Propeller Magazine March 2012

PROPELLER Volume 66, Issue 2 // March 2012 apba-racing.com

USA: $4.95

STUDENT DRIVERS:

HOOKED FOR LIFE

TOP TEN:

Spring Break Edition

The World is Watching

GIRLS GONE WILD

Why the Ladies Love to Race

This year, the APBA honors seventeen drivers whose outstanding performance during the 2011 season brought them to the Hall of Champions—APBA’s highest racing honor

PROPELLER //IN THIS ISSUE Volume 66, Issue 2 // March 2012

17640 E. Nine Mile Road, PO Box 377 Eastpointe MI 48021-0377 PHONE 586-773-9700 FAX 586-773-6490 EMAIL apbahq@apba-racing.com WEB: www.apba-racing.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCOUNTING MEMBERSHIPS HIGH POINTS, DATA NEWS, PROPELLER

//Dan Wiener //Linda Likert //Sabrina Haudek //Cindy Minoletti //Tana Moore

apbahq@apba-racing.com linda@apba-racing.com sabrina@apba-racing.com cindy@apba-racing.com propeller@apba-racing.com

ITCHING TO TAKE A BREAK

//2

FROM THE TOP:

//3

TOP 10: SPRING BREAK

//4

GIRLS GONE WILD

//6

ARE WE THERE YET?

//16

2012 APBA NATIONAL MEETING

SPOTLIGHT ON...

//18

2012 APBA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LAKELAND, FLORIDA

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT NATIONAL COMMISSIONER TREASURER SECRETARY LEGAL COUNSEL

SLT Chair:

MAKE THE CALL

//22

APBA GRAPEVINE

//23

BIG BREAK

//24

LOOKING BACK

//26

UIM RACING: WHAT TO EXPECT

//28

BY THE NUMBERS

//30

SUITED FOR SAFETY

//31

REGION ROUND UP

//32

BREAKING OUT

//38

CATEGORY CORNER

//40

RACING CALENDAR

//45

IN PICTURES...

//46

//Mark Wheeler (11-12) wheeler@wmich.edu //Kristi Ellison(11-12) parroth222@aol.com //Charles Strang ROI15@comcast.net //Jose Mendana Jr. mendanaracing@gmail.com //Jean MacKay-Schwartz jean84c@earthlink.net //R. Steven Hearn(11-12) shearn@kcgov.com //J. David Augustine Sr.(12-13) patndave2@verizon.net //Ernie Dawe (12-13) dawecraftboats@aol.com //Chris Fairchild (11-12) chris@fairchildracing.com //Fred Hauenstein, Jr. (12-13) fhauenstein@new.rr.com //Dan Kanfoush (11-12) dankanfoush@yahoo.com //John F. Sharp (12-13) john.sharp@sbcglobal.net //Mark Weber (12) mweber55@sbcglobal.net //Peggy Wendt (12-13) peggyprostock@aol.com //Donny Lick (Region Rep) donnyllick@comcast.net //Adam Allen (Category Rep) adamopcchair@gmail. com

DANBURY RACERS

IN MEMORIAM: BILL PATTERSON 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 INBOARD INBOARD ENDURANCE JUNIOR CLASSES MODIFIED OUTBOARD PRO R/C MODEL STOCK OUTBOARD H1 UNLIMITED VINTAGE & HISTORIC

//Mike Weber //Ted Kolby //Buddy Tennell //Tom Sutherland //Steve Greaves //Brian Lepinski //Jeff Brewster //Sam Cole //Butch Kropfeld

MyWayE316@aol.com tedkolby@sbcglobal.net btennell@bellsouth.net tls@wengco.com sgreaves@portagebaysystems.com rcuhydronut@charter.net Jeff_brewster_59s@yahoo.com www.h1unlimited.com thecarriageshop@fuse.net

PROPELLERŠ 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.

PARITY COMMITTEES ARE A NECESSITY MODIFIED OUTBOARDS RESOURCES FOR PRO RACERS FOR 2012 SEASON BREAKING THE SURFACE

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

ITCHING TO BREAK AWAY? TAKE THIS WITH YOU.

>

// F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Can you hear that rumble? It’s the sound of boats being tuned up and the first engines of the season firing... That’s right, it’s beginning to look a lot like spring. And, like many others, you are probably itching to break away and have some fun in the sun.

At the Annual Meeting, we had a breakout of our own. If you were there, you got a first look at the new digital Propeller and could experience all the exciting value it brings. In fact, you can read some of the exciting feedback we received on the new digital magazine by checking out the APBA SOCIAL COMMUNITY.

You got to hear about all of the sections of the magazine that you can expect to see in every future issue. You can now click on supplemental materials like audio files or videos.

You will also be able to comment on the stories you read, through the APBA Social Community, with just the click of a button. There are contests, an updated design, and topics that we hope will deepen your pride in your Association and give you just what you need to rev up for the 2012 season.

In this issue, you’ll take a trip to the top U.S. Spring Break destination, Florida. We put the travel spotlight on Lakeland, site of the upcoming Orange Cup Regatta and the Stock Outboard Winter Nationals. Take in the community flavor, and see what you can expect when you attend. This month you’ll also meet some “Girls Gone Wild.” It’s a fascinating look at APBA’s women racers and their favorite racing moments. You’ll also want to check out the Looking Back section to see how a popular horse racing track was transformed into a boat racecourse; and where the special boats that raced there are today.

Here’s hoping you get a chance to break free and replenish all that vitamin D you lost this winter. Even if you can’t escape physically, let this magazine transport you into the wonderful world of powerboats. Wherever you go, be sure to take Propeller along. Let’s go racing!

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

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

>

2012 APBA NATIONAL MEETING

// MARK WHEELER, APBA PRESIDENT

The 2012 APBA National Meeting was perhaps the most transformative in our Association’s history. First, our members were introduced to Dan Wiener, APBA’s new Executive Director. Second, the APBA Digital Transformation went into high gear with the unveiling of the digital Propeller and our new website.

Third, APBA announced our new insurance carrier and an expanded risk management program.

Dan Wiener had been on the job as APBA’s Executive Director for just over a month at the time of the National Meeting. Dan brings a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm to APBA. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, where he majored in marketing and minored in finance, as well as a Master’s degree in Sports Management. Prior to joining APBA, Dan handled sales and promotion for a minor league baseball team, and then for the Detroit Pistons. APBA is fortunate to have a new Executive Director with experience in marketing and promotion, and enthusiasm for learning about powerboat racing.

Chip Rosales and Nick Kuzmick from Crown attended the National Meeting to demonstrate the new digital Propeller and also show us a few of the features of the new APBA website. Their detailed presentation made it clear that APBA’s Digital Transformation is in high gear.

Check out our new digital presence for yourself. WWW.APBA-RACING.COM Crown has made tremendous progress just a few short months into this three-year program.

PROPELLER

HEAR WHAT VP KRISTI ELLISON THINKS...

Finally, APBA has a new insurance carrier for 2012. Our regatta liability and participant accident insurance is now being purchased from American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc. Representatives from American Specialty and our agent, the Hylant Group, conducted a seminar on insurance and risk management. Mary Williams, APBA’s Chief Referee, followed up the insurance seminar with a review of risk management requirements at the Referees/Risk Managers meeting. Mary provided a clear, concise, summary of risk management requirements for 2012.

VIEW MARY’S PRESENTATION

The 2012 National Meeting was also a time for APBA to say good-bye to Gloria Urbin. Gloria retired at the end of 2011 after more than 30 years as an advisor, friend, and mentor to APBA members. It was not easy to surprise Gloria. However, the APBA Board of Directors, with much help from Ann Fitzgerald and the Honor Squadron Committee, pulled it off. Gloria was the sole inductee for the APBA Honor Squadron at the national meeting.

It was a fitting surprise, and farewell, to a great friend and leader.

Above, from top: The 2011 Modified champions picked up their certificates and awards.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Hall of Champions inductee Kyle Bahl got a big smile from Dan Schwartz.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Inboard Chairman Mike Weber greets Matt Henning, Inboard Eastern Division Rookie of the Year.

PHOTO BY // RAY DONG

President Wheeler addresses the Board of Directors.

// 3

P O T . . .

N E T

1 // 4

PROPELLER

///YOU KNOW YOU’RE ON ///SPRING BREAK WHEN...

10. “Crocs” are not the ugly shoes your friends wear, but what’s in the lakes 9. More people are wearing Hawaiian shirts and it’s still not okay 8. You did the Limbo and miss your chiropractor 7. You go home without a tattoo, but with an unexpected piercing 6. Sleeping on your back is not an option...or on your stomach… or side…

5. The supermarket’s out of every “light” beer 4. You gawk at the sun crisped locals and ask when did European fashion take over?

3. You decide gator would be an interesting choice for lunch 2. You’d like to try a nude beach – but decide against it for fear of the elderly

1.

Your tan lines draw attention from the locals... for the wrong reasons // 5

Girls GIRLS GONE Gone WILD wild It was 1997 when the movie industry turned Girls Gone Wild into a household phrase as it followed the crazy antics of young women on Spring Break.

While those girls might not have been proud of themselves in the morning, the ladies of the APBA are doing something the sport of power boat racing can be very proud of. In fact, these women heat it up every time they take the water and the sport is seeing more women racers as a result.

We asked a few of the sport’s finest to share with us what drives them to do what they do, and asked them to share some of their favorite and most memorable racing moments.

Here’s what these wild women had to say: // 6

Ask the average person what they think of when they hear the words “Spring Break” and you’re almost certain to hear: fun, sun, and GIRLS.

// 7

TAMMYWOLF > WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

My father never encouraged me to race. As I got older I realized he was trying to protect me. As a teenager, I helped crew for my brother, watching from the sidelines and wondering when it would be my turn to jump in the driver’s seat.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE.

I worked two part-time jobs, which paid off when I was able to afford my first race boat.

It was a horrible boat, but after the first race I was addicted. I remember sitting at the start dock waiting for the flag to drop. The adrenaline was flowing; my palms were sweaty and I couldn’t wait to get to the first turn. I thought that was the coolest thing.

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

I try to be self-sufficient because you never know when something will happen. I’m learning as much as I can from Crew Chief and Co-Owner Sam Haraway. Today, I can get a powerhead and gearcase on and off, change plugs, oil, fuel, and starter, and do some problem-solving. However, when you have the SST 60 motor guru on your team, you leave it to the expert!

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

In my 17 years of racing there have been so many incredible experiences. I met and married my husband and fellow racer, Mark Jakob, and met Sam Haraway (my adopted father), and inherited an incredible racing family. I am so proud of the people in the sport who rally around each other in times of need. For example, people donated over $3000 to bring Dan and Jean Schwartz to the National Meeting. This is an unbelievable family and an incredible sport to be involved in.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO RACE? IF SO, WHY?

I would encourage my kids to race. It’s an incredible sport with wonderful people involved. It teaches discipline, sacrifice, science, math and humility.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR RACING CAREER?

I have a lot of racing goals: Hall of Champions, breaking a speed record, continuing into SST 120, then F1 here in the USA and overseas. I would also like to help promote the sport—not only bringing it back to what it used to be but to elevate it to what it should be!

GIRLS // 8

PROPELLER

ELIZABETHWOLFE WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

As a little kid at the Decatur, IL Nationals I got to go to the carnival (which was SO big a deal at the time), eat funnel cakes, and get really sunburned. Most of us older kids who grew up boat racing have sat around late at night and calculated which race we were conceived at... that game is a little disturbing, and thankfully there is no memory of that!

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE. WHAT WERE YOU FEELING,THINKING, EXPERIENCING?

I always wanted to drive. If my brother could do it, I sure could! I asked and asked to drive. Then one day, my brother called, asking where I was. I explained we were shopping for stuff for HIS race boat. He said to come back right away. He sat me in the boat and told me I was going to test the boat, and not to embarrass him. I was so nervous about not finding the course (I had seen this happen with other drivers) that I made Scott Blackwell let me follow his 5 Litre with our GNH. It was awesome and I was hooked!

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

I grew up boat racing. My brother is an engine builder who learned from my dad. I can do a fair amount of work on the boats, but only once did I ever try to assemble an engine. As I diligently followed instructions, my brother repeated over and over, “Don’t ever do that again!” (I was dropping the pistons into the cylinders and banging them against the crankshaft).

DO YOU CONSIDER APBA RACING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR MEN AND WOMEN?

I hear that more women compete in hydroplane racing than in any other motorsport, and that women are better at timing and starts. I don’t know if that is true, but other than the occasional good-natured, “Don’t let that girl beat you!” the male boat racers have always been encouraging and wanted to race against the girls. Getting more females involved has been good for the sport. The crowd loves to see girls out there on the water... and what red-blooded male doesn’t love to chase girls around! That said, there’s a lot of pressure. Girls get more attention, good and bad; and every little mistake can be blamed on “women drivers.” If female drivers get a little emotional sometimes, that’s why!

S GONE WILD // 9

RACHELWARNOCK > WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

I was about six, at Burlington, excitedly telling a spectator, “That’s my daddy, and he’s really fast!” It hadn’t really registered that he raced three classes with different engines.

When he took third, I told the spectator that Daddy “must have been saving his ‘fast motor’—the Mercury 25XS—for later. I guess he wanted to let someone else win.” Of course, I also remember being the “trophy princess” several times.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE. WHAT WERE YOU FEELING, THINKING, EXPERIENCING?

I spent 10 years around boat racing without wanting to race myself. Then Fred Miller brought MouseBoats to the races. We kids could go out with our parents in the 2-seaters; I remember taking laps around the course at Wakefield, laughing hysterically the entire time. The excitement of driving, the wind and spray in my face, the way I could almost touch the water as I turned the corners—it was so exhilaratingly fantastic! About a year later my dad and grandpa were working on setups and I said, “Daddy, I think I wanna boat race.” His jaw dropped, but they took me testing and that was it. It’s now 11 years later and I can’t fathom my life without it.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR RACING CAREER?

I’d like to win a nationals in ASH, and start racing OSY 400 in the next 2 years or so. I’d also like to think that one day I’ll be a good enough driver to represent my country on the race course at the World Championships with the U.S.A-Team. We’ll see where I go from there.

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

Of course! At my first race my grandpa handed me a pair of wrenches and said, “If you don’t work, you don’t race.” My dad taught me various things about engines, set-ups

and taking things apart, but he typically preferred to have me watch as he did it himself- I did more of the “tear down” than the “set-up.” However, he did take pride in the fact that as the only girl in my high school tech class I was the only one who knew how a carburetor functioned, and could rip the duct tape when all the boys used scissors.

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

Winning my first Nationals 20 years after my father won his first Nationals—at the same place!—was a high point. But every time I hear the wind whistle under my helmet, or run three laps inches away from one of my best friends, or catch the numbers of all 12 CSHs as they pass the start line—those are all my best experiences with APBA. And the coolest part is, I get to repeat them almost every weekend during race season.

GIRLS // 10

PROPELLER

TRACYTROLIAN WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

When I was about five, I got lost at a boat race. I couldn’t find my dad (Tom Johnston), so I asked a policeman to help me... Dad was chatting with a friend on the other end of the pits.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE.

The first time I was in a boat, I did corkscrews down Grass Lake with some of my mentors like Chris, Adam, and Don Allen Sr. watching. My dad was just proud that I got on plane. And he knew then that I was hooked!

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO RACE? IF SO, WHY?

My daughter is now 10, and has always told everyone she was going to race. Last summer she took her first solo boat ride, excited and scared to death all at the same time. She didn’t care for it, but didn’t want to disappoint her father and me. We explained that she didn’t have to race, but if she ever wanted to try again we would be grateful.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR RACING CAREER?

Win a national championship, national high point, set a record (that sticks), and be inducted into the Hall of Champions.

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

Every time I pull into a race site, I get the feeling of excitement, the adrenaline of competition, and the warmth of friendship. I have worn many hats, at many sites, across many venues and every time I feel confident and accomplished. I’m proud to be an APBA member!

S GONE WILD // 11

MARLEEHILL WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

The first time I had ever seen a hydroplane was also my first time in a boat in 2007.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE.

I went testing with Tammy Dawe. She was running her best A setup and I was running a J... I kept squeezing the throttle as tight as it would go, and wondered why I couldn’t catch her. I came back in saying, “Doesn’t it go any faster?” I’ve been more and more in love with racing every day since.

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

Of course! If I don’t know my boat, engine, and setup, I shouldn’t be racing. My first couple of years, I had absolutely no clue; so my dad, uncle and grandpa did everything.

Then I got hurt. That year, I was in the garage every night sometimes till 2am, trying to figure out how my engine works. Often I’d be on the phone with other racers to hear what they had to say.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO RACE? IF SO, WHY?

When I have children of my own, I would want nothing more than to see them in a race boat. I would definitely encourage them to race not only to carry on the Hill name and have a 5th-generation driver, but also because it would grow the sport.

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

While I don’t really have a specific “experience” with APBA racing, I can definitely say that I have never before been so crazy and passionate about anything in my life. It means absolutely everything to me.

GIRLS // 12

PROPELLER

ANNFITZGERALD > WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

My husband John and I went to races in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the summer of 1969. BAM! Next thing I knew we were buying a race boat. John raced in 280 ci and then 7 Litre.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE. WHAT WERE YOU FEELING, THINKING, EXPERIENCING?

In 1975, I had an opportunity to race also.

John and several friends fixed up an old hull and I was off and running—smitten with racing from the first time I ran the boat in Mays Landing, NJ. The first race was exhilarating; totally awesome. My competitive spirit emerged; and although I did not have the fastest boat on the circuit, I always worked at getting good starts.

It paid off, because that first year I won National High Points.

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

We always had our engines built by a professional, Bob Bernardon. I helped with routine maintenance; and Bob and John taught me how to prep the boat. When John stopped racing in 1983, he took over as my crew chief. From then on my

job was to be the driver and only doublecheck my crew on the preparation.

DO YOU CONSIDER APBA RACING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR MEN AND WOMEN?

Absolutely. Gender was never ever an issue with my fellow competitors or with me.

For many years, I was the only female on the inboard racing circuit. My racing was never about gender and my fellow boat racers knew that.

was a side-by-side race for 4 laps with Bobby Weaver in The Lobster Boat, the fastest 2.5 Stock on the circuit. I had the inside lane and a boat that handled well in rough water and windy conditions--the key to holding him off to the finish.

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

Winning the Inboard Nationals in 2.5 Stock at Hampton, VA in 1991 was probably my most awesome race ever. It

S GONE WILD // 13

TAMMYDAWE DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE. WHAT WERE YOU FEELING, THINKING, EXPERIENCING?

It was 1996; we were at a race in Brawley, CA. I told my dad, “I want to race.” He replied, “Send your mom to the store.” She went to the store, and I went for a ride in my brother’s ASH. When I came back in, Dad said, “Tammy, either go full throttle, or don’t race at all.” I went back out full throttle and have been hooked ever since. My mom did not know about it until my dad started building another boat so I could have the old one.

I have to thank my mom and dad for allowing a girl to race.

DO YOU CONSIDER APBA RACING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR MEN AND WOMEN?

When I started racing, there were maybe five female drivers in Stock Outboard. Many male drivers said that no female could compete. That is not the case today. With the inclusion of the AX classes, female drivers have proven that women can compete and dominate on the racecourse.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR RACING CAREER?

My ultimate goal is to win a national championship. I have come close, but not close enough! Of course if I don’t get that championship, I’d like to see another female driver win it.

WHAT WAS YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH APBA RACING?

My best and worst racing experience happened on the same day, at the ASH qualifiers at the Nationals. I am pretty good at starts, but this day, I sucked. I knew that I had blown my chances. I was in tears. My dad said, “We want you to win, but it is more about getting to spend time together.” Whether I win or not, I will always have my boat racing family; that is all the Hall of Champions I need.

GIRL // 14

PROPELLER

KRISTIELLISON >

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF BEING AT A BOAT RACE?

My first memories are going to races on the east end of Long Island, NY riding in the back of a pickup truck.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TIME DRIVING A RACEBOAT, OR THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU WANTED TO RACE.

In my family, it was always a matter of when—not if—you raced. My first time, I was 14 and I was hooked!

competing against women or getting beat by them. I find this very unique to boat racing.

DO YOU WORK ON YOUR ENGINE, BOAT SETUP ETC.? HOW DID YOU LEARN THOSE SKILLS?

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO RACE? IF SO, WHY?

I set up my boat when the kids let me.

When I was younger I always set up the boat and left the motor work to my dad and brother. I did whatever needed to be done in the trailer and learned it all along the way.

DO YOU CONSIDER APBA RACING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR MEN AND WOMEN?

Absolutely without a doubt. The men of APBA are not bothered at all by

My children do race and I highly encourage them. It is a great family sport and they have traveled all over the country and learned so much about competition and being a part of something so much fun.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR RACING CAREER?

One more National Championship and maybe a trip to the Hall of Champions.

MORE GIRLS GONE WILD

LS GONE WILD // 15

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

ARE WE THERE YET? >

Monthly Update from Crown

The last thing you’d probably like to experience on your spring break adventure is traffic. Let’s be honest—does anyone ever like to get caught in traffic? It’s frustrating and stressful, and has an amazing way of bringing out the colorful side of a person’s vocabulary.

In fact, the bumper-to-bumper slow down is all the more grueling when you’re eagerly anticipating the cool water and sandy beaches.

If you’re sitting in traffic on your way out of town, don’t throw your computer, tablet or smart phone down just yet. This article is going to talk about traffic… but this is the kind you’re really gonna like—your online traffic.

Why does online traffic matter?

Higher traffic means higher visibility. It means greater sponsorship and advertising revenue. It creates expansion opportunities for the sport. And it helps show that interest in the sport is alive and well.

WERE YOU AWARE...

A new iPad is purchased every three seconds /// the term “power boat” is Googled more than 78,000 times each month /// More people own a smart phone than a computer /// the amount of content that exists digitally today will double in 12 months time ///

The rules of marketing and generating awareness have changed and the speed of change is only getting faster…

Last month, the APBA debuted new digital channels to help the Association keep pace and generate new traffic. The Web site and digital Propeller are not even a month old, but they’re starting to move the Association in the right direction.

Perhaps you’ve had an opportunity to see them, and you’re wondering “what’s all the fuss?” “Why are these tools so valuable?”

Well, here are just a few of the reasons:

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

// 16

PROPELLER

QUALITY DESTINATION

Power Boat enthusiasts have had to look for information in too many places.

Multiple Web sites, forums, facebook pages and more… With the new apbaracing.com, members can find aggregated content feeds which take the guesswork out of being in the know. The information is segmented to category, so you get the information that is important to you, and is a destination that is worth returning to day after day for the latest news.

VALUE FOR THOSE NOT YET HERE

For over 70 years, Propeller has been the official APBA publication that members have looked forward to receiving each month. It is being upgraded in look and approach to be a power boat magazine that can inform APBA members while attracting new race enthusiasts to the sport, and to APBA. The same is true for portions of the Web site, especially the “New to Racing” section that gives the ins and outs of getting started. The Association serves those here… but it also seeks to attract those who need to find their way here.

RELEVANT

Real-time sanctions, maps, race calendars, videos, live streaming and so much more make apba-racing.com the place you go for relevant and timely information. When you need to know… this is where you go.

SOCIAL KNOW-HOW

Both Propeller and apba-racing.com are integrated with the APBA social community and popular social tools like YouTube and Facebook. You can now share exciting articles, upcoming races or other news with your social networks with the click of a button. You can also keep the conversation going on the articles you’re reading in this magazine.

Why is all this important? All these clicks, views and interactions really add up. It can’t be said enough: the more traffic APBA receives online through its social community, Web site or digital Propeller, the better story the Association has to tell potential sponsors and advertisers. More revenue in this area means bigger events, more events and extensions of growth-generating programs such as driving schools. The greater the traffic the greater the possibilities…

APBA’s strategy is to build the best digital infrastructure so that it truly is “All Things Power Boat Racing.”

So what’s your part in all of this?

It’s simple, really Visit.

Visit these digital channels and visit often. And then tell others about what you’ve found and what you’ve identified as interesting or valuable. They’ll pass along your information and more eyes will find their way to the great work the APBA is doing. Over time, this will certainly lead to more traffic… lots of it.

Anyone that’s made a road trip knows that it isn’t complete without at least someone asking, “Are we there yet?” Well, APBA, we’re not there yet, but we’re certainly on the way…

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

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Lakeland, Florida Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009

by Trip Advisor. The beach is and hour and a half away from the APBA Orange Cut Regatta Race.

// 18

Inboarders, start your engines! The 75th Orange Cup Regatta is a little over a week from now (March 2-3) at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. This is also the site for the 2012 APBA Stock

>

//PACK A BAG AND FIND YOUR WAY Outboard Winter Nationals March 30-April 1. Whether you’re in Florida or far from it, the atmosphere, food, people—and, of course the weather —should be enough to lure you to this prime race location.

Lakeland is 45 minutes northeast of Tampa, giving you quick access to the Gulf when you’re not watching the race. Orlando is an hour in the other direction, for when you want to act like a tourist. However, we want to give you a local’s guide to Lakeland and the surrounding area.

The locals don’t indulge in Disney World for a week, so we won’t dwell on it either. Turn up that Jimmy Buffett, drink your piña colada, and imagine your hot tub is the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Inboarders, start your engines! The 75th Orange Cup Regatta is a little over a week from now (March 2-3) at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida.

This is also the site for the 2012 APBA Stock Outboard Winter Nationals March 30-April 1. Whether you’re in Florida or far from it, the atmosphere, food, people— and, of course the weather —should be enough to lure you to this prime race location. Lakeland is 45 minutes northeast of Tampa, giving you quick access to the Gulf when you’re not watching the race.

Orlando is an hour in the other direction, for when you want to act like a tourist.

However, we want to give you a local’s guide to Lakeland and the surrounding area. The locals don’t indulge in Disney World for a week, so we won’t dwell on it either. Turn up that Jimmy Buffett, drink your piña colada , and imagine your hot tub is the Atlantic Ocean.

The first destination is a 15-minute drive from the race site and is a national event.

The Florida Strawberry Festival March 1-11 offers what you would expect— endless amounts of delicious strawberries.

A word of caution: hand-feeding your significant other will probably be expected.

Half a million Floridians and tourists show up to this event each year. It is basically an oversized fair, but with beauty pageants, strawberry shortcake-eating contests, and multiple local country and bluegrass artists. It is worth a quick look, but don’t get lost in the tourist activities— there is much more to experience around Lakeland.

Lakeland is closer to the Gulf Coast than the Atlantic shore, which is a good thing considering the Gulf is also slightly warmer. The beach could be a great place

to spend the rest of the vacation; in fact, it is probably inevitable, which is why the next activity takes place at night.

Any fisherman who travels to Florida’s southwest coast should attempt to catch tarpon. The areas around Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are some of the most fertile inshore fishing grounds in all of Florida.

The area is the perfect setting for shore fishing charters. Snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon are typically the main targets.

Although many fishing charters operate in the daytime, fishing at night offers a better chance at landing the real whoppers, as tarpon are nocturnal and do most of their feeding at night.

The third location takes us toward the Gulf Coast about two hours from Lakeland, to a theme park as grand as those in Orlando—yet less crowded, more unique, and offering real mermaids.

Featuring a water park, wildlife area and mermaid underwater show since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs is a great destination for a day with the family.

Enjoy watching wildlife as well as the mermaids—which are the main attraction, and more beautiful than you might think!

If you have a few hours and would like to escape the heat, two museums worth visiting are the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and the Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum in Polk City, a half hour north of Lakeland. The Salvador Dali Museum is the most comprehensive collection of the famous surrealist painter and offers a fascinating exhibition for any artist or aficionado. The Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum is close to Lakeland and offers in-depth exhibits in the history and competitiveness of water skiing.

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

14 // 20

Spring Training for Big League Baseball happens right there at the Lakeland Baseball Training Center. Enjoy this exciting Florida tradition and help welcome the Detroit Tigers back to Lakeland.

Fantasy of Flight in nearby Polk City showcases vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection. General admission includes themed immersion experiences, simulators, interactive exhibits. Fun for the entire family!

Between the mermaids, tarpon fishing, Orange Cup Regatta and Stock Outboard Winter Nationals, you’ll want to find a few good places to eat in Lakeland. Local watering hole and hole-in-the-wall value, Mister Fish claims to have the best fish sandwich in Florida. They’ve been around Lakeland since 1968, making the claim that much more believable. Located a quick drive north of the race course, Mister Fish is a top recommendation when the tailgating gets old. A little further north of Lake Hollingsworth is Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille. Not only do they serve beer, but their food’s good too! Expect some great New Orleans-style Cajun like their amazing jambalaya. A final recommendation: Romeo’s Pizza and Pasta. Not only does this local eatery serve New York-style pizza, but their selection and quality of pasta rivals all of the other Italian restaurants in the area. The familyowned business came from southern Italy over a decade ago.

There you have it—three fun destinations, two museums, and three restaurants in the Lakeland area—plus a couple of exciting APBA races! We hope you will experience a delightful spring break in the Lakeland area. Take advantage of the chance to avoid the masses, save money, and enjoy Florida along with the Orange Cup Regatta and Stock Outboard Winter Nationals!

PROPELLER

TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO

1. WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS 2. TARPON SPRINGS 3.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

4.

TARPON FISHING CHARTERS

5.

MISTER FISH

6. WATER SKI HALL

OF FAME MUSEUM

7.

8.

9.

SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM LAKELAND BASEBALL TRAINING CENTER FANTASY OF FLIGHT

Salvador Dali Museum

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

YOU MAKE THE CALL

“SO YOU WONDERED WHY PRO REQUIRES A PADDLE ON BOARD…” THIS MONTH’S PHOTO:

“YOUR CAPTION GOES HERE” SUBMIT

A MONTHLY CAPTION CONTEST Have you noticed that our Association is full of clever and witty people? Hey, let’s just say it… we have more than a few wise guys and smart alecs. Well, here’s 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 month’s Propeller, and just might win a prize.

Click on this month’s 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 we’re a family organization… so please keep it clean.

// APBA GRAPEVINE //////////////////////////////

PROPELLER

APBA COMMUNITY EVER WONDER JUST HOW YOUR FRIENDS KNEW? BET THEY HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE… HERE’S JUST SOME OF WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED IF YOU HAVEN’T CHECKED IN ON THE APBA SOCIAL COMMUNITY:

RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE: 2012 UPDATES

A Webinar on Feb. 9th gave APBA and the insurance representatives a chance to discuss the changes.

VIDEO

MEETING MINUTES

CLUB DRIVING SCHOOLS

Your single stop for an in-depth look at what went down at this year’s National Meeting. Have questions or feedback?

A call for all local clubs who are hosting driving schools to let everyone know when and where they will be taking place.

If your local club is planning a driving school please post all the information here! Let’s make this a great resource to point new and interested racers towards!

SPEAK UP

POST INFO

///GETTING SOCIAL // 23

THE WORLD IS WATCHING TAMMY WOLF AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM PREPARE FOR 24 HOURS OF ROUEN Rouen is a total of 24 hours of action in extremely rough water, with driver changes every two hours. Imagine driving at top speed in bright sun and darkness, with other raceboats whizzing by and debris lurking in the turbulent water. Engines, boats and drivers endure an incredible beating; it is a big accomplishment just to finish.

The tunnel boats reach the turn buoy at up to 120 mph, and in a split second accelerate out to the next one. These

professional drivers can experience up to 4Gs of centrifugal force as they rocket around the course.

The team is composed of champion female race drivers Tammy Wolf of Canada, Marie-Line Hericher of France, Bimba Sjoholm of Sweden, and Mette Bjerknaes of Norway. The masterminds are Olympic Team Rouennais Manager Albert Henricher and Director of Operations Carl Kinder. This team will compete in Class II (S2000) with a Moore tunnel

TAMMY WOLF: CANADA

Tammy Wolf started racing in 1994. Today she is considered a top driver in her class.

Tammy has competed in numerous classes including Formula V, SST 60 and Formula 3. This 2011 Divisional Champion also earned the Iron Man Award. In 2010, the team won the Regional Championship, 2nd place at the OPC Nationals, 3rd place at the North American Championships and is ranked 2nd in the USA in Formula 3. Tammy credits the hard work of her team for their achievements. This year’s goal: to compete and conquer the River Seine in Rouen and to improve on last year’s successful season. Eventually she would like to race Formula 2 (SST 120) and Formula 1 (Champ class) in the USA and overseas.

// 24

Tammy Wolf-Jakob ready to rumble in her hot pink Formula 3.

PHOTO BY // PAUL KEMIEL

boat and Mercury OptiMax motor.

With support from the worldwide racing community and extensive international interest, The World is Watching!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE CONTACT

PROPELLER

MARIE-LINE HENRICHER: FRANCE

Marie-Line Henricher brings experience and talent to the team—plus her husband, Team Manager Albert Henricher.

Henricher is a 25-year veteran who has competed successfully in all three categories at Rouen, once as part of a French women’s team. With over 50 podium finishes in her career, she calls Rouen the most demanding of all. In 1999, she married during at the 24-hour race, so each anniversary is celebrated on the water. This year’s goal: to win the World Endurance Championship.

BIMBA SJOHOLM: SWEDEN

Bimba Sjoholm follows the family racing tradition. She had a winning streak in F4, becoming an international racing sensation. She started racing in 1995 after growing up watching her father and brother drive. She has competed in S250, T400, Formula 1000 and F4. This 2011 European Champion was first runner-up in the 2008 World Championships and at the 2000 European Championships in Milano. She also prepares the boat, working on propeller testing, engines and boat setup.

METTE BJERKNAES: NORWAY

The youngest team member, and newest boat racing sensation Mette Bjerknaes has joined the team. Her father, Morten, a former Formula 1 pilot has guided this 23-year-old and made her a strong competitor. Mette started racing in 2008 in V-25 and quickly advanced to Formula 4. In 2010, the team invested in a Formula 2 boat and last season placed 3rd at the Norwegian F2 Championships. She is currently the youngest and only female athlete in the World Championship and holds an International Super License. Rouen has been a dream for Mette ever since her father competed in the Paris 6 hour race in the 1980s.

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

FROM HORSES TO HORSEPOWER:

THE DANBURY RACERS >

From left to right: The Aquaway was just 30 feet wide and three feet deep, so it could get pretty crazy in the turns…

Safety rules were a little more casual then… , Ready for the start. Night racing could be especially thrilling. Two of the famous Danbury Racers look ready to race again.

WRITTEN BY // JOHN DESOUSA

Some of you may have heard of or visited the Danbury Races, which were held at the Danbury State Fairgrounds in 1950.

There the locals created the nation’s first Aquaway to race boats. The race course was basically the horse-racing track, which was flooded with water. As you might imagine, there were a few engineering challenges, just trying to hold the water in the aquaway…

Once flooded, the track was a quarter mile long, 30 feet wide and three feet deep.

Boat racing started on the evening of May 20, 1950 with time trials during the day for six qualifying events. Boats raced for either eight or 10 laps, depending on the class (B or U) as designated by the APBA. Two Danbury Racers also raced in a Z class with the APBA. Fairground owner John Leahy contracted with Harold Kohler to design and build the Fair’s own race boats, thus creating the Danbury Racer. What little documentation survives simply describes 18 wooden and two fiberglass boats that were built and assigned numbers.

Each boat was 10’ 5” long, with a 55”

beam, powered by 44- or 48-cubic-inch inboard Crosley engines with no clutches.

Danbury Racers could reach speeds of 40+ mph. The first Crosley engines were the tin block design; those were later replaced with the higher cubic inch cast iron block engines.

At the end of the 1950 racing season, boat racing gave way to stock car racing, which proved to be more financially successful.

After that, the Danbury Racers were stored indoors on the Fairgrounds for almost 30 years. Fair employees regularly oiled and turned over the engines annually.

On July 30, 1980, the stored Danbury Racers went up for auction.

boats, recreating that glorious season in 1950 when the entire fleet took to the water with a roar in Danbury, Connecticut.

The opening night flyer promised “7 Thrill-Packed Events”

Today we’re not sure how many of the original Danbury Racers survive. Three are known to be still on the water. They were reunited last year for the first time since the closing of the Danbury Aquaway. Other racers found three boats in Connecticut, two in New Hampshire, one in Ohio and four in Wisconsin. Two of those are presently under restoration.

Perhaps the next reunion of the Danbury Racers will draw more of these classic

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

// 26

PROPELLER

>

UIM RACING:

WHAT TO EXPECT

The jetty start in OSY-400 in Estonia at the 2011 Worlds.

PHOTO BY // DAVID RECHT

WRITTEN BY // BILLY ALLEN

Racing in a UIM event is similar to racing with the APBA. There are, however, some important differences. If you plan to travel to a UIM race, there are a few things that you should know in order to help the process go more smoothly. The purpose of this article is to ensure that any APBA driver who plans to race in a UIM race is prepared and knows what to expect.

The first thing to do is to join the UIM and get a membership card. This can be done when joining APBA. It will require sending in a passport photo and will cost an extra $100.00.

Online preregistration: There is no entry fee for World Championships. However, you should preregister for a UIM race as soon as the advance program becomes available online. The UIM rule states that the advance program must be available at least 45 days prior to the event. It has been my experience that it is usually available much sooner than this. By preregistering you will accomplish two things:

1. You will let the race organizers know

that you plan to attend. This will give them time to procure the appropriate National Flags and National Anthem for the opening and closing ceremonies.

2. You will ensure that you will be allowed

to compete with the racing number that is already on your hull. UIM rules state that if two drivers register with the same boat number, the driver from the host country is obliged to forfeit his number. If two visiting drivers pre-register with the same number, the driver who pre-registers first will be allowed to keep their number and the other driver will be asked to change. In UIM Racing the number must be one or two digits and your APBA letter designation is not needed.

Checking in at the race: When you check in at the race you will need to show your valid APBA and UIM cards, your completed entry form, a letter from APBA

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

// 28

stating that you are qualified to race in that particular competition and proof of insurance. In UIM racing each driver is required to have insurance on his boat in case of an accident. You can usually buy insurance at the race for between 50 and 90 euros. If a member of your team intends to be on the International Jury, this is the time to present their letter from APBA stating that they are a valid APBA and UIM member and are qualified to be on the jury. You will then be given your wristbands and your official pit passes for driver and crew. The pit passes are attached to a lanyard and must be hung around the neck at all times unless you are actually racing. Here’s a tip: along with the lanyard, put a piece of rolled duct tape on the back of the pass and stick it to your shirt. This will keep it out of the way when working in the pits or on the starting jetty.

PROPELLER

PRE-RACE SCRUTINEERING

On the morning of the race there is usually a one-hour open practice session.

Before you can put your boat on the water, however, there is a vigorous pre-race inspection or scrutineering process performed on each boat. First and foremost, the driver must be present with his/her respective hull to assist in the process and to answer any questions that the scrutineer might have. In order to pass the pre-race scrutineering process you will need the following: A BOAT MEASUREMENT CERTIFICATE

A template of this certificate is provided in the UIM rule book and I also have copies available. This certificate must be completed by a valid APBA inspector who does not have an interest in the boat being scrutinized. This certificate is to ensure that the hull is UIM compliant. What this means is that the combing sides are to UIM spec and are made of compliant material; and that the picklefork tips are rounded off to UIM spec.

ENGINE HOMOLOGATION PAPERS

If you are competing in a class which the rules state must be raced with a particular engine (for example, OSY-400), a set of Homologation Papers will be required.

These papers are basically a spec sheet for the engine and can be obtained from UIM through APBA for a cost of $75.00. You must have stamped originals—copies are not valid.

LIFE JACKET, CUTSUIT, AND HELMET

Your APBA legal equipment will be legal in UIM. NATIONAL FLAG

Your National Flag must be hanging in your pit area and must also be affixed to your boat. On the boat, the flag decals must be 25 x 40cm and must be on both sides, either on a vertical surface or on the deck.

PADDLE

A paddle must be on board, securely stowed in a location that is easily accessible. It must be of working size and painted orange so it can be used as a visual aid to warn other drivers of a boat dead on the circuit.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

There must be a working fire extinguisher in every pit area.

UIM DECALS

FUEL PAD

Decals displaying the actual UIM logo measuring 20 x 20cm also must be on both sides of the hull.

An absorbent fuel pad is required under each engine to ensure against fuel spills or oil drips.

RACING NUMBER

SCRUTINEERING

Your 1- or 2-digit racing number must be black on white, with each digit measuring 14 x 24cm.

A CURRENT UIM RULEBOOK

If you have two drivers, have two rulebooks on hand.

KILL SWITCH

The scrutineer will require you to start the engine and pull the kill switch to demonstrate that it is in proper working order.

BUOYANCY

If your hull is made of any material other than wood, proper buoyancy in the form of foam or an inflatable device such as an inner tube must be inflated and stowed, usually under the deck, in a secure manner.

The scrutineer will also visually check the boat over to ensure that it is seaworthy, that there are no obstacles or sharp objects protruding into the cockpit, that all of the hardware is fastened tightly, that the throttle is completely shutting off and that the steering system is in proper working order.

POST-RACE SCRUTINEERING

If you make it to the top three, you and your boat will be ushered directly into the inspection tent. Only the driver and one mechanic are allowed in this closed are. The UIM Inspection process goes very quickly, so have tools ready and be prepared to start tearing down immediately.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As with any registration and inspection process, if you make it easy on them, they will make it easy on you. Have your paperwork in order, be courteous, and if you don’t understand something, inquire in a polite and reasonable manner. Remember that the UIM World Championships are awarded to countries on an alphabetical, rotating basis. Therefore, the race

organizing committee that you will be dealing with might themselves be new to the process and will be trying their best to accommodate people and teams from many different countries.

CONTACT BILLY ALLEN READ ENTIRE STORY

If you have any other questions regarding UIM Racing, I am always available to offer any assistance you might need.

// 29

$

APBA LIABILITY COVERAGE PER REGATTA

5,000,000

408 38:

Number of years Fred Miller has conducted Hall of Champions

3,000 HORSEPOWER OF AN UNLIMITED TURBINE ENGINE

The number of attendees at the 2012 Annual Meeting

THE NUMBER OF HALL OF CHAMPIONS INDUCTEES FOR 2011

113

>

BY THE NUMBERS…

THE NUMBER OF APBA RACING CLASSES

The number of

APBA RACING CATEGORIES

14

15 29:

THE NUMBER OF TIMES EDWARD HEARN HAS BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF CHAMPIONS

69°

Average temperature for Lakeland, Florida in March

26

number of new rules passed at annual meeting

Fastest mile per hour boat speed, set by Ken Warby

317.60

the last day in february to get a discount on 2012 membership dues

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

ARE YOU ARMORED UP?

>

We all know how important the racing helmet is. Even the hardest-headed racers need to protect their remaining brain cells.

Otherwise they can’t keep track of their points. As Edward B. Becker, Executive Director and Chief Engineer of the Snell Memorial Foundation, wrote in a 2009 letter to the New York Times, “Our species has no inborn capacity for sustaining direct head impacts. Anyone in harm’s way ought to armor up.” So, there you are with your APBA-legal helmet, armored up and ready to race… or are you?

Here are a few things to think about with those surviving brain cells.

• How old is your helmet? They do not

last forever. Also, a helmet that has taken a hard hit should be replaced

PROPELLER

immediately; it will not protect you a second time. Even if it does not look damaged or cracked, it’s done. A helmet that has been exposed to fuel, vapors, sweat, cosmetics, hair oil, paint etc. over the years may be compromised as well, inside and out. The Snell Foundation recommends replacement every five years—a good guideline.

• How good is your helmet? Price should not dictate your helmet purchase. Invest

in a good one. Look for a Snell rating. Although APBA general safety rules allow Department of Transportation (DOT) rated helmets, there is a big difference between DOT and Snell ratings. Manufacturers basically vouch for their own products to receive DOT approval. They may not test them at all. Snell, on the other hand, is an independent non-profit foundation that applies the same rigorous testing to all helmets. The chart below, courtesy of Bob Wartinger, shows the difference in performance between Snell and DOT helmets in energy absorption and velocity.

Note the snell energy rating is up to 85% higher than the DOT’s. That translates into greater impact protection for you. Your brain will thank you.

• Does your helmet fit you? Again, it pays to get the right stuff. It’s best to try on your

helmet if possible. When it’s tightly fastened, it should not slide backward and forward on your head. If you push it back, it should pull the skin on your forehead back—like an instant facelift.

Snug. Tight.

• Start the season right.

Check all of your safety equipment, but especially your helmet. If it’s over five years old, replace it. Armor up with a good quality helmet. After all, you want to protect what some boat racers consider your most important part.

MORE ON HELMET RATINGS

// 31

// REGION ROUND UP /////////////////////////////////////////////

>

REGION ROUND UP // 32

PROPELLER

>

>

REGION 2

Here are a couple of 2012 events that we are requesting at the National Meeting for Region 2.

June 15-17th, don’t miss Race on the Lake in Syracuse, NY. Vintage flybys and Inboard Grand Prix racing, plus supporting classes, return to Onondaga Lake. Contact M. Doyle, Paradise Companies, LLC at 315-703-9620, or R. Shannon at 315-243-2447.

August 3-5th is the Cross Lake Vintage Raceboat Classic in Cato, NY. This is a Vintage-only event. Contact: R. Shannon n36hydro@yahoo.com or 315-243-2447.

This will be the third year for this event with continued growth anticipated. On Friday, an afternoon of water time starts off this event, followed by a driver and crew reception Friday night. Saturday will be a full day of flybys from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by the participants’ dinner hosted by the Cross Lake Inn. Entertainment will follow dinner. Also on Saturday will be the “old school” hot rod show with Butch’s much-anticipated Pinup contest. Butch has secured the support of the winner and some of the participants from the Syracuse Nationals Street Rod Show. Look for some really neat outfits from the 1950s and ’60s. All ladies are welcome to participate. Prizes and trophies will be awarded, so dig out those poodle skirts and other classic outfits. Sunday continues with a full day of flybys starting after the required drivers meeting. We will be wrapping up water time about 4:00 PM. Bring lots of fuel and a hearty appetite.

We look forward to seeing all of you enjoying our smooth water and great hospitality.

But wait—there’s more!

August 16-19th is the Clayton Antique Raceboat Museum 20th Anniversary Raceboat Regatta.

September 8th is the Buffalo Launch Club’s annual Boat Show.

September 21-23, come back to the Geneva Hydrobowl—Join us in Region 2 for an exciting summer of fun!

RICK SHANNON

REGION 3

Inboard news: The new 2012 racing season is here. I bet a lot of you have resolved to try to make more horsepower in your race boat. Are you doing anything to achieve that goal that you’d like to share with the readers? Have you gotten a new motor or maybe a new boat? Any news from the National Meeting? I want to hear about anything else of interest you’d like to share.

Please don’t be shy.

The Orange Cup Regatta is coming up in Region 5 in Lakeland, Fla. the weekend of March 2-3. Brandon Kennedy, among others, is anxious to get back on the racecourse. Who else from Region 3 plans to make the trip? What a way to kick off the 2012 race season— with a trip to warm, sunny central Florida in March. After racing ends on Sunday, you might head to Daytona Beach for the beginning of Bike Week. I like the flat track motorcycle racing the best, even more than the Daytona 200.

I went to the Pennsylvania Motor Sports Show in Oaks, Pa. to help man the APBA booth with my husband Mitch Brown, brother-in-law Warren Brown III, and his girlfriend Linda Sherwood. The Big Bird

by Pennzoil was there, thanks to Budget Buster Racing. We shared booth duties with Dave Shaw and Thom Heins, giving out rack cards, showing racing DVDs and fielding questions about the boat and APBA racing. We all hope that it helps to generate interest in our sport and our upcoming events.

At the Winding River Boating Association annual Christmas dinner in Pleasantville NJ, Warren Brown presented the coveted Club Member of the Year Award. Linda Sherwood got up to take a picture, and when Warren announced that Linda was the recipient, she was totally amazed. (I hope someone got a picture of her!) Linda has been involved with W.R.B.A. for the last few years. This past year she was even more involved with the Daniel J. Murphy Jr. Regatta, and she helped to initiate something new that was beneficial to the club and to the race. Linda has a daughter and a son, three grandchildren, and two

Above, from top: Kelly Shane works on the Inboard.

Terry Rinker takes a victory lap with the AMSOIL team at Kankakee.

PHOTO BY // F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

// REGION ROUND UP ///////////////////////////////////

dogs—great candidates for Pit Kidz and Pit Petz. Congratulations, Linda on an awesome job!

I had heard a rumor on Facebook, about a potential series, so I emailed Brandon Kennedy and asked him about it. This was his response.

“We are currently in the developmental stages of creating a series for regions 3

REGION 3

Stock/Mod/J News: I hope everyone had a nice holiday. Even though you are all back to work, it means that we are that much closer to hitting the water again. On January 9th, we held a DVORA meeting at Giuseppe’s restaurant in New Hope, PA. We had one of the best turnouts that I have ever seen, which is an encouraging sign for the upcoming season. Topics that

APBA SCORERS MAKE THE GRADE WRITTEN BY //SALLY TITUS

Being a scorer is hard work. There’s loads of preparation for an event, travel to the event and late hours while onsite. And the job’s not through when the boat trailers pull out as there are all the results to review and send to APBA Headquarters so National High Points can be tabulated.

On top of all this, you’re required to take a test to prove you can do the job! While the Scorer Test is not yet available for download, now’s definitely the time to be thinking about it.

In the next few weeks, you will want to download the current 2012 rulebooks, the 2012 Scorer’s Test and the 2012 Scorers Handbook from the APBA RESOURCES page, as they are not mailed to you.

The test is divided into two sections. First, are questions from the Scorer’s Handbook.

They are not trick questions, but they do cover areas that are (a) new or changed and/or (b) often done incorrectly or forgotten at registration, thus requiring follow-up from Headquarters afterwards.

The second section consists of questions covering several categories of racing.

Remember, in order to be listed on the sanction as the chief scorer for a specific category, you must take and pass the Scorer’s Test for that category, each year.

and 4! This is just a start. We are currently looking for sponsors so we can give out awards, money and cool items to make our series a good one. Classes eligible: 2.5 Stock Class and Jersey Speed Skiffs.

Race Schedule: Greenwood Lake, NJ, Kent Narrows, MD, Cambridge, MD, Hampton, VA and Wildwood, NJ. (Skiffs will have Mays Landing, NJ.) Points Format: TBA.”

This is all in the development stages. I will keep you posted as I get more information.

Next month I‘ll write about the Region 3 Inboard Awards Banquet, Saturday February 11th at the Wyndham Hotel in Mt. Laurel, NJ. There will be capsule training that day from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. I look forward to being there and I hope to see as many of my boat racing friends as possible! Stay safe, stay warm, and please keep me updated on any news.

CONTACT BARBARA BROWN

FOR FURTHER TIPS AND INSIGHTS READ MUCH MORE

// 34

the club went over included equipment updates, 2012 race dates and officials, a possible driving school, and many others.

We look forward to seeing even more club members at the next meeting.

Region 3’s annual outboard banquet was held on February 11 in Delran, NJ, thanks to Jill Glossner and others.

Last but not least, DVORA was represented at the 2012 Motorsports Show January 20th through 22nd at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, Many club members were on hand to promote our sport. We encourage anyone that can attend to please come on out and lend a hand at these events.

CONTACT SHAWN BREISACHER

REGION 5

Don’t let your trailer chase you: Sooner or later, anyone who tows a boat trailer may experience an uncoupling while underway.

It happened to me twice in three years— time to investigate.

The problem, typically enough, was that the coupling was not properly seated on

PROPELLER

the ball when I thought it was. It sure gets your attention. Suddenly the trailer sways, you hear strange noises, and the trailer goes under your vehicle as far the chains allow. Fortunately, in both cases, the chains on my hitch held. When the coupler came off the ball, luckily I was only doing about 35-46 MPH and driving in town. I was able to slow down and get off the road.

Also fortunate was that in both cases

road instead of the shoulder.

Happy trailering.

BILL WALKER

REGION 6

The 2012 APBA Annual Meeting is in the books. Those who were not there can hear about it at the APBA Region 6 meeting Feb. 25-26 in Perrysburg, Ohio. This gathering of the racing clans will feature

A new general safety rule (3.A.1) was passed last year and affects all racers, in capsules or not: “The upper fifty percent of the helmet must be a single color of the following: yellow or orange or international orange or fluorescent red.”

Capsule training in Region 6 Feb. 25-26, Perrysburg, Ohio, March 10th and April 21st, Eastpointe MI; and July 28th, St. Clair, MI.

// F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

my trailer had very heavy tongue weight (150-200 lbs.).

The source of the problem was that the coupler’s moving parts were dirty and corroded and not free to drop down around the ball. The coupler contains a bottom curved latch, spring, bolt and adjusting nut. These parts are easily overlooked during use or maintenance simply because they are hidden.

Therefore, you have to make a point of checking these parts carefully. The bottom latch must be free to drop down when you hook up and push the top latch (the lock).

In addition, try these steps: 1. Oil or use light grease on the

moving parts.

2. If possible, connect on a level road or

parking lot. Too much force on a slope may prevent a good hookup.

A little attention now, before you start the season, can keep you and your boat on the

class, category, and committee meetings.

The Annual Meeting will be discussed; schedule details will be filled in; and plans for the racing year will take shape. Plus, the Annual APBA Region 6 Awards Banquet will feature fine dining and discourse Saturday evening. Details to come from Region 6 Chairman Billy Noonan. Region, Wendy’s Top Gun, Category and MACH Champions will be feted; and the Don Allen Service Award, the C.A Kreitzer Sportsmanship Award, and the Ray Weber Memorial Trophy will be presented.

Insurance: an extremely important subject for APBA boat racing, while not popular, is insurance. Event costs have gone up significantly. In 2008, the rate for Inboard was $2,900; it’s now over $4,000 (increase of $1,100 or 38%). See the chart in the last issue. The better we understand insurance, the better off we will be. See information from the National Meeting at region meetings. Waiver sheet signatures are crucial.

SIGN IN

2012 Schedule (Check out the master schedule for all details!)

Lakeland, Florida; March 2-4 Stuart, Florida; April 14-15 Dayton, Ohio; May 19-20 Walled Lake, Michigan; June 9-10 Chamberlain, South Dakota; June 16-17 Detroit, Michigan; July 13-15 Waterford, Michigan; July 21-22 Hampton, Virginia; August 10-12 Tonawanda, New York; August 18-19 Celina, Ohio; August 25-26 Clinton, Illinois; September 8-9 Rocky Fork (Hillsboro), Ohio; September 15-16 Geneva, New York; September 21-23 Wildwood, New Jersey; October 6-7

Outboards—MHRA, Three Rivers, Indiana Outboard, Superleague, etc.

Sites include: Grass Lake, Constantine, Hillsdale, Big Rapids, Bay City and Indian River MI; Delaware, Dayton, Hamilton, Portsmouth, Marietta, Springfield OH; Franklin, Pittsburgh PA.

// REGION ROUND UP ///////////////////////////////////

IN MEMORIAM:

WRITTEN BY: // GEORGE L. CONOVER SR.

Bill Patterson

William M. Patterson Jr. passed away on December 10, 2011. Bill, as his friends called him, was 92 years young. In the 1940s he drove an outboard runabout for Mulford Scull. After that he had his own outboard runabout called “ESTRALITA”. After his driving career, he enjoyed being a crewmember for various teams.

Bill was a Lifetime Member of Winding River Boating Association, where he worked very hard making our race events happen. In the year 2000 and again in 2004, Bill received the Jack Fisher Achievement Award from WRBA and was named Club Member of the Year.

He was also a member of the American Power Boat Association, The Township of Hamilton Historical Society, and the Cape Atlantic Rock Hounds.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Miriam Patterson. Bill is survived by his daughters Connie (Arthur) Reynolds and Patricia ( Jay) Mayhew; grandchildren Jennifer Reynolds, William (Melody) Reynolds, Jessica (Mark) Haviland, and Kate ( James) Prince; and great-grandchildren Patrick Reynolds, Griffin and Zephyr Haviland.

He is also survived by his brother John (Virginia), stepmother Eva, and brotherin-law Myron (Blanche) Lashley.

// 36

2012 National High Point Champions from Region 6 include: J Class: Grant Hearn, Colin Smith, Laura Wheeler Stock Outboard: Joe Pater, Tom Smith, Terry Kerr, Josh Peterson, Fred Hollerbeck MOD Outboard: Shawn Brill, Jeff Williams, Tom Sutherland, Eric Vanover PRO Outboard: Andrew Thirlby, Jim Kirts, Sherm Caldwell Inboard: Jim Sechler, Royce Richards/ George English, Jimmy Deel SLT: John Heuninck Also, class leaders Josh Peterson and Chris Hagerl.

Congratulations to all!

SIGN UP

Then, look for a post by AquaJ’s list of Inboard Facebook pages. Outboard clubs have similar Facebook pages. Stock and Mod Outboarders, check out the Sidewinder engine update on the Forum.

Marine Prop Riders meeting took place January 4. A publicity committee will be formed to take the load off the volunteers, to be finalized at the next meeting. Some discussion of Autorama display, the club display boat, Spring Boat Expo March 13-15 (needs manpower), and racing.

Dayton is moving forward for testing and driving school. Walled Lake ( June 9-10) is on target. Bill Rands’s overview for the Gold Cup ( July 13-15) was positive, with the DYC and professional marketing helping to find funding, along with schedule changes. Big block hydros may come, and the F18 will return too!

Waterford’s Quake ( July 21-22) is the Inboard World Championships.

APBA’s new Executive Director Dan Wiener was introduced. His tasks: stabilize and build the membership, run the office, modernize APBA, use data from website visits to make plans, upgrade Propeller magazine, expand advertising opportunities. Dan was impressed by APBA’s history and the passion of its members. He sees a bright future for the organization.

Finally, we saw a DVD from the banquet, thanks to Ray Dong, and to Phil Kunz for all the photos. A great time, and a great

demonstration to Dan Wiener just how important those older days are to the members!

The MHRA Awards Banquet was February 11th. Check the website for more info!

—Don “Eli” Whitney REGION 10

Back to the Future: By the time this is published, the National Meeting will be history. As we adjust for lead times, especially with e-publishing, it is a little difficult to know what has happened what is happening, and what will happen in Region news. So, let’s look at this month’s news through the glasses of happenedhappening-gonna happen: Capsule training takes place February 18th at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. The first session was January 28th in Lake Stevens. Terra Supnet is again coordinating Region 10 Rescue’s efforts to get all our members through training. Other sessions are scheduled for March 3rd at Hazen High School Pool in Renton; March 24th at Redmond Pool, and a potential eastern Washington session in April, TBD. Remember that this year, most people who haven’t taken Capsule Training recently are due, so contact Terra early to arrange an appointment at a place near you.

Tacoma Inboard’s Awards Banquet took place January 14th at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. Outgoing “Doggadore” Shawn Warren put on the Chihuahua with a great Mexican buffet (no Chihuahuas were harmed in the making of this buffet). Seattle Outboard’s annual Commodore’s Ball is February 4th at the U-11 Unlimited Hydroplane boat shop. Kyle Bahl and J-Dub Myers are the organizers for this event, to include a “Coolest Boat Racing Apparel Contest”.

Attendees are encouraged to dig out the coolest, rarest, most interesting or different racing shirts they can find, with a great prize for the winner! Our Region Meeting is Saturday February 25th at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. Here we will go over the National Meeting, new rules and schedules, and get our ducks in a row for the 2012 season.

PROPELLER

Meantime, new equipment is being prepared in all classes. SOA is kicking off its J Hydro Building Project. This year, we may build a new C Stock or two.

The goal is to get five new racers on the water. With the help of SOA members, HARM and Darrell Sorensen’s boat kits, SOA Member Dave Anderson is excited about getting this year’s “class” underway.

Dave continues work on his own new D Stock composite hull; the Byrne Brothers have ordered new hulls from Montana Race Craft; we expect a couple of new hulls out of Moby Grape Boat Works and Mike Perman; Kyle Bahl continues on his carbon fiber CSH at Anarchy Boat Works; Drew Thompson is probably working on something. Those are just the boats we know about; there’s probably more.

Jim Codling reports: On the Inboard side, Leslie Warren is reloading with a new engine! She and husband Shawn have named their new addition “Matilda”.

Thanks to Marty Haack and his Blockhead Machine team, 2.5 Mods are going to rock.

Race sites continue to search for sponsors and perhaps more favorable dates. Oroville has been bumped from the Inboard Nationals date to two weeks after Black Lake. Should work out well for all of us who travel. It is a fun event.

More changes in Vintage: Steve Kramer takes over the region helm from Doug Whitley. Steve’s first meeting was on Jan 7th at the museum in Kent.

Both Don Kelson and Doug will still be involved in this growing division. Several “new” 145 hulls should be out; these smaller boats might make up another set of vintage heats.

Ron Jones Jr. continues as Seattle Inboard Commodore; Dick Price remains the leader for Seattle Drag and Ski. New elected IRC members James Mallory, Dave Cossette and Brian Hajny, and appointee Jeff Bernard, represent our large region.

Our Unlimited fleet is not back yet from Doha and some sponsors are not renewing so far, so keep your fingers crossed.

Most communications from APBA will be

by email, so it is imperative that you all keep on the “ol’ ‘puter” often. Come to the club meetings to be a part of your sport.

See you there.

Renew your memberships soon to receive the discount. Jim Tacoma Inboard Commodore Kip Brown writes: Over 80 people signed up for Tacoma Inboard’s awards banquet January 14 at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum.

Big Dog Warren worked his curly tail off to make it a night to remember.

Our club is preparing for some great races this year in Region 10: Tastin’ and Racin’ on Lake Sammamish in June; the Pateros Terry Troxell Memorial in August; and the Yapachino Memorial Regatta at Spanaway in September hosts the Flatbottom World Championships. We hope to add a regatta to our schedule. TIRA is working hard to make this another outstanding season, and we invite our friends nationwide to attend these and other Region 10 regattas.

And to the south, Larry Darneille reports: It is a busy time for the Cal-Ore US Championship series race directors. The racing season is between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Funds and logistics have to be set by early spring. Changes include a new qualifying race, starting procedure, and redesigned pit areas.

Cal-Ore meets monthly through spring.

At least one new boat is being constructed

by Tyler McGinnis of Gold Beach and promises to push the performance edge.

Tyler’s brother Ryan is redesigning the boat he debuted at Hoopa, CA last year.

There will be a lot of spring testing for the frontrunners to keep their edge and to bring this year’s rookies up to speed.

Visit caloreriverracers.org.

That about wraps it up for January, February, and possibly parts of March and April… bear with us as we sort out this news cycle, and figure out what is timely and what is not.

—Patrick Gleason, Region 10

BREAKING >>>OUT

THE INSIDE STORY OF STUDENT DRIVERS, THEIR NEEDS, AND IDEAS FOR GROWTH.

>

This month more than 1.5 million students will visit Florida for spring break, spending a billion dollars, and significantly boosting the local economy.

That kind of attention got us thinking…

As we enter a new season, what can be done to attract and grow new studentaged drivers? What might the possible impact be to the American Power Boat Association when it begins to focus on what these students value?

So we set out to gain the perspective of our younger drivers. As a recent college graduate in Daytona, Brandon Kennedy knows first-hand what it’s like to be a student driver.

Speaking with Brandon, the passion for the sport is undeniable. “Once you start racing, you’re hooked for life,” Brandon states without apology. It is overwhelmingly clear that this young driver feels a responsibility to the Association. There is an unspoken feeling that students are the future of the APBA and are critical to growing the organization.

“We need to refine what we mean by ‘student’,” Brandon mentions. Nine- to 14-year-old students, while a loyal crowd, were seen as a difficult group to target unless the family is also participating.

“APBA should really attempt to reach

// F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

// 38

those at the end of high school who are about to begin a new life adventure and be most interested in trying power boating.”

One common difficulty felt by student racers is traveling to destinations. For serious student drivers such as Brandon, flying to most places is a requirement as the weekend is the only time available to compete. This puts an additional cost burden on a student, yet Brandon feels it’s worth it. “The pressure of classes is something every student experiences,” Brandon mentions. “For me, racing is a getaway. There’s pressure in competition for sure, but being on the water is what I love and it relieves the stress of classes and allows me to relax. Not only do I get to race on the weekends, but I’m able to see my lifelong friends and have a good time.”

Speaking of friends, there’s a growing need for student groups. That’s why Brandon and a group of friends started Joe Pro Racing several years ago. The group includes college age students on the East Coast in the inboard category. What makes Joe Pro unique is its success in bringing students and others together and its focus on what students love most— having fun. “Joe Pro’s competitive, but it’s always about having fun first. We make silly videos, do stupid things on the weekends, have a good time, that’s what’s it’s about.” And it seems to be working;

Brandon revealed several members of Joe Pro joined while students and help out as crew at the races. It also became apparent that Joe Pro is one of the few groups in APBA for high school and college students.

“APBA could certainly do more to focus on students,” says Brandon. “Students care about having fun and relaxing from school and life. What I’ve heard from other students my age is that APBA is confusing. It’s thought of as a serious sport; ultra-competitive, similar to Formula 1. With Joe Pro, we’ve tried to change those perceptions by being focused on the camaraderie and friendships. Our website has videos on silly stuff we do together and brings greater focus to the off-thewater fun.

While Brandon believes that the new Propeller and web site are steps in the right direction to allow APBA to reach more young students. However, he challenges the Association to think outside the box to appeal to racers, fans and potential newcomers.

PROPELLER

“ONCE YOU START RACING YOU’RE HOOKED FOR LIFE” –BRANDON KENNEDY

UP CLOSE WITH BRANDON CURRENT AGE 20

STARTED RACING Age 14

BOAT NUMBER: T–25

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2011 Summer Nationals, 2008 Hall of Champions, and many race wins and titles.

OCCUPATION: Works for a high performance boat company

WHY HE LOVES RACING: Racing is a getaway and my friends are in racing

// 39

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

>

CATEGORY CORNER ///FIND IT ALL HERE

PROPELLER

MODIFIED OUTBOARD >

WRITTEN BY //TOM SUTHERLAND, MODIFIED OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN

Congratulations to Bob Dunlap, Daniel Koschka and Rick Miller on their induction into the APBA Hall of Champions. Bob Dunlap also received the Bob Goller and Paul Kalb awards.

The 2011 Modified Outboard Rookie of the Year was Wayne Robertson from Zionsville, Indiana. Wayne raced 350 Mod Hydro and is a member of the Indiana Outboard Association.

The John Read Service Award this year went to Steve Dunn. When the 2011 Winter Nationals could not be held at Jesup, Georgia due to low water, Steve was instrumental in making the move to Tabor City on short notice.  Now that the National Meeting is over, it’s time to look forward to the upcoming season. Jesup, Georgia is scheduled to be the site of the 2012 Winter Nationals.

However, parts of Georgia are still experiencing a drought and we are keeping a close watch on the water levels at Jesup. If the water level is not sufficient to race, plan B is to head for Tabor City, North Carolina.

Bob Dunlap capped a tremendous year of Modified racing with multiple awards and a trip to the Hall of Champions. // PATRICK GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the date has been moved back one week, to April 20-22. This will be the date, whether we race at Jesup or Tabor City. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. We will do our best to let everyone know if it is necessary to make the change to Tabor City.

Good luck in the 2012 season.

// 41

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

JUNIOR CLASSES REPORT FEBRUARY 2012

>

WRITTEN BY //BUDDY TENNELL

Now that the National Meeting is behind us, we can look forward to a great racing season. The Junior Classes meetings were well attended and we had some great discussions. There are a few proposals being presented to the APBA Board of Directors for approval. One proposal that has already been approved by the Junior Classes Committee, the Hall of Champions Committee and the Board of Directors is a change to the Hall of Champions criteria. Since the participation numbers have been up, the Junior Classes have an additional inductee for the Hall of Champions. With this addition, the criteria has been changed.

Now, for the first time AX participants can be inducted into the Hall of Champions via the Junior Classes, rather than an AtLarge spot (should one be available). The new criteria are as follows:

RULE 20 – JUNIOR CLASS AWARDS

Hall of Champions: The criteria for selection will be as follows:

1. A minimum of one driver selected

to Hall of Champions must be a participant in Junior Hydro or Junior Runabout, and have qualified for Hall of Champions based solely on their accomplishments in JH and/or JR.

2. Additional drivers selected can only

be inducted one time if no longer age eligible for Junior Hydro and/or Junior Runabout.

– APBA JH, JR, AXH or AXR North American Championship: 25 points each.

6. The second inductee, Junior or AX, must achieve a minimum of 60 points.

7. In case of a tie, the drivers who earned the greatest number of high points for the year shall be selected.

Bids for Divisional Championships were also presented and approved at the meeting.

3. Drivers must have won either or both Hydro or Runabout closed course National Championship in JH, JR, AXH or AXR.

4. OR, Drivers must have won the

overall high point championship (with no less than 10 legal races where he/she earned points) in JH, JR, AXH or AXR.

5. The points shall be awarded as follows:

– National Champion in JH, JR, AXH or AXR National Championship: 50 points each (must have been 8 legal starters).

– National High Point Champion: 40 points each (in JH, JR, AXH or AXR only).

– Set a kilo or competition record: 20 points each.

//// LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ///////////////////// // 42 // PATRICK GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY

PROPELLER

CHAMPIONSHIP RACES FOR 2012 WILL BE:

>

Northeast Divisional

Standish, ME

May 19-20, 2012

Southeast Divisional

Evans, GA

June 22-23, 2012

Central Divisional

Springfield, OH

July 7-8, 2012

Western Divisional

Parker, AZ

April 14-15, 2012

National Championship

Grass Lake, MI

August 4, 2012

North American Championships

Rainbow City, AL

August 9-12, 2012

The Junior Classes Scholarship Committee received six applications. Two scholarship winners were announced at the banquet on Saturday evening. The winners of the scholarships were Thomas Allen and Danielle Kobren. These scholarships are made possible due to the efforts of Jill Glossner and Sheri Runne, along with the generosity of the APBA Historical Society. This was the third year that the scholarships were awarded and the APBA Historical Society has pledged its support for another three years. Thank you Jill, Sheri and the APBA Historical Society.

Have a great racing season!

—Buddy

// 43

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

STOCK OUTBOARD PARITY COMMITTEES ARE A NECESSARY COMPONENT

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WRITTEN BY // JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN

In our category we currently have three parity committees designed to achieve parity in the “A” classes, “D” classes and the 20SSH class. A parity committee can be of any size and may include any member, with the category chairman as ex-officio.

It is necessary for these classes to be able to change rules as they evolve at any time in the racing year. According to our rules, the SORC is not permitted to change rules during the racing season, but a parity committee can.

My main goal has been to make sure these committees are as unbiased as possible.

The committees are made up of our friends and competitors who all share one common criterion, which is my number one rule: They do not have a personal stake in the class. If they, or any family members, race the class, they cannot serve on the committee. I have asked for the help of the members listed below to assist if needed. By not being involved in the class, it is my hope they will be able tp sit back and observe their committee’s class at races they attend. Through their observations, they can make the best decisions possible for Stock Outboard.

Due to not being involved in

the class, many of our committee members know very little about the mechanics of the engines involved—and that is fine.

The committees will incorporate some of the best technical minds in our sport to gather past information and current testing information. In the event that I, or anyone in my family, might purchase an engine in the class in question to participate, I promise to abstain from my right to make or break a tie in the voting process.

The 2012 Stock Outboard Racing Commission in Chicago.

2012 PARITY COMMITTEES DSH CLASS 20 CLASS EARL DESIATO BRIAN WILLIAMS JOHN BROGE GENE SCHERTZ ROGER PRYZBYLA SCOTT CLARK TIM SIDOR SHANON BOWMAN

A CLASS CRAIG BOWMAN MIKE MARSHALL JILL GLOSSNER SPENCER UTMAN

Many members have asked how the committee members will vote. I honestly do not have an answer. None of them were questioned on their beliefs when I asked for their help. Will they vote to have each engine in the class all run the same speed?

Or, will they decide on a motor of choice that is currently manufactured? It remains to be seen. I have called a teleconference meeting for the A class committee very soon and I can guarantee our members that they will vote in the very best interest of our Stock Outboard category.

//// LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ///////////////////// // 44 // PATRICK GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY

PROPELLER

RESOURCES FOR PRO RACERS FOR THE NEW 2012 SEASON

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WRITTEN BY //BY STEVE GREAVES, PRO CHAIRMAN

“The Whole PRO Catalog”: Actually it’s called the “PRO Technical Manual”, but there are those who call it “The Whole PRO Catalog”. What is it? It’s a compilation of a lot of information related to PRO Racing that doesn’t have another place to be.

The PRO Technical Manual is online.

You can access it in a number of ways. It is on the PRO website under Downloads. You will also be able to find it on the APBA website either via the resources page or by searching under racing categories and clicking PRO outboard. The PRO Technical Manual is a 53-page PDF. You can print all of it, or selected portions, for hardcopy reference.

What’s in it? Well, it’s full of stuff.

• • • • • • • • • •

How to get started in PRO racing Lists and contact information of suppliers of PRO equipment Technical specifications for PRO classes The PRO category’s organization; A list of, and contact information for, PRO Commissioners Lists of PRO Committee members A list of all PRO Hall of Champions inductees Lists of pro award winners Statistics on class participation over recent years Photos of different PRO classes

AND MORE.

The whole PRO catalog is always a continuing “work in progress”, especially the “suppliers” section. Contact me if you see something that needs to be added or updated.

APBA SOCIAL FORUM

Check this out. There is another great online resource for PRO members—the various “discussion” pages on the new APBA Social Forum. It’s new, and all the Categories are looking for the best ways to use the Forum.

In PRO we’ve started “discussions” on the new PRO program for awarding red PRO High Point jackets from APBA Images to High Point Champions. We’ve also posted a draft of the annual PRO Commission meeting agenda for review and comment. This is a resource for PRO members to find out information fast and to comment. Use http://social.apba.org/ to access the APBA Social Forum and then check out the Professional Racing Outboard discussions.

OUTBOARD DISCUSSIONS.

The PRO award winners received handsome red jackets at the National Meeting // PATRICK GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY

// 45

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

BREAKING THE SURFACE:

MY CAPSULE TRAINING >

WRITTEN BY // BRIANNA JOHNSON

“Where’s your air mask?”

“I don’t have one with me.”

So there I was, at the hotel pool, ready for my capsule training, but with no air mask.

An air mask is not an APBA requirement—just a really, really good idea if you plan to spend much time in a capsule boat. Most of us can hold our breath for about a minute. If you flip your boat, you may be underwater longer than that. So get an air mask; and when you take capsule training, bring your own mask. Borrowing a mask is very personal—kind of like borrowing someone’s toothbrush.

A big man, loaned me his air mask so I could be dunked. A woman on the concrete poolside snapped on her sealskins and eased herself down into the water. In my Kevlar (the same material that’s given to prisoners, because it can’t be made into a noose) I lumbered into the blue pool.

I was wearing no flotation, because once upside down I would have been caught like a bobber to the hull.

THEY’RE OFF!

The woman licked the rim, chin, and nose piece of the air mask. “Creates a seal,” she said tersely. “I don’t have anything else.”

I pressed it to my face.

Going under, she held my blaze orange helmet down with her hands. The seal busted. I panicked and smacked her legs.

She let me up.

// 46

“This might not work,” she said.

An air mask built for a big guy was all we had. It had to work.

I climbed into the white metal capsule pod. I couldn’t reach the false pedals.

They tightened my belts twice, joking about inappropriate touching. Then they shut me into the capsule, floating in the chlorinated water.

“Look at me,” the diver said, “I am going to be looking at your face.”

It was a calming thought in the jumpy human scenario of being held underwater.

After all, I am not a Marine.

I pushed the air mask tighter against my face. They flipped me.

Hundreds of pounds of water rushed in.

The mask’s seal broke again. I banged the plexiglass hatch, scratching my hands, and they flipped me air side up again.

I mashed the mask harder onto my face.

They flipped me again. No good. The purge valve wouldn’t purge. Right side up again.

The diver took off my mask and licked in a full circle. I put it back on my face, and it did not have that minty-fresh smell. I purged it. They flipped me again. Water came into my mask, but I purged it away from my mouth and nose. I could breathe, and suddenly relaxed.

Now it was time to exit the capsule. I remembered the steps the rescue team

had taught me. With my eyes shut, I disconnected the steering wheel from the steering column, and grabbed for the hatch. Bruting it open was a little more work than pulling a kill switch. The lid swung open, and the water pushed it and me toward the nose—the safest place to go (away from the motor and propeller).

I broke the surface helmet-first, holding the steering wheel in my hand (and breathing!). Perfect. The diver hoisted me affectionately.

“Don’t put me back,” I said.

He held me close all the way along the hotel pool. I let him, just for fun.

I was relieved it was over, and now I could finally race.

Several APBA categories (including my own, PRO) require capsule training for all drivers of enclosed-cockpit boats.

Once you complete and pass the training, APBA Headquarters is notified and it is noted on your membership card. Although training is required only every two years, categories recommend it annually. Should you ever be upside down and underwater, you will appreciate having the training and presence of mind to calmly get yourself out of your boat and up to the surface.

And, when you take the training, please remember to bring your very own air mask.

// RACING CALENDAR //////////////////////////////

RACING CALENDAR REGION 2 6/15-6/17 8/3-8/5 8/16-8/19 9/8 9/21-9/23

REGION 3 5/19 - 5/20 9/8 - 9/9 10/6 - 10/7

REGION 4 4/27

Kent Narrows/ Chester, MD

Inboard

REGION 5 3/2 - 3/4 3/30 - 4/1 4/14 - 4/15 4/14 - 4/15

REGION 7

Syracuse, NY Inboard/Vintage 5/26 - 5/28 Cato, NY Vintage 6/22 - 6/24 Clayton, NY Vintage 9/8 - 9/9 Buffalo, NY Vintage & ACBS REGION 8 Geneva, NY Vintage-INB 9/15 - 9/16 West Milford, NJ Inboard Mays Landing, NJ Inboard Wildwood Crest, NJ Inboard Div

Lakeland, FL INB-OPC-J LAKELAND, FL So Winter-NATIONALS-J Jesup, GA MOD;N-SO-J CLSES Stuart, FL Vintage-INB

REGION 6 5/19 - 5/20

Dayton, OH

APBA Driving School

6/9 - 6/10 6/22 - 6/24 7/13 - 7/15 7/20 - 7/22 7/21 - 7/22 8/4 - 8/5 8/25 - 8/26 9/15 - 9/16

Walled Lake, MI Bay City, MI Detroit, MI Trenton, MI Waterford, MI Portsmouth, OH Celina, OH Big Rapids, MI

Inboard OPC;D Gold Cup UN OPC;WORLDS-SO-J Inboard Worlds OPC Vintage-INB SO-SLT-J CLSES

All classes-testing

PROPELLER

Pleasant Prairie, WI PRO-MOD-SO-J Rochelle, IL SE-MOD-SO-SO CLSIC-J Clinton, IL Inboard

Forest Lake, MN

OPC

REGION 10 4/14 - 4/21 Riggins, ID 5/26 - 5/28 Grants Pass, OR

6/9 - 6/10 Hoopa, CA 6/23 - 6/24 Rogue River, OR 6/30-7/1 Gold Beach, OR 9/1- 9/2 Grants Pass, OR

SE-JRR;WORLDS Outboard River RacerSE-JET-SPT-DRAG River Racer River Racer River Racer River Racer

REGION 11 5/12 - 5/13 Nicolaus, CA Vintage-INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC 6/9 - 6/10 Oroville, CA INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC 10/13 - 10/14 Nicolaus, CA INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC

REGION 12 3/2-3/4 4/6 - 4/8

Salton Sea, CA Lake Havasu City, AZ

Speedweek INB;D

REGION 15 4/21

Corpus Christi, TX OPC

Texas Power Boat Derby

REGION 16 6/16 - 6/17

Chamberlain, SD Inboard

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// IN PICTURES /////////////////////////////////////////////

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

IN PICTURES...

Young Ellie watches capsule training with dad, Edward Hearn.

Inboard champion Scott Schatz with wife Missy, daughter Madilyn, brother Mike and uncle Denny.

Crown Partners’ Chip Rosales and Nick Kuzmick share a first look at APBA’s new Web site and digital magazine with a few hundred energized boat racers.

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PROPELLER

OPC Chairman Adam Allen and the 2011 champions are just so damn happy not to be sitting in meetings.

ff Transition time: Outgoing Executive Director Gloria Urbin and newcomer Dan Wiener.

Junior Classes Chairman Buddy Tennell honored champions Colin Smith, Grant Hearn, Laura Wheeler and Jared Pavlick.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Stock Outboarders always travel in groups, and well-prepared.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Black Diamond Rescue conducted capsule training.

Here Tammy Wolf gets her “dunk test” in the Marriott Hotel pool.

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// IN PICTURES /////////////////////////////////////////////

The Insurance Meeting was pretty energetic.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Chief Referee Mary Williams and Chair of the Regatta Scoring Committee Lisa Jennings wrap up a productive week.

Colin Smith got no respect from the Hearn girls.

(L-R) Inboard Chairman Mike Weber, Courtney Stewart, John Shaw and Brandon Kennedy stretch the dress code at the Inboard Awards Banquet.

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PROPELLER

“This is a photo of my good racer friends in Ecuador. I left this APBA Stock Outboard banner with them last year.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED VIA SOCIAL.APBA.ORG // JEFF YUNGEN (JEFF55V)

Take a good look, PRO racers—you could collect one of these awards next year.

Jared Pavlick sizes up his Hall of Champions jacket.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

Ray Rodda earned the PRO Officials’ Award.

Tracy Trolian helped Stock Chairman Jeff Brewster pass out the championship loot.

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

PHOTO BY // PATRICK GLEASON

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