 World Champions, 2011 Thunder on the Snake Champions, 2010 Canadian Points Champion and two-time Rio Belas Champion

BoatName: PredatorClass&BoatNumber:FXV, #51TopSpeed:80 - 90 miles per hourEst.Horsepower:375

Driver:Shay WhiteNavigator:Grady WhiteCountryofOrigin:Oregon, USA

>

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unpredictability, Humphrey and his crew analyze the river and attempt to identify obstacles at different water levels. However, even endless hours of preparation cannot truly prepare a driver for a 530-mile race. For Humphrey, the key is mental preparedness. We race against ourselves. We dont concentrate on whos next to us. Start strong, finish strong you cant lose focus. Going over rock sections at 100 mph, we definitely cant relax or slack. Our mindset can win or lose the race. Commitment and preparation are only part of Humphreys competitive advantage. He has won the weekend Salmon River race two years in a row. For many other drivers, this is the most dangerous and intimidating section of the course. Race organizers have given the teams Thursday off, just before the Salmon leg, specifically for drivers to analyze the river thoroughly. How will he spend that Thursday? Humphrey says, This year, if there are no problems, we will just do a thorough maintenance check. Seemingly having the World title down to a science, Humphreys experience and preparation would make any competitor nervouseven more nervous than the Worlds usually does. Brothers Shay and Grady White describe Idaho as a different monster altogether. Theres a difference between winning a Worlds and winning a Worlds at Idaho. This is the ultimate Worldsnothing else is harder.The two Eastern Oregon University students take an unorthodox Spring

Break. The brothers use the time off to travel to the race site and run the course in a recreation boat. They will spend a lot of time studying Clearwater, as the pressure waves there can easily destroy a boat. However, both agree the Salmon will be the toughest racecourse. Unlike Humphrey, they will spend their time off on Thursday studying the Salmon and doing some homework.Both brothers confidently agree on a hard-hitting strategy: All out, hammer down, hitting RPMs at 5300 and hoping the motor lasts. Well run it as hard and fast as we can. Were strictly business; we dont drink, and were focused on doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons. Their boat, the Predator, is older than the brothers. It is the oldest boat registered. Considered by many to be the worlds best aluminum jet boat builder, Darrel Bentz built only this one race boatthe 1989 Predator. To make her raceworthy, the team changed the three-seat setup to a two-seat; and added a windshield, seatbelts, and a roll cage, which werent standard in the 1980s. Despite the changes, the Predator still stands out from the competitions brand-new boats. It may be the only aluminum hull, which makes it significantly heavier. Yet Shay and Grady expect to have an advantage in reliability. Our boats built for these rivers. Mentally, the two brothers try to distance themselves from the upcoming race. They try not to think about wrecking. They realize the importance of being relaxed and calm. We could blow a motor in the first five minutes, but we arent

planning on that. Were preparing it to work the way we want. Although the two have no racing experience, boats are in their blood and the entire family is dedicated to helping them prepare. Their father has built and repaired Unlimited boats for 40 years. The three frequently watch videos of past Worlds races to prepare. They described watching a film of a past Worlds jet boat race where a driver looked at the GPS for a second and crashed the boat. That thought will stay with them during race week and remind them to focus. The brothers are set on finishing and dont mind if they come in last.Grady, whos older, said, Im the navigator. Ill use hand movements since we really cant talk back and forth. Were going to try a new Bluetooth helmet setup. Im in charge of the GPS, rocks, gauges; Shay will focus solely on the river. The brothers are feeling extra pressure since many people will be watching, including the EOU President and Athletic Director. It will be a huge party for everyone but us. Weve got everyone counting on us to finish. However, Shay and Gradys true motivation for finishing the marathon is personal: Were competing in this race for ourselves, to prove that we can do it; but were also in our 20s, and we want to keep the sport alive for our kids.

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// DRIVING DIGITAL ADVANCEMENT /////////////////////////////////////////////

>You know its wise to take your car or motor vehicle in for a regular tune-up. One of the key reasons you make the time for the regular checkup is that you dont want your car having to work harder than it needs to. The APBA is now deploying digital advancements aimed at making it easier to grow the sport. In recent years its been difficult, if not impossible, to spread the news about a category or a race without building your own websites, chat rooms or social groups. Although these tools have worked to get the word out, theyve been difficult to maintain and a burden to manage. Thats why a few categories have asked the APBA to expand the category section of the website in order to close down their independent sites. Its a move the APBA is glad to assist with. Did you know that the Associations new website and Social Community are ranking very well with search engines? In many cases, Google perceives these two environments as being more relevant than many of the category websites themselves. A large reason for this is because of the sheer activity happening on these sites every day. Its not uncommon to see current discussion posts or other APBA pages taking up the first page of search results. This is great news for the Association and is a great opportunity for categories to benefit as well. Within the next six weeks, two categories will migrate to the apba-racing.com domain and will redirect their existing urls to the new pages. Theyll have a place to share videos/photos, a place to communicate news, a place to broadcast upcoming races, and a place to put the technical documents and resources that matter to their category. Best of all, when people start looking for information about a category, the information can be seen right on the APBA website without the category having to carry the burden of hosting/domain costs. The sites easy content management system also provides the category with a simple way to keep their content current and relevant. That means the category volunteers can use their time to build new races and higher membershipnot on maintaining their online systems.

WORKING SMARTER, NOT HARDERMonthly Update from Crown


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FortDeSotowasnamedAmericasTopBeachfor2009byTripAdvisor.ThebeachisandhourandahalfawayfromtheAPBAOrangeCutRegattaRace.

Western Idaho

// SPOTLIGHT ON /////////////////////////////////////////////

SPOTLIGHT ON:

The race goes through Hells Canyon from Hells Gate Arena. The upper section is all whitewater, and the race goes around it to the lower sections. The area is extremely remote, with rafting being one of the only ways to see it. Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America (the Grand Canyon is the deepest true canyon). A unique feature of the gorge is that you cant see the lowest part from the highest part. This makes Hells the deepest low release canyon and also the deepest river gorge in North America.

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Western Idaho // PACK A BAG AND FIND YOUR WAYIdaho will blow your expectations with its natural beauty, alpine environment and massive size. And those are just a few of the reasons its a great place to race. The 2012 Toyota-Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championship starts in St. Maries on Friday, April 14th and travels south over the next eight days to the final leg on the Salmon River in Riggins, Idaho. With the help of event coordinator Kim Friend, Propeller is your guide into all the things to see and do as this exciting event moves around each of its eight destinations. If you are flying to the race, Spokane, Washington or Coeur dAlene, Idaho would both be great destinations for Thursday. Each is about an hour and 20 minutes north of St. Maries. Coeur dAlene is the recommended destination, as many regard Coeur d Alene Lake as the seventh most beautiful lake in the world. One recommendation to see it properly is to take a sunset hot air balloon tour. The lake, forests and surrounding mountains of Coeur d Alene create a stunning aerial experience and a highlight of the trip.When traveling to St. Maries, you should take the St. Joe scenic byway. This route offers stunning mountain views and a glimpse at the wildlife. Many types of fauna can be seen along the road in the mornings including moose, Rocky Mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep. Its best to be careful, as it will be Friday the 13th and moose are a little larger than the average deer. St. Maries is where the celebrations start, with fireworks beginning at dusk on Friday night marking the eve of the eight-day marathon race. This little town will certainly knock your socks off. Created by the timber industry, St. Maries is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Idaho, and locals frequently dodge the wildlife that leisurely walk through the city center. Two places recommended to stop and eat are Buds Drive In and Eddys. Buds offers homemade burgers, and many locals swear by the fresh pies and pastries; while Big Eddys Resort offers great Idaho entrees. Saturday begins the marathon, which will take you to some of the most scenic and gorgeous parts of the state. This area is renowned for its striking vistas and massive sturgeon. If youve got any kind of fisherman in you, its recommended to bring your tackle. You can fish while watching the race. (Sturgeon are endangered, so its catch-and-release unless you go to a privately owned catch-and-keep site.) Chinook salmon and steelhead trout also help make Idaho one of the best fishing destinations in the country.

Nearby Lewiston is another small town like St. Maries, and would be a great place to spend the night and grab a meal while following the race. One of the most popular destinations in Idaho is the ruthless whitewater of the Snake River, where many attempt a rafting adventure. The Snake is one of the four rivers the race covers, though it steers away from the majority of Hells Canyon, where whitewater is most extreme. The canyon would be a great place to visit on Thursday (the racers day off ) to walk one of the many spectacular hiking trails. Its also North Americas deepest river gorge. Riggins is the final stop of the race and Spotlight tour, and it doesnt disappoint. Nestled between two National ForestsWallowa-Whitman and Nez Percethis stop offers stunning views of the lower Hells Canyon. Wildlife can be viewed from the hotel and reportedly outnumber the local residents. There arent a whole lot of restaurant options in Riggins, but locals tend to flock to the River Rock Caf, where great Idaho entrees are served all day. If you are willing to travel 35 miles south, public hot springs are available in the town of New Meadows. Now that would be a great way to relax after a full day of race watching.

PROPELLER

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// MAKE THE CALL /////////////////////////////////////////////

Have you noticed that our Association is full of clever and witty people? Hey, lets just say it we have more than a few wise guys and smart alecs. Well, heres your chance to put those skills to good use. Not only will you get recognition for your special talent if your caption is deemed to be the funniest, it will be featured in next months Propeller, and just might win a prize. Click on this months image to go to the Social Community and begin submitting your witty captions. You can also upload your own images that might be featured in an upcoming You Make the Call caption contest!Remember that were a family organization so please keep it clean.

SO YOU WONDERED WHY PRO REQUIRES A PADDLE ON BOARD...

YOU MAKE THE CALL A MONTHLY CAPTION CONTEST

YOUR CAPTION GOES HERE

THIS MONTHS PHOTO:

SUBMIT

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// APBA GRAPEVINE ////////////////////////////// PROPELLER

A MONTHLY CAPTION CONTEST

APBA COMMUNITYEVER WONDER JUST HOW YOUR FRIENDS KNEW? BET THEY HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE HERES JUST SOME OF WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED IF YOU HAVENT CHECKED IN ON THE APBA SOCIAL COMMUNITY:

APPROVED REFEREE/RISK MANAGERS AND ASSISTANT RISK MANAGERS

ApostthatdiscussestheindividualswhohavetakenthenecessaryteststobeapprovedReferees/RiskManagersandAssistantRiskManagersfor2012.Thinkyouregrandfatheredorneedtoknowhowtotakethe2012test?Thisistheplace.

VIEW POST

TRANSPARENT VIEW INTO CROWN ACTIVITY

YoursinglestopforaregularlookattheactivitiesthatAPBACorporatehasCrownworkingon.Checkinonprogressandactivity.Havequestionsorfeedback?Thisistheplacetospeakup!

SPEAK UP

PROTECTING YOUR NOGGIN

APBAgeneralsafetyguidelineswererecentlychangedconcerninghelmetsthatareacceptableasofApril2nd2012.Checkoutwhatyouneedtoknowaboutusingyourhead.

READ MORE

///GETTING SOCIAL

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THE 2012ORANGE CUP

LAKELAND, FLORIDA MARCH 2-4, 2012

For winter-weary northerners (and everybody else itching to start racing) the Orange Cup Regatta in Lakeland, Florida has been the place to kick-start the season for 74 years. There is no better place to work out the kinks in your engineor yourselfthan Lake Hollingsworth. This years regatta again featured OPC, Inboard and AX classes, which makes for variety and some drama. Race Chairman Gene Engle and crew had everything handled except the wind. Sunday was blown out, but there was enough exciting action on Saturday to satisfy the competitors and fans. Hall of Champions inductees Terry Rinker and son Robert came ready to rumble. Terry handily won SST 120 and Mod U. Lisa Coffey wrote in the March 4th LEDGER,The 50-year-old, four-time world champion and multi-time APBA honoree looked like a hotshot youngster on the water as he exploded off modified Lemans starts to win two tunnel boat classes in the first races of the season. Rinker actually lapped the field in Mod U. Guess the AMSOIL team has been doing their homework Meanwhile, Rob Rinker started the new season pretty much as he left offwinning SST 60. He did have to battle a very determined Jeff Krischano, swapping leads in the first heat. Mike Webster dogged Rinker as well. After all the heats were run, fast and steady Carole Reno took second place with Krischano in third. Gary Harris claimed another Super Sport victory. It would be great to see this green class take off this year. It is unmatched for close, fair competition.Jeff Reno claimed Formula 150 this time, plus a third place in SST 120. Pete Nichols beat Becky in AX Runabout, proving some axiom about old age and treachery; but Becky will have her day. Just watch. Inboard action featured some torrid hydro heats, along with a few DNS/DNF situations typical of early-season races. Next time... An intense 5 Litre battle ended with Brandon Kennedy (E-30) just barely ahead of Tom English (E-75) at the finish line. Coffey wrote, (Brandon) trimmed English on the final lap in a photo finish by 16/100ths of a second.

Wow! That sure brought the crowd to their feet. The scary fast Pro Stocks saw veteran driver Duff Daily take yet another victory (how many is that by now, anyway?) in John Brintons PS-997. Eric Hahn (PS-555) and Robert Convery (PS-34) were his main competition.Jersey Skiffs had their moments but attrition took a toll. Tom Pakradooni took his JS-7 to the finish line first with rider Brandon Kennedy again happy to be in the winning boat. Behind them Leonard Outlaw Jr. and son took second place; everybody else was beached with one thing or another.2.5 Litre Stock was the biggest class, with everybody looking fast and happy to be on the water again. Gene DeFalco drove Howard Schnabolks S-80 to the checkered flag first in a big field of talented drivers. Tom Thompson looks to be starting another Hall of Champions quest, winning 2.5 Litre Modified in George

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ORANGE CUP RESULTS INBOARDPLACE BOAT NAME OWNER DRIVER2.5 LITRE STOCK 1st OntheEdgeII HowardSchnabolk GeneDeFalco2nd PlayinAgain BobbyKennedy R.SamHorner3rd DesperateHousewife ChristinaWilson ChristinaWilson

2.5 LITRE MOD

1st FatChanceToo GeorgeEnglish TomThompson2nd GeorgeEnglish AlexisWeber3rd InCahootsAgain JimAid NormanCameron

5 LITRER

1st Pennzoil BudgetBusterRacing BrandonKennedy2nd TheInvestigator TomEnglish TomEnglish3rd CrazyCajunRacing DougBeynon JoeSovie

PRO STOCK

1st LightSpeed JohnBrinton DuffDaily2nd TripleNickel RobertZabady EricHahn3rd J&JMarine JimClauss RobertConvery

JERSEY SPEED SKIFF

1st RollingThunder TomPakradooni BrandonKennedy2nd MakingMemories LeonardOutlawJr. LeonardOutlawIII

OPC PLACE DRIVERSST 60

1st RobRinker2nd CaroleReno3rd JeffKrischano

SUPER SPORT

1st GaryHarris2nd RonTitus3rd RobertWavro

FORMULA 150

1st JeffReno2nd KennyGoodwin3rd FerekHallman

SST 1201st TerryRinker2nd BrianBurkhardt3rd JeffReno

PLACE DRIVER

MOD U1st TerryRinker2nd BrentDillard3rd FredDurr

Junior ClassAX RUNABOUT1st PeteNichols2nd BeckyNichols3rd JosephWaterson

Englishs A-52. Watch out for young Alexis Weber; she drove the A-7 to second place and will be a strong contender this year. Scott Liddycoat has not let the glitz and glamour of international Unlimited racing turn his head. He was in Lakeland to drive Carter Parrishs A-73. If you love racing, youll jump at any chance to get into a boat.Speaking of which, same lake, different take: the Stock Outboard Winter Nationals are coming up on this very site March 30-April 1st. Dont miss the fun.And, come on back next year the first weekend in March for the 75th Orange Cup Regatta March 1-3, 2013!

PROPELLER

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} {

Fastest propeller driven boat speed-DaveVillwock, Miss Budweiser March 2004

220.493

60

FASTEST

CIRCUM-NAVIGATION BY A POWERBOAT

EARTHRACE

(SANCTIONED BY

UIM) IN 2008

DAYS

MIN

UTE

SHOURS

49 23

1824The year the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was created (oldest lifesaving organization)

12,438,926RECREATIONAL BOATS REGISTERED IN 2011

Registered Countries In UIM

Difference in horsepower between contenders: Unnatural Disaster (1,375) & Predator (375)

Toyota/Weaver World Jet Boat Marathon

2NUMBER OF YEARS

BEFORE THE GOLD CUP TROPHY GROWS

(NEW BASE ADDED ON

THE BOTTOM)

AVERAGEYEARS OF 16.2

1000

1,651 Number of boats on Lake

Cumberland, KY in 2012 for the worlds largest boat tie-up

49:

BY THE NUMBERS>

Decrease in boating accidents from2010-1011

5.8%

TENURE OF APBA EMPLOYEES

MPH

PROPELLER

>

// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //// //

CHANGES TO THE 2012 APBA GENERAL SAFETY & RACING RULES

// SUITED FOR SAFETY ///////////////////////////


The year the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was created (oldest lifesaving organization)

Weallhavetoworktogetheronsafety.Readtherulesandfollowthem,andencourageotherstofollowthemaswell.Yoursafetymatterstoyouandyourlovedones,yourclubandtheAssociation.

Doyourpart.Beforeyoustartracing,doathoroughinspection.Checkyoursafetygear(lifejacket,helmet,Kevlar,belts)andyourboat(steering,throttle,cables,fuellines,flotation,structuralintegrity,hingesandbolts).Repairorreplaceworn-outequipmentbeforeitletsyoudown.Safetyisthebestinvestmentyoucanmake.

Afterall,ifyoublowanengine,damageaproporcrashaboat,youandyourlovedoneswillgetoverit.Youcanbuyanotherboat,butwecantreplaceyou.Takecareofyourselfbytakingcareofsafetyfirst.

// 15

> RULE 3.A. Helmets and Jackets: The DOT (Department of Transportation)-only rating was removed from the helmet criteria, as DOT rated helmets are not subjected to 3rd party testing. Board member Fred Hauenstein wrote on the APBA Social page, The March Propeller article about helmets explains the lack of brain protection in the DOT regulations and the fact that the DOT certification is self certified by the manufacturer. With this information available, there was no way the APBA Board could continue to allow the use of helmets certified only by the DOT. Obviously there will be good helmets that exceed the minimums and are only DOT certified, but there is no way to have an inspector or racer determine which ones without having their own testing program.Many helmets carry both a DOT and a Snell sticker. Those are legal. If your helmet carries only a DOT sticker, it is not legal for APBA racing. The Snell rating is the gold standard. If you have a Snell helmet, you are good to go. APBA also accepts other ratings listed below.A. Helmets must meet the specifications set forth by any of the following: American National Standards Institute, Inc., Snell, or military specification helmet designed for military aircraft Mil-Spec helmets (CGF LA100, LH050, LH150, LH250; Gentex HGU-84/P) and Peltor helmets (Rally Pro Helmet EN ECU 04 or 05) are acceptable.Also, lime green was added to the choices of solid helmet colors.1. The upper fifty percent (50%) of the helmet must be a single color of the following: yellow or fluorescent (high visibility) yellow or lime green or orange or international orange or fluorescent red.

SAFETY RULE 25 Rescue Boats: Note new age minimum-C. The rescue boat staff shall consist of a minimum of two persons. All personnel on the Rescue Boat must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

2012 APBA GENERAL RACING RULES Note new Referee/Risk Manager and Assistant Risk Manager roles:Rule 1 Management:

1. Referees must be at least 18 years old.2. The Referee shall be the Chief Representative of APBA at APBA events and shall have broad authority, including but not limited to the following:f. To serve as the Risk Manager and make sure that the event is in full compliance with all APBA rules and requirements.B. Assistant Risk Manager1. There may be more than one Assistant Risk Manager at any regatta. The Assistant Risk Managers must be members of APBA and at least 18 years old. The Assistant Risk Managers are not members of the Race Committee and will have no other duties than those concerning the safety of the event. The Assistant Risk Managers must work with the referee to make sure that the event is in full compliance with all APBA rules and requirements.2. The Assistant Risk Managers will report any and all violations immediately to the Referee and have the authority to correct any violation. The Referee and Assistant Risk Managers must work together.Other changes are highlighted in the rules online, and in the Referee/Risk Manager presentation. Please familiarize yourself with the changes for 2012, and do all you can to make this a safe year for you and for APBA.

// SUITED FOR SAFETY ///////////////////////////

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all the FAST stuff!

Email: [email protected]: www.portagebaysystems.com/marine

// 16

Boatbuilderand3-timeGoldCupChampionTomDEathdrivingtheS-222FeelsSoGoodinDayton,Ohioin1983.

>

PROPELLER

2nd Annual Harry Brinkman Memorial Regatta

A Tribute to a Modified Outboard LegendHuntington Indiana

June 9-10, 2012MOdified OuTbOArd

all Mod classes, plusNorth American

Championships in 200ccMH and 350ccMHPrO OuTbOArd - 125 Hydro & 175 Hydro, plus

Eastern Divisional Championships in C Service Hydro, C Service Runabout, C Race Hydro and C Race Runabout

ALL JuNiOr CLASSeS - JSH, JSr, AXSH & AXSr STOCK OuTbOArd - ASH, ASr, bSH, bSr, CSH & dSH

Race sponsored by Gary Miller Directions: I-69 to Fort Wayne, Indiana; US 24 (West) to Huntington; take Business Exit 24; race course south side of road at Broadway Ave. Pit entrance south end of lake.

WHATS THE ATTRACTION?VINTAGE BOATS:

WRITTEN BY // RICHARD DELSENERMany people question our passionate involvement in APBA Vintage & Historic until they attend an eventthen they get it. We are preserving the history of the sportnot with static displays in a museum, but by running that history at speed on the water. We recreate the noise, speed and excitement that made the boats popular in the first place.I use knowledge learned from high school woodworking and a father who would always do it himself to learn the craft of

hydroplane repair, and now restorations. I raced wooden boats for over ten years and learned how to repair them out of necessity. When Larry Lauterbach and Tom DEath both complimented some of my work, I thought, Why pay them to repair a boat if I can do it just as well?Im currently restoring an Inboard hydroplane, the S-222 Feels So Good, built in 1983 by three-time Gold Cup Champion Tom DEath. Tom only built two boats, so this one is rare indeed. The

boat is an S class, powered by a 2000 cc Ford Pinto engine in a pure stock configuration.The bottom of the boat had been altered to accommodate a safety cell, so I removed the bottom and all the center section frames. I was able to get the original full-sized drawings from Tom to make it possible to recreate the full-length wood belly pan.Its been a tremendous amount of time and work, but its a cool boat with many unique features for its day. It should make a great Vintage hull. The bottom is now finished inside and out. I am currently re-fitting it with all the hardware and as much original material as possible.The goal is to having it running this year in time for the Clayton, New York Antique Race Boat Regatta in August. Clayton may be the best venue to sell a Vintage boat. The S-222 Feels So Good should be ready for the show scrutiny and a possible new owner.

// 17

> All 14 members of the Scorers Committee were present at this years National meeting in Chicago! What a nice way to start off a year that will be full of changes to both APBA and all its members. One of the biggest changes is that we no longer have K&K Insurance. Our new carrier is American Specialty Insurance and Risk Services (ASIS). We had the pleasure of their representatives attending our Friday meeting where we were able to ask them some questions and voice our concerns. One of the things that we will all need to do for the 2012 racing season is to fill out a Minor Release at every race for anyone under the age of 18. This means both racing and non-racing minorsno exceptions. Also, you will now be able to fill out a Minor Release for any minor you bring with you. Gone are the days where you had to have their parents fill out a release and bring that with you. The waivers are to be signed at registration. Once the waivers are filled out (adult waiver and or minor release) you will be issued a wristband that now must be worn on your wrist (not: on your hat, watch strap, on your foot or on the stroller). This also is no exceptions! This year you must 18 years of age to be a Referee or Assistant Risk Manager, and to go in a Rescue Boat or drive a motorized vehicle in the pits. At this time the age to be in a patrol boat has not been determined. Race Management is currently working on this and once a decision is made we will let you all know.

SCORERS FORUM WRITTEN BY // LISA J. JENNINGS

Donna Roskowski has tweaked the computer programs we currently use and updated them on the web page. For the 2012 race season, there will be no changes in scoring or submitting paperwork to APBA. However, if you do your race scoring via computer, please download the newest version for the 2012 racing season (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3). The versions are all different; 10 is a one-day race (great for Nationals); 10.1 is a two-day race (which is what most of us use each weekend); 10.2 is for anyone who uses 3-heat racing; and 10.3 is for elimination heats. The webmaster has deleted all the old versions off the resources page. If you score your races via paper, please continue to do so using the summary sheets provided by APBA. The Scoring Committee is will be working with


// 18

PROPELLER

SCORERS FORUM WRITTEN BY // LISA J. JENNINGS

Executive Director Dan Wiener (from APBA Headquarters) and Chip Rosales (from Crown Partners) to come up with a computer program that will interface between the Chief Scorers and APBA Headquarters. This will be quite a challenge, as every category has its own way of scoring a race now... Clearly we will all need to make some changes to unify all the categories to make this happen. The Scorers test is available, along with the updated 2012 Scorers Handbook. As soon as they were available online, no one was grandfathered in, so please take your test early. New for this year: If you are planning on scoring a Junior Classes race, you will now have the option to only take the J Scorers Test. Example: if youre an Inboard Scorer who doesnt score Stock, Mod or PRO, you no longer need to take that test. Take your Inboard test and the Junior test. Just keep in mind that you will need to print out the Junior Classes rule book along with the Stock, Mod and PRO rule books, as they follow the same rules and point

systems. You also need to make sure that any new Junior drivers who have never raced before take the written Junior test with the referee on site. This must be done before they are allowed on the water.Thank you to everyone who attended the Saturday morning Scorers Seminar. We used that time to inform everyone of the changes that were coming for the 2012 racing season. The turnout was low, but up from the previous years meeting. We are looking forward to the 2013 meeting. We will be making some changes to our Friday work meeting. Our room will be set up a bit differently, so if anyone would care to sit in on our meeting please feel free to do so.Scorers Award for 2011: This years Scorers Award goes to an individual who credits her success to the amazing group of scorers she gets to work with in the PRO Category and the US Title Series Race Committee.This persons love of boats can be traced back through her family history all the way to the Mayflower. In fact, her grandparents have the documents to prove it. Her family took their first boat ride from the Old

Country to America way back when, and their love for boats is still going strong.With boats clearly in her bloodline, its no wonder she started racing in the 1970s. She raced in both the Stock and PRO Categories from the 1970s through the 1980s. When she was racing in the A Class, her family was racing against her too. She would compete against her sister, an aunt and a couple of cousins each weekend. You knew if their trailer was pulling into the pits they could make up the A Class by themselves! Even her grandfather raced all over the world, winning many races and trophies. In 1978 she won High Points in 125ccH.She started Chief Scoring in 2010. Her first race was at a record course in the PRO Category, and she finished up with the World Championships for the US Title Series.This years winner is a member of the Eldredge family and is none other thanSUSAN SAILER!Congratulations, Susan, on this achievement!See you in the pits

THIS YEARS SCORERS AWARD GOES TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO

CREDITS HER SUCCESS TO THE AMAZING GROUP OF SCORERS...

// 19

THE REBIRTH OF GEORGE SIMONS U-36 Organized boat racing on the Niagara River in Buffalo, New York became a full-fledged spectator event in 1903, when the Buffalo Launch Club was granted APBAs first powerboat racing club certificate. In the decades that followed, some of the most famous hydroplanes, boat owners, race teams and drivers made the annual trek to Grand Island to compete in numerous international regattas. Legends like Gar Wood, Guy Lombardo, Edsel Ford, Horace Dodge, Bob Schroeder, Fred Alter, Bill Muncey, Mira Slovak, the DuPonts, and all the contenders for Unlimited titles and high points supremacy were regulars at Buffalo events. With the creation of APBAs Vintage & Historic Division 20 years ago, race boat regattas once again appeared at some of the famous racecourses of the past. However, these events featured restored race boats from bygone eras. Interest was renewed as more and more old boats found new owners that carefully restored them to their former greatness. Fans returned in great numbers to watch these boats perform on racecourses from coast to coast. At the Buffalo Launch Clubs 33rd Antique Boat Show and Race Boat Reunion in 2010, Omahas Jay Armstrong visited with Fearless Fred Alter. Jay

asked if Fred knew where he could buy a conventional, shovelnose Unlimited. Fred directed Jay to Doug Morin of Morin Boats in Bay City, Michigan. Doug owns the Miss US V. He also has a longtime relationship with the Thomas Mittler family. Mittler was owner of the U-36, also known as Miss U.S. IV. A deal was struck and Jay purchased the boat from Mittler in March of 2011.The hull needed extensive work, including replacement of some of the bottom wood structure and aluminum, the transom and sponson skins. Doug Morin and Morin Boats were commissioned for the hull rework, and began right away. In addition to the hull stripping, all system components and hoses were removedincluding fuel tanks, oil tank, oil cooler and surge tanks. All were cleaned, pressure leak checked and refinished, then reinstalled. The fuel tanks were a particularly challenging task, as the boat is almost entirely built around them. After all other work was finished, a completely new mahogany underlay deck was fabricated and installed, then covered with epoxy resin. All hull, deck, system refitting and structural work was accomplished at the Morin Boats shop in Bay City.

Additional work has been done in Armstrongs Nebraska shop. The shaft and struts were lined up, and new high-tech bearings installed. Alignment and clearances are nearly perfect after many hours of work. Struts and shaft were installed and sealed. The 10-foot, 100-lb. shaft now turns with just two fingers. Jays son JJ has spent countless hours polishing both sponsons and transom to a mirror finish. The rudder mount has been final fit, sealed and installed. The rudder is at the plating shop. Both struts, shaft log and rudder mount have been powder coated. The fuel system has been installed using new Aero Quip stainless hoses and fittings. The new system includes oil and fuel shutoffs not found in the original mechanical system. In anticipation of the motor installation, the hull was transferred to a Chad Dinsmoor mobile floor cradle on the advice of Ed Cooper. (Its dangerous working on a slippery fiberglass hull eight feet off the floor.) The fiberglass tail is ready for final block sanding and paint. It was beat up pretty badly by hail at some point and needed fiberglass work to return it to pristine condition. The U-36 came with a motor that was

WRITTEN BY // BILL DEGLOPPER & JAY ARMSTRONG

TheU-36wellonherwaytorestorationafteryearsinstorage,ontheoriginaltrailer.TheUnlimitedwillhitthewaterthissummerforthefirsttimeinover60years.

// LOOKING BACK ///////////////////////////////////

>

// 20

in bad condition. The V 1710-113 Allison engine and the Dan Arena 1 to 2:75 ratio gearbox were transported to Omaha for teardown and overhaul. Mr. George Czarnecki of Central Cylinder Service accomplished all work in his FAA approved aircraft engine overhaul facility. Upon teardown it was discovered that many intake valves were warped. The engine could not have been producing anywhere near the rated powerno wonder. The engine overhaul and first test run were completed on January 12, 2012. The engine had no leaks and sounds very good with a nice crisp exhaust rapport. Further local testing is planned for the first week of May.The U-36 is the first of only three Unlimiteds that Henry Lauterbach built, reportedly an upscale version of a smaller successful Lauterbach. However, Larry Lauterbach indicates this is not altogether true. George Simon of US Equipment Company commissioned the boat in late 1956 or early 1957, along with the U-2 Miss US II, built by Les Staudacher. Thus Mr. Simons team fielded two boats for part of the 1957 season, though the U-36 didnt hit the water until July of that year.Fred Alter said he only drove the U-36 one time for 15 minutes. He didnt care for it, saying it was squirrelly at 120 mph.

Apparently he never drove it again, opting for the US II boat instead. The U-36 ran six or seven events in 1957, and perhaps one or two in 1958. Don Wilson drove it in the Seattle Gold Cup event and the Detroit Silver Cup race. Wilson finished 2nd in the Sahara Cup race at Las Vegas, NV. Bob Rowland reportedly drove the boat at some events as well. While not the fastest boat on the circuit, the U-36 never failed to finish a heat. She was at least reliable. She did win the Elizabeth City event by default. (No other Unlimited showed up due to a conflict with the Madison race the same weekend.) In 1958, Frank Bud Saile drove it in the 4th International Cup race at Elizabeth City, NC.Restoration plans include returning the boat to its original red color scheme. All of the original graphics will include Henry Lauterbachs and Bob Rowlands names. The boat rests on the MISS US V trailer, which has the initials H.L. boldly emblazoned in steel plate on the rear bumper. Jack Schafer Jr. will be the driver for Vintage events that Team Armstrong attends.If plans continue on schedule, U-36 will hit the water in Buffalo and perform with two other fine Unlimiteds on September 8, 2012 as featured racers.

TheU-36inherglorydays.

PROPELLER

// 21


Both recommended finding and participating in a local racing club. APBA has a variety of clubs throughout the United States. Clubs can help you meet others with a shared interest and find potential mentors. Veterans love sharing their passion with someone new, so ask around at your local club to find someone who has experience in your class. You will get free advice and, if you are willing to pitch in on club activities, you may find knowledgeable people to help you work on your boat. You will learn faster, and become a much better and more knowledgeable racer as a result. (Someday you could be that wise mentor helping a newbie.)If you already own a boat, theres a process of preparing it for warmer weather. A few basic steps that shouldnt be overlooked: 1. De-winterize your engine This is the most time-consuming (and messiest) job, so

its important to start here. Changing the oil and oil filter, replacing and testing the spark plugs are critical to prepare for the 2012 season.

2. Thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, chips, dents or any type of blemish. Because the hull creates friction with the water, any blemish will create drag which can affect your speed and control of the boat. Fill in blemishes and polish the boats hull.

3. Replace and test electronics. This will allow you to be accurate on the water and make solid judgments while racing. Gauges, meters, etc. that are off can add up to a low-performing season.

4. Getting prepared for a race season should also include some time to improve your driving. According to Steve Greaves, there are several mistakes a beginner can makethe biggest being focusing on going faster. Steve recommends the most important improvement for beginners: gaining driving skills and time on the water.

BE PREPAREDADVICE FROM THE PROS>

Getting prepared for the race season can be a daunting task for a beginner. If you have little experience with boats and motors, you will need mentors. We interviewed APBA veterans Patrick Gleason and Steve Greaves for their expert advice on prepping for the season.

In addition, he provided seven tips for being a prepared racer.1. Work through the small things so they

dont become big things during the race2. Double-check all equipment to ensure

it is working as designed, especially safety-related items

3. Start the season with everything new and fresh (fuel, spark plugs, batteries, lubrication)

4. Focus on the milling period, not the race

5. Always test in full race trim with a legal setup (otherwise its meaningless)

6. Try to listen carefully to what the boat is trying to tell you

7. Balance the setup to the race, so its all automatic when its race time.

// 22

BE PREPAREDPatrick Gleason created his Ten Commandments of Testing for New Racers to provide further direction for the 2012 race season.1. First and foremost, find an established

racer close to you to help you and be a mentor. This can help you from making mistakes that your mentor may know to avoid from the start. Also, it helps get you plugged in to what is going on at your local racing scene.

2. Before your boat hits the water, have your mentor do a thorough safety inspection. He should check whether the throttle and steering cables are tight and in good shape, and whether the steering turns the boat the way its intended. (I know, it sounds crazy, but Ive seen backward-rigged boats.) Other questions to ask: if it has an air system, is it properly functioning and is the tank full? Do you have radios? Are the batteries fully charged and working? Is your boat equipped with a bow eye in case you have to get towed in?

3. NEVER go testing alone. Make sure you have a motorized patrol boat with you ready to go, before you take your first ride on the water. Have someone there with you who knows how to operate the boat. Make sure its equipped with a tow rope.

4. Personal Safety Equipment: Just

because you are not in a race doesnt mean you shouldnt wear safety equipment. Recent scientific studies have concluded that water is still wet, and propellers and skid fins are still sharp whether you are racing or testing. As one racer I know likes to say, The boat doesnt know whether you are testing or running the Nationals Final Heat. If you have Kevlar, helmet, lifejacket and an air system for racing, you should use them while testing.

5. Use good data collection methods. At a basic level, a notepad, GPS and tachometer are great places to start.

6. Take notes about what you are doing with each test run: boat setup, engine settings, propeller choice, weather and water conditions, and anything else you can think of. It may not seem significant at the time, but if you have your data logged completely and accurately, you will see patterns and learn things.

7. Get someone to record your runs whenever possible. You will learn a lot about your boats ride and your driving style.

8. Pick your testing location carefully and wisely. This goes beyond just observing local laws and speed limits. Theres an etiquette issue. Testing at 7:30 on a Sunday morningeven on a body of water with no speed limitis no way

to make friends if there are houses on the lake. Be considerate and use common sense here. Dont overstay your welcome. For the best testing sessions, you should plan what you want to accomplish before you get to the lake. On test day get to the lake, do what you said you would, and get out.

9. If youre running off a public ramp, follow the rules. Dont clog up the ramp, and be nice to fellow boaters and park rangers. If theres a ramp usage fee, pay it. A $10 launch fee is much cheaper in the long run than a $200 ticket. Be a good citizen. You may be the only Propeller magazine a non-racer will ever read.

10. Just because your local club happens to race at a given body of water doesnt necessarily mean its a good place to test. Good race sites are getting scarcer every year. One of our biggest risks to racing is wearing out our welcome, especially on the most prized bodies of water. Dont let a well-intentioned testing session put a race site at risk for everybody else.

Most of all, relax and have fun. Everybody goes through the same learning curve. Enjoy your time on the water, ask questions, learn all you can, and get ready to race!

PROPELLER

// 23

>// F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

CATEGORY CORNER

With the conclusion of the National Meeting, we can start to turn our attention toward racing. The Winter Nationals will be April 20-22 at Tabor City, N.C. and the Nationals will be held at Rainbow City, Ala. August 9-12.THE DIVISIONALS WERE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS: NORTHEAST Thompson, CT July 8-9 CENTRAL Alexandria, KY September 22-23 SOUTHEAST Augusta, GA June 23-24 NORTHWEST TBDTHE NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE AWARDED TO THE FOLLOWING RACES:

Hillsdale, MI: 250ccMR Alexandria, KY: 350ccMR and 850ccMHLock Haven, PA: 500ccMR and 750ccMRTaunton, MA: 850ccMR

Huntington, IN: 200ccMH and 350ccMHConstantine, MI: 250ccMH and 750ccMH Tabor City, NC (October): 400ccMH and 500ccMH The NAC for 200ccMR was not awarded and is still available. Last year Steve Dunn stepped up to save the Winter Nationals when we faced low water at Jesup, Ga. For orchestrating the move to Tabor City, N.C., Steve was awarded the John Read Service Award in Chicago.We owe a lot to Cliff Johnson for making pipe kits for the 80 and 302 Yamato available to us. Kits for the 102 Yamato should be ready soon.National Meeting items of interest: In the 750 classes, the Tohatsu was again proposed as a prototype but failed a vote of the Commission. A minimum weight for the 750ccMR was discussed but there was no motion. Some

MODIFIED OUTBOARDWRITTEN BY //TOM SUTHERLAND,MODIFIED OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN

of the Commission members felt that the previous minimum weight elimination was a main reason for the revival of the class. In the 850cc classes, eliminate the following sentence from Rule 5, page 44 of the Tech Manual: No size or measurement specs apply to reeds or carburetors; however, material may not be added to increase the size of the carburetor throat and reed ports. We hope this will decrease the conflict between current rules. There will also be five Modified ballot items mailed out soon. Look for them, and vote!See you at Tabor City.

>

// CATEGORY CORNER /////////////////////////////////////////////

// 24

>PROPELLER

We have returned from the APBA national meeting in Chicago. Now that the minutes, budget and rule changes have been submitted to the home office, I will sum up what happened in our meetings.Although I have been a commissioner seven times previously for three different chairmen, this was my first time running a meeting of this size. Honestly, I cannot say enough about what a great commission we have this year. The professionalism was definitely the best I have seen. Order was easy to maintain and we got a lot done in a very short period of time. As I had hoped, we even had extra time to brainstorm about where we are headed.Our minutes are posted on the APBA website, thanks to my wife Christine. As an education major at Kent State University, she has learned to write very fast. That helped this rookie chairman, as I would ramble on, forgetting she was trying to keep up. Her help was most appreciated. Here are just a few of the issues we discussed: We will head to Wakefield, Mich. for

the Nationals again in 2015. Many thanks to BSOA for their tireless efforts to hold this huge undertaking. We also discussed not going beyond three years out in our planning from now on, to be able to receive more bids from other locations.

The 95% record rule was debated repeatedly. Finally, we decided not to go back on the word of our membership that had voted by a 2 to 1 margin to approve this rule, though many on the SORC wanted to repeal itor at least make some criteria for grandfathering records in the future.

We passed an addendum to the marathon rule, giving points to those who made it a long way in a race but were not able to finish. There was a concern that it would be very difficult

STOCK OUTBOARDWRITTEN BY // JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN

for the race committee to decide when and exactly where an entry dropped out in races like our marathon nationals in Indian River, Mich., when we travel over twenty miles away from the judges stand. The new rule is very well written. Most importantly, we only have two rules going to ballot of the membership. We will need to decide if an entry can paddle to the finish line or must finish under the entrys own engine power. Also, the DSR drivers will vote on a class weight reduction proposal.

We appointed a committee to create a service award for Stock Outboard. If you would like to have some input, please discuss this topic with commissioners Matt DAgostino, Rich Runne, Bill Pavlick, Don Allen or myself.

We also created a committee to make a new class called 302 Super Stock. The committee and I are still refining the rules for this class, and we are taking our time so we can get it right the first time. Dave Anderson from Region 10 had discussed this topic for the past few years at the annual SORC meetings. Although he is very modest and wont take credit for this, all thanks goes to him for his hard work and persistence to create, oddly enough, what could be our first real stock class ever.

We endured another long winter off from racing, albeit one of the mildest ever. This helped when trying to work on boats and motors in the north country. My son Ryan and I were breaking in a new engine last weekend while it was snowing on our heads! We sure didnt have any trouble keeping the engine cool.

For those planning on attending our Winter Nationals and West Coast Divisionals, we are working hard to get everything ready. The amount of work that we all do for the sport we love is amazing.

Although it seems we just put everything away, it is always nice to get in some early racing and get the bugs worked out before the busy part of the season begins.With all of the preparation needed, I keep myself calm by making lists of what is needed for each rig in our trailer. It makes it much easier not to have to worry about forgetting something.The APBA Board of Directors have approved our budget for this season. This is always the first hurdle to cross to get everything in motion for the new season. Our new promotional committee membersRachel Warnock, Steve Noury and Jerry Brewsterhave been working for months to help our clubs promote themselves. Now with the go-ahead, they can begin to implement their plans. From what I have seen, many members will like their finished product. They have already contacted your local club commodore on your clubs promotional needs and look forward to their responses.As always, be careful this spring and get those water-logged drivers out of the water as fast as possible. I have learned from experience that hypothermia can attack you very fast, and you dont notice until you are far too cold due to the shock of the accident. Make a plan now and keep everyone warm and safe. It may be a nice sunny day, but the water can be very cold depending on where you race.Soon we will be headed to Lakeland, Florida for our Winter Nationals. It sure will be nice for this frozen Ohio boy to be warm. I plan to be the first guy with a sunburn! Hope to see you there!Have a safe and enjoyable spring,

// 25


// CATEGORY CORNER /////////////////////////////////////////////

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Fromleft:CaptainRondalPerryoftheAirNationalGuardpresentsthe2011BillMunceyawardtoSpiritofQatardriverDaveVillwock.JoiningthemwasOhBoy!ObertodriverSteveDavid,whowontheawardin2010.

BIG HONORS FOR DRIVERSWRITTEN BY // GREGG MANSFIELD

H1 Unlimiteds Air National Guard Hydroplane Series honored its teams and drivers Saturday night, February 25th at The Westin Seattle. The Spirit of Qatar team collected four awards for its record-breaking 2011 season.Driver Dave Villwock accepted the Bill Muncey award for his 2011 National Championship, and he joined his Spirit of Qatar team to receive the Martini & Rossi trophy for the teams fourth national championship. Villwock became the sports all-time winningest driver last season, surpassing the late Bill Munceys career race win total.The Seattle-based team was also the Kings Fast Lap Winner for running the fastest lap during the season, and was voted Crew of the Year by the teams, race sites and H1 Unlimited officials.

Tonight was a great way to wrap up the 2011 season, said Erick Ellstrom, whose family owns the Spirit of Qatar team. The team did a great job all season long. They fought through a lot of adversity to bring home the National Championship.The Oh Boy! Oberto team, which had won the last three national high points championships, collected the second-place trophy. While accepting the award, driver Steve David bet $5,000 (representative owner Bob Hughes added another $5,000) that the Oh Boy! Oberto team will finish higher than Spirit of Qatar in the 2012 points standings. Erick

Ellstrom took the bet and said if they win, the money would most likely go to charity.

Were not going to let them beat us again next year, David said. We knew after the crash in Madison that it was going to be an uphill fight.Valken.com driver Scott Liddycoat was voted the Peters & May Rookie of the Year. Liddycoat capped a phenomenal season with a win at the Oryx Cup UIM Championships in Doha, Qatar. He finished third in the points standings and was there to accept the award. His 2011 teammate, Jeff Bernard, driving the Graham Trucking boat, took home the second-place trophy.Other awards as voted on by the teams and H1 Unlimited went to Scott and Shannon Raney and JW Myers for Owners of the Year; and Miss Red Dots Nate Brown was tabbed as the Mechanix Wear Crew Chief of the Year. The APBA Gold Cup in Detroit was picked as the Race Site of the Year and its sponsor, the Detroit Yacht Club, was named Site Sponsor of the Year.More than 240 people attended the banquet with about two dozen awards presented to sponsors, media and various individuals for their special contribution to the sport.

I again want to thank the Air National Guard for their partnership with the series, said Sam Cole, chairman of H1 Unlimited. Its their support and all of the

sponsors support that helped make 2011 such a great season. And, the incredible dedication of the volunteersfrom the teams to the race sitesshouldnt go unnoticed.For more information on the Air National Guard Series, visit www.h1unlimited.com.About H1 UnlimitedThe Air National Guard Hydroplane series features the fastest boats on the water. Based in Pasco, Wash., H1 Unlimited has more than a dozen teams with turbine-powered hydroplanes reaching speeds of up to 200 mph; and drivers are subjected to forces of 6 Gs in turns.Tour stops in 2011 included Madison, Ind., the prestigious APBA Gold Cup in Detroit, Mich., Tri-Cities, Wash., Seattle, Wash., San Diego, Calif., and Doha, Qatar.Follow H1 Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter and at www.h1unlimited.com.

TEAMS AT ANNUAL H1 UNLIMITED MEETING

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TUNING UP FOR SPORTSMAN ENTRY 2012WRITTEN BY // MARISA STONE

I am very pleased to announce the program for the OPC Driving School. This will be a traveling school that will primarily be held in conjunction with OPC events held in the Midwest along with the APBA Driving School. For those of you not aware, the OPC Commission was able to secure two Revolution SST45 rigs on a double-deck trailer. These rigs will be delivered from Seattle to the Midwest by the end of March.

OPC DRIVING SCHOOL Our goal for this program is to have 30 to 40 new OPC racers participate in the school this year. The schools and programs will be marketed in the cities where these races happen, as well in social media, boating magazines and other trade publications. I am also asking all of you to help with this program through word of mouth. This program gives us the ability to directly impact our membership on both the grassroots and professional levels. We

now have a vehicle to properly market our racing, with a tangible product. This program would not be possible without the help of the following supporters of APBA Racing:Jim Fox, Fairchild Racing, Powerboat Superleague, Pro Tunnel Tour, F1 P.R.O.P. Tour; and last but certainly not least, Greg Jacobsen and Seaway Marine. A special thanks also goes to Buddy Byers and the APBA Historical Society, for without their support this project would not have gotten off the ground. Details and pricing will be released in the coming weeks via the APBA Social and E-Alerts.

CURRENT SCHEDULE FOR THE SCHOOLS:DAYTON,OH MAY19-20 SCHOOLONLY

BAYCITY,MI JUNE22-24 SCHOOLANDLEASEAVAILABLE

TRENTON,MI JULY20-22 SCHOOLANDLEASEAVAILABLE

AURORA,IN AUGUST18-19 SCHOOLONLY

KANKAKEE,IL AUGUST31-SEPT.3 SCHOOLANDLEASEAVAILABLE

WRITTEN BY // ADAM ALLEN

Ah yes, its early spring, and you know what that means? We should be diligently working on our Sportsman Entry boats as race season is just around the corner. My Marlin, SE-309 Moondoggie, has been getting an overhaul courtesy of Dave Weber at Bills Heli-Arc Welding in Spokane, Wash. That means a new driveline and prop shaft and some new hardware (which I am very proud to show off, as it has Marlin cast into it and was donated to Weber Race Team by Charlie Marquardt). Thanks, Charlie!Next, we will be building a new SE motor. But, for now, the plan is to throw in the SBC 350 I ran last year. Ill go testing in a couple of weeksthat is, if we can find a puddle warm enough around here! All very exciting stuff.

In Region 10 we have some new additions to our Sportsman Entry family. Shawn Waters purchased Paul & Buzz Millers Biesemeyer Wannabe. Shawn and his dad Michael will take turns driving the Bies. Dave Hooker will be running a different boata 1977 Jones Starfire he has been restoring to race this year. Mick Malcolm, here in Spokane, is rigging his 1974 Jones Starfire after getting a new paint job. Mick owned and raced the hydro Little Miss Spokane in the early seventies. Lets see if Mick can go fast and turn left after almost 40 years. Also, stay tuned as we may have a boat running an experimental Sportsman Entry Ford in the mix.I am pleased to announce that Regions 4 and 6 have a Sportsman Entry

representative: Rob Kaufman, from Cant Wait Racing. Rob is no stranger to SE class, as he has been working on the project for a number of years. Last year he raced his Glen-L, SE-69 Cant Wait at Quake on the Lake in Waterford, Mich. and ran his hydro as a Vintage entry. He also ran both in Wheeling, West Virginia Vintage Regatta. Rob is currently putting together a Biesemeyer for this year, which should be running by May. (Cant wait to see that!)Rob has been racing since the mid-1950s, and first ran E and F Service Runabouts before moving to SK Runabouts. He switched to Inboard hydros owning several 225s, two 266s and a Chevy-powered 7 liter. In 2005, he restored his current Glen-L SK/SE runabout. This year he hopes to run a few venues in Ohio, Michigan and New York. Robs got a lot of experience and Im sure he will be a great advisor to our SE class.

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THEYRE OFF!

The one-design, P1 SuperStock USA Championship is set for a second season of exciting and competitive offshore powerboat racing with five events on the 2012 schedule. For the second consecutive year, P1 SuperStock USA teams will race in Detroit, MI and Morehead City, NC with the addition of three new venues including St. Cloud, FL, Biloxi, MS and Pittsburgh, PA. We were approached by an incredible number of venues who are interested in bringing P1 SuperStock USA to their cities, said Martin Sanborn, P1 Director of North American Operations. The amount of interest this series has generated throughout the U.S. is very encouraging and will be instrumental in bringing the Championship to a regional level by 2013, reverting back to the APBA regional format from the late 1990s.The season begins March 30-April 1 in St. Cloud, FL at Spring Fling presented by the Rotary Club of St. Cloud. The kickoff event will bring powerboat racing back to St. Cloud for the first time in three years. St. Cloud was traditionally the season opener for APBA offshore powerboat racing beginning in 1983 when teams would race East Lake Toho as an exhibition race at the beginning of each season.The second event of the season is scheduled for April 26-29 in Biloxi, MS Smokin the Sound. P1 SuperStock

USA joined the Offshore Super Series for Smokin the Sound in 2011 as an exhibition race but this years race will count towards teams overall championship score. After a two-month break in the schedule, P1 SuperStock USA teams will travel to Pittsburgh, PA for the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta on June 30 - July 1. This year will be the 35th running of the event and an estimated crowd of 600,000 spectators is expected. Two weeks later, P1 SuperStock USA teams will return to Detroit, MI July 13 - 15 for the 2012 Detroit APBA Gold Cup presented by the Detroit River Regatta Association and the Detroit Yacht Club. Last year, P1 SuperStock USA 2011 National Champion JD Byrider picked up their first win of the season in Detroit and hoisted the coveted Garwood trophy. The final stop of the 2012 season is in Morehead City, NC for the 7th Annual Crystal Coast Grand Prix and the P1 SuperStock USA National Championship. Morehead City provided some of the closest and most exciting race action in 2011.We are excited to bring the P1 SuperStock USA National Championship to Morehead City, NC this year, said Sanborn. The competition was outstanding in Morehead City last year and the venue provides one of the best viewing areas of any race site. We consider

Morehead City to be our home event since its only 90 miles from our home office in Greenville, NC.P1 SuperStock USA showed off at the Miami International Boat Show. A P1-28SS Panther was on display at the Marriot Biscayne Bay Hotel and Marina. Potential customers with serious interest in the boat could even take demo rides.

P1 SUPERSTOCK USA 2012 SCHEDULE

St. Cloud, FL March 30-April 1Biloxi, MS April 26-29Pittsburgh, PA June 30-July 1Detroit, MI July 13-15Morehead City, NC September 14-16

WRITTEN BY // JORDAN SMITH

P1 SUPERSTOCK USA ANNOUNCES 2012 SCHEDULE

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RACINGCALENDAR

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REGION 15/19-5/20 Standish, ME Stock-Modified-PRO-J Class-Drag7/6-7/8 Thompson, CT Stock-Modified-PRO-J Class-Drag9/8-9/9 Taunton, MA Stock-Modified-PRO-J Class-Drag9/22-9/23 Kingston, NH Stock-Modified-PRO-J Class9/29-9/30 Haverhill, MA Stock-Modified-PRO-J Class

REGION 26/2-6/3 Wells, NY Modified-Stock-J Class6/2 Lake George, NY Vintage6/15-6/17 Syracuse, NY Inboard/Vintage8/3-8/5 Cato, NY Vintage8/16-8/19 Clayton, NY Vintage9/8 Buffalo, NY Vintage & ACBS9/21-9/23 Geneva, NY Vintage-Inboard

REGION 34/28-4/29 Millville, NJ/ Modified-Stock Outboard-J Class Laurel Lake5/19-5/20 West Milford, NJ Inboard6/9-6/10 Lock Haven, PA Modified-Stock Outboard-J Class9/8-9/9 Mays Landing, NJ Inboard10/6-10/7 Wildwood Crest, NJ Inboard Inboard Divisionals

REGION 44/21-4/22 Tabor City, NC Modified Outboard Winter Nationals Stock Outboard, J Class4/27 Kent Narrows/ Inboard Chester, MD8/31-9/2 Wheeling, WV Vintage Vintage Raceboat Regatta

9/14-9/16 Morehead City, NC Offshore Offshore Nationals

REGION 53/29-4/1 Winter Haven, FL PRO;NAC Divisional

3/30-4/1 Lakeland, FL Stock Outboard, J Class SO Winter Nationals3/30-4/1 St. Cloud, FL Offshore4/14-4/15 Stuart, FL Special Events-Inboard Stuart Sailfish Regatta

REGION 6

5/19-5/20 Dayton, OH All Classes APBA Driving School OPC Driving School 6/9-6/10 Walled Lake, MI Inboard6/22-6/24 Bay City, MI OPC Divisional

6/30-7/1 Pittsburgh, PA OPC-Offshore7/13-7/15 Detroit, MI Unlimited, Offshore APBA Gold Cup7/14 -7/15 Marietta, OH OPC

7/20-7/22 Trenton, MI OPC;SO-J World Champion

7/21-7/22 Waterford, MI Inboard Inboard World Champion8/4-8/5 Portsmouth, OH OPC8/11-8/12 Indian River, MI STOCK-J Class-SLT Marathon Nationals

8/25-8/26 Celina, OH Vintage-Inboard Governors Cup Regatta

9/15-9/16 Big Rapids, MI SO-SLT-J Class

REGION 75/26-5/28 Pleasant Prairie,WI PRO-MOD-SO-J Class6/22-6/24 Rochelle, IL SE-MOD-SO-SO Classic-J Class8/18-8/19 Aurora, IN OPC9/1-9/2 Oshkosh, WI PRO-MOD-SO-J Class9/8-9/9 Clinton, IL Inboard

REGION 8

7/28-7/29 Crosby, MN OPC9/15-9/16 Forest Lake, MN OPC

REGION 9

4/25-4/30 Biloxi, MS Offshore Smokin the Sound

REGION 104/14-4/21 Riggins, ID SE Jet River Racing-World Championship

5/19-5/20 Moses Lake, WA Special Events-Inboard- Stock Outboard-J Class

5/26-5/28 Grants Pass, OR SE-JET-SPT-Drag Outboard River Racer6/9-6/10 Hoopa, CA Outboard Outboard River Racer6/23-6/24 Rogue River, OR Outboard Outboard River Racer6/30-7/1 Gold Beach, OR Outboard Outboard River Racer9/1-9/2 Grants Pass, OR Outboard Outboard River Racer

REGION 115/12-5/13 Nicolaus, CA Vintage-Inboard-PRO-Modified-SO-OPC6/9-6/10 Oroville, CA Inboard-PRO-Modified-SO-OPC10/13-10/14 Nicolaus, CA Inboard-PRO-Modified-SO-OPC

REGION 123/2-3/4 Salton Sea, CA Speedweek

4/6-4/8 Lake Havasu City, AZ Inboard Divisional

4/14-4/15 Parker, AZ Inboard-Modified Outboard-Stock Inboard Endurance Divisionals Outboard-Outboard Performance Craft-J Class

REGION 15

4/21 Corpus Christi, TX OPC Texas Power Boat Derby

REGION 166/16-6/17 Chamberlain, SD Inboard

IN PICTURES...

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SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED IN NEXT MONTHS PROPELLER


T.J.Sohn,S-261(2.5LitreStockhydroplane(s)

Class of 2011- Hall of Champions(L-R) Front row: Edward Hearn (Stock), Kyle Bahl (Stock), Laura Wheeler (At Large), Jared Pavlick (Junior Classes), Dave Villwock Unlimited) and Rick Miller (Modified Outboard).Back row: Joe Pater (Stock Outboard), Greg Gluck (Inboard Endurance), Scott Schatz (Inboard), Terry Rinker (OPC), Dan Koschka (Modified), Rob Rinker (OPC), Bob Dunlap (Modified), JJ Walls (PRO) and Jim Nilsen (PRO).Not shown: Tom Thompson (Inboard) and Doug Hall (PRO).// P.B. PHOTO/GRAPHICS

Joe Sovie, A-23 Geezerboat (2.5 MOD class hydroplane(s)) Brandon Kennedy, S-25 Shameless , Gene DeFalco, S-80 On The Edge and Christina Wilson,

S-20 Desperate Housewife (2.5 Litre Stock hydroplane(s))

IN PICTURES...

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Andybody that can carry Joe Sovie to his boat is a guy I want on my crew. (2.5 MOD class hydroplane(s))

Joe Sovie, A-23 Geezerboat (2.5 MOD class hydroplane(s))

JS-13 Geico/Darbys Rapture (Jersey Speed Skiff(s)

Marty Hammersmith, Y-4 Nauti-Buoy Racing (1 Litre MOD hydroplane(s))

Robert Convery, PS-34(Pro Stock class flatbottom(s))


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REGION 2 The Cross Lake Vintage Raceboat Club invites all Vintage inboard and outboard raceboats to their third annual Raceboat Classic August 3-5, 2012.Our host: Cross Lake Inn and Marina in Cato, NY, will once again provide the venue and hospitality that have made this event a must on the circuit. Smooth open water and plenty of water time will be the norm. Friday starts off with registration. A test-and-tune session in the afternoon is followed by our friendly, entertaining reception. Appetizers and lots of liquid refreshments will be provided again this year. Gerry Cali will provide entertainment on the deck in the evening.Saturday cranks up with our mandatory drivers meeting and roll call. Rick Evans Cranes and crew will swing into action to launch a full day of on-water fun. While the boats will be making noise and stirring up the water, Butch Dreher will be getting the hot rod show set up on the grounds. Last years rain all around us forced many to stay home, but the ones that missed out last year will be making the trip this year. The hot rod Show will be a fundraiser for a local charity. Butch is also working diligently on the vintage pinup contest. He has recruited some motorsports pinup experts to assist him. Syracuse Nationals participants are a few he mentioned. Butch should also have his radical ride rolling down the hill for display alsoa unique piece indeed. Saturdays activities wrap up with our host providing another fantastic meal and entertainment for your dining and dancing pleasure. Sunday will be another full day of on-water time. Our club members suggest you bring lots of fuel and stamina so that you can enjoy the smooth water and open course. Check out our revised website at www.crosslakevintage frequently for updates and schedules. Should you have any

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>questions, contact either Butch or Rick Shannon. Their contact info is on the website. We look forward to you joining us at the Cross Lake Vintage Raceboat Classic!Congratulations to Grand Islands Lyle Dinsmore. At the APBA National meeting, Lyle was named Vintage & Historic division East Coast Rookie of the Year. After years of involvement with the GP1001 Miss Dinomytes team, Lyle purchased the H-6 Miss Gangway and drove it in Eastern V&H events. The Buffalo Launch Club Vintage Raceboat Reunion received a Vintage Event of the Year award. The 2012 V&H race schedule includes events as follows: June 2 at Lake George, NYAugust 3-5 at Cross Lake, NYAugust 16-19, the anniversary event at Clayton, NY September 8 at Buffalo, NYSeptember 21-23 at Geneva, NY// Rick Shannon and Bill DeGlopper, V&H Region 2 rep

REGION 6 Spring is in the air, rolling inexorably toward us. So far, Punxatawney Phil has blown his call, which helps the heating bill, but not ice fishing. With spring being sprung, what we want is now here: racing! Some went south to Lakeland, Ocoee and Stuart. Soon we break out in force up here. Time to shake off the rust and hear those famous words, One to the Five! Heres whats happening: Insurance is an issue for race committees. The major changes: new company (ASIS); new race site pictures this year; minor release is signed at every event with parent or guardian present; hot pits are now the restricted area; and securely fenced off (no more caution tapeif a 5-year-old can get through, it is not secure!); wrist bands are worn on the wrist (not on hats, pockets, belt loops, earlobes, etc.); the risk manager is now the Assistant Risk Manager, certified annually with a test; the Referee is also the Risk Manager, tested also. Both

PROPELLER

have authority to correct a situation. The Referee/Risk Manager and Assistant Risk Manager tests are online, available through the APBA website resources or on the Forum. They are open book. I passed the Assistant RM test (which means anyone can). APBA Chief Referee Mary Williams created an excellent presentation regarding risk management duties and rules, making the test easy. See the Scorers article for more.The insurance form is no more complicated. ASIS will help any race committee. Jenni Fritz (260-673-1123) is the service contact.The ASIS rep, Rich Powers, will randomly spot-check events. He is not OSHA; he will be there to help. The insurance company cares about not just the racing, but the entire setup, including spectator areas, concurrent events or attractionsthe whole enchilada. Preparation will ensure smooth operations. ASIS also can provide insurance for race teams, to protect equipment and sponsors off-water and in storage. We welcome new Vintage Chairman Butch Kropfeld.While wandering the annual meeting halls, I ran into Sam Winer of the APR Superleague. Sam says the APR circuit will visit Pittsburgh, Pa. July 3-4, and Marietta, Ohio July 15 for some Ohio River tunnel boat action! He says the midweek show at Three Rivers is always cool, and unusual for many boat racers. I love midweek shows at dirt short tracks. They have a special quality; always draw extra participants and fans (no competition from weekend activities!) plus extra attention for the racers. That should be a great time in the Steel City! Inboard: 1. Dayton Testing is on for May 19-20our regions first H2O time for inboards, and open

propeller magazine april 2012

Documents

apba officers

apba grapevinesuited

official apba policy

mark weber

outboard jeff brewster

opc adam allen adamopcchair

laurie allen

jeff conant