Propeller March/April 2017

VOLUME 71, ISSUE 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2017

APBA.ORG • USA: $5.00

DONATE TO THE OUTBOARD DRIVING SCHOOL FUND!

Outboard Driving Schools are a proven way to bring new members into APBA. The APBA Historical Society maintains a fund to provide grants to local clubs to help offset expenses, so they can introduce more newcomers to the thrill of racing.

Invest in the future of racing. Please consider a donation to help APBA clubs with their Driving Schools in this racing season and in years to come.

The APBA Historical Society is a 501(c)3 corporation, so your donation to the Driving School Fund is fully tax-deductible. Contact Linda Likert at the APBA office, or visit www.apbahistoricalsociety.org .

IN THIS ISSUE 17640 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe MI 48021-2563 PHONE: 586.773.9700 WEB: apba.org EMAIL: apbahq@apba.org twitter.com/APBARacing facebook.com/APBARacing EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCOUNTING MEMBERSHIP SANCTIONS/ HIGH POINTS PROPELLER EDITOR

Patrick Mell Linda Likert Sabrina Haudek Cindy Minoletti Tana Moore

pmell@apba.org llikert@apba.org shaudek@apba.org cminoletti@apba.org tmoore@apba.org

2017 APBA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT NATIONAL COMMISSIONER TREASURER SECRETARY LEGAL COUNCIL

CATEGORY REP REGION REP

Mark Wheeler Fred Hauenstein Charles Strang Steve Compton Mary Williams Steven Hearn J. David Augustine Sr. Kyle Bahl Chris Fairchild Dan Kanfoush Jean MacKay-Schwartz Howie Nichols John Runne Jeff Brewster Roger Carr

president@apba.org VP@apba.org NC@apba.org treasurer@apba.org secretary@apba.org legal@apba.org patndave51@gmail.com racerkyle@hotmail.com chris@fairchildracing.com dankanfoush@yahoo.com jean84c@earthlink.net apba113@gmail.com j.runne@hotmail.com jeff_brewster_59s@yahoo.com rcinr12@aol.com

COUNCIL-AT-LARGE: Penny Anderson, Bruce Broussard, Jeffrey Conant, Gloria Crim, Richard Fuchslin, Patrick Gleason, Alex Jennings III, Jack Meyer, Steve Noury, Bob Wartinger, Rachel Warnock, Matt Yarno

2017 RACING CATEGORY/COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Inboard Inboard Endurance Junior Classes Modified Offshore OPC Outboard Drag PRO Special Event Stock Thundercat H1 Unlimited Vintage and Historic

James Sechler Ted Kolby Patrick Gleason Tom Sutherland Mark Wheeler James Chambers Jr. Chris Fairchild Kristi Ellison Scott Schatz Jeff Brewster Jeff Howie Doug Bernstein John Krebs

inboardracing@apba.org ted@tedkolby.com junior@apba.org modifiedoutboard@apba.org offshore@apba.org jchambe1@tampabay.rr.com chris@fairchildracing.com prooutboard@apba.org roshaboats@yahoo.com stockoutboard@apba.org masterauto1150@yahoo.com DBernstein@plunkettcooney.com krebs233@yahoo.com

2017 REGION CHAIRMEN Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 Region 9 Region 10 Region 11 Region 12 Region 14 Region 15 Region 16

Dave Jones John Krebs Ann Shaw Richard Shaw Jeff Titus Eli Whitney Kris Shepard Brian Tabara Denver Ray Mut Rick Sandstrom Julian Rucki Roger Carr Buddy Tennell Carleton Callahan Dutch Squires

region1@apba.org region2@apba.org region3@apba.org region4@apba.org region5@apba.org donaldeli.whitney@sbcglobal.net region7@apba.org brian@tabararacing.com denvermut@hotmail.com info@propshopltd.com renegadep28@aol.com rcinr12@aol.com region14@apba.org region15@apba.org region16@apba.org

PROPELLER© welcomes unsolicited articles and photos. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publication and do not represent official APBA policy. Advertising herein cannot be construed as an endorsement

by APBA or its members. PROPELLER (ISSN 0194-6218) (USPS 0047-800) is published six times yearly for $25.00 (U.S. and Canada); $55.00 (foreign) by APBA, 17640 E. Nine Mile Road, PO Box 377, Eastpointe, MI 48021-0377 Periodical postage paid at Eastpointe, MI, and additional mailing office. Postmaster: send addresses to APBA, PO BOX 377, Eastpointe, MI, 48021-0377.

From the Top Rethinking the Annual Meeting 2 In Brief A few Items from the APBA Meetings 8 Looking at the Numbers Finance Committee 5 APBA Board Meeting Highlight Growth and Promotion 6 State of the Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest 2017 8 Race Calendar 9 Category Awards!

10 APBA’s Champions Hall of Champions Inductees and More 12 Getting from Here to There Marketing and Promotion 14 Powerboat Nationals Gulf Racing Fuels Is Official Fuel 15 A Fish by Another Name The Tale of Piranha and Caribe 16 Evansville Hydrofest Roar on the River Labor Day Weekend 17 The View from HQ Patrick Mell Reports to Annual Meeting 18 Governmental Affairs Committee Report 19 Suited for Safety 20 Category Corner Junior Classes 22 Modified Outboard 23 Inboard 24 Stock Outboard 25 H1 Unlimited 26 Professional Racing Outboard 27 Region Roundup 10, 11, 12 28 Learning from a Winner Tom Johnston Set an Example 32 Race in Peace IBC ON THE COVER: The 2016 Hall of Champions inductees (L-R): First row, Mike Ogden, Jim Nilsen, Terry Kerr, Tyler Price, Nate Mitchell, Joe Pater and Mike Bocchino.

Second row: Val Fiorillo, Chris Kohles, Scott Schatz, Jeff Reno, Ryan Gowin, Scott Liddycoat, Warren Exner. Back row: Rick Miller, Eric VanOver, Kyle Lewis, Jimmy Shane, Brandon Boyd, Mark Schmerbauch and Donny Allen.

Gleason Racing Photography

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FROM THE TOP

BY MARK WHEELER, APBA PRESIDENT

Rethinking the Annual Meeting The 2017 APBA Annual Meeting is now in the record books. I appreciate the efforts of all those who attended. Our members spend their time and money to work for the betterment of APBA. Special thanks go out to the Annual Meeting Committee of Penny Anderson, Linda Hauenstein, Sheryl Rucker and Tracy Trolian. They keep the Annual Meeting running smoothly, no matter how many “surprises� they encounter.

APBA President Mark Wheeler.

Photo by Robert Koschka

One of the highlights of the meeting was the very popular Marketing and Promotion Seminar conducted by Patrick Mell, Jean MacKay-Schwartz and Sherron Winer. It is the hope of many that the ideas discussed there may serve as a starting point for rethinking future APBA Annual Meetings.

CORREC TIONS MINOR RELEASE SIGNATURES In the January/February issue of Propeller, the story on APBA Release and Waiver Guidelines mentioned that BOTH parents need to sign a Minor Release form under section V. Please note that only ONE parent or legal guardian is required to sign the Minor Release form.

Also, per ALIVE RISK Senior Field Underwriter Dennis Liggett, off-site signing and notarization of a Minor Release is OK, as long as the copy brought to the event is the original. The person at the event in charge of handling the waivers must see that it is the original colored ink; not in black and white or photocopied, nor folded.

AND, if the minor races in Florida, please note that state has its own Waiver form.

Both forms are on the apba.org RESOURCES page.

YEARBOOK CORRECTIONS In the APBA 2016 Yearbook (on pages 36 and 56), the photos of Offshore champions WE HAUL BOATS and YOU GUN LEARN at right were taken by Dee Ungarten, Lucicidee Fast Boats. We regret the error, and thank Dee and Lucididee Fast Boats for allowing us to use the images.

Also in the Yearbook, the contact information for Russ Dodge, Co-Chief Surveyor on page 5 is incorrect. Please disregard.

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During the next few months, the APBA Board of Directors will be discussing the format for future Annual Meetings. The goal is to increase the time available for seminars and other events that will help APBA grow powerboat racing in the U.S. Time for these new sessions will decrease the amount of meeting time for our commissions.

The APBA Board of Directors welcomes your ideas about ways our commissions can accomplish their work efficiently with less face-to-face meeting time during the Annual Meeting.

We can all help powerboat racing flourish!

53rd Annual Region 11 Time Trials April 1-2, 2017 Oroville, California 1 hour north of Sacramento

Honoring Bud David, Bill Boyes and Frank Banducci Surveyed 1/4 Mile and Kilometer Courses See APBA Website Resources for categories and details Contact: Stuart Ford 925.487.3034 OR Steve Wilde 925.876.5396

Portage Bay Systems, Inc.

Steve Greaves 206-371-0486

Email: sgreaves@portagebaysystems.com Web: www.portagebaysystems.com/marine

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IN BRIEF...

A few items from the National Meeting that may affect your racing this year: SFI CERTIFICATION: SFI has changed their certification of new safety harnesses, from manufacture dates to expiration dates. Typically the belt certification now expires 2 to 2-1/2 years after manufacture. (APBA categories have previously mandated replacement every three years, so this shortens the time your belts will pass inspection.) Some belts have had a hard life and definitely need replacing. See the Safety article for more.

VICTORY LAPS: The time-honored OPC tradition of family and crew piling on a raceboat for a victory lap is no more. Rick Felsen, insurance broker for APBA, said flatly that the custom is indefensible in court should an injury or fatality occur. It is sad to see a colorful custom pass away, but it would be much sadder to see someone slip under a boat and get hurt. The OPC Category is finalizing rule changes, and will lay down the law at drivers’ meetings. Meanwhile, a photo op at dockside, on a stationary boat, is always fun; and SELL THAT EVENT: Sherron Winer, Jean MacKay-Schwartz and Patrick Mell made an effective presentation on Marketing and Promotion at the National Meeting. Part of the takeaway is that APBA members undervalue what their events bring to a city. There is now a Club Support page http://www.apba.org/ club/club-support.php where you can download templates for press releases, promotional materials, checklists and more. A password is required, available from Patrick Mell at 586-773-9700 or pmell@apba.org. AND, clubs to make sure to include the APBA in their media releases and news, no matter how big or small, to be included on the website and in Propeller.

QUICK INFO: Another issue brought up at the Safety Meeting was the difficulty of finding racer information fast in an emergency. Your entry form may be across the lake from the ambulance. If you end up in the water, can someone easily find your basic information such as: age, contact lens wearer, allergies, current medications, diabetic, blood pressure, cardiac history, insurance, and emergency contact person? Some Region 12 racers use a small waterproof card on a lanyard worn around the neck. Some have a buddy system so someone at the race knows where you keep such information and can get it to paramedics fast. See the Safety article for more information.

CAPSULE TRAINING: OK, so you passd your capsule training. Did the rescue team conducting the test send the list of approved drivers to Headquarters? It pays to ask. Otherwise you may show up at a race and be unable to compete.

SCORERS TESTS are now taken every two years; no longer annually.

IF YOU BUILD IT... Chris Fairchild is spreading a delicious rumor about a dedicated boat racing course in Springfield, Ohio with a 115-acre lake (average depth 25 feet). The site is adjacent to I-70 (where 50,000-70,000 cars pass every day), and next to the Clark County Fairgrounds. Chris says funding is around 75% and the group is trying for an inaugural event.

“Guys don’t have anyplace This could be huge. Stay tuned, to play with their toys.” and think about ways you can —Vintage Chairman John Krebs support this new venture.

REMEMBER WHEN Miss Budweiser owner Bernie Little chats with Formula One tunnel boat driver Bill Seebold at the Unlimited Hydroplane Indiana Governor’s Cup race on July 7, 1985 in Madison, Indiana. US CHAMP tunnel boats raced with APBA and NPA (National Powerboat Association).

Paul Kemiel photo

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LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS APBA Finance Committee Meeting with Treasurer Steve Compton At the Finance Committee meeting in Los Angeles, APBA Treasurer Steve Compton had good and bad news. “My job is to spend your money,” he said; but he’s spending less of it. APBA had a few surprise expenses last year, like a Headquarters furnace giving up the ghost. However, on the plus side, Mark Weber got the APBA Gold Cup traveling replica created under budget—$12,400. (Refurbishing the original Gold Cup years ago cost $25,000, by comparison.) Executive Director Patrick Mell has been looking for savings wherever possible. By shopping around, APBA will save money this year on professional services, event insurance, trophies and awards, inspection fees, and more.

Currently APBA scorers are still sending about 40% of their files on paper to Headquarters. Ideally, the new system would integrate with the 60% of scorers using Excel or Access, and perhaps more scorers will go digital over time. If racers can preregister for regattas online, the process could be streamlined.

Also on the wish list is improving the website, apba.org, to make information easier to find. Suggestions are welcome.

Stay tuned.

There’s always something...

One big upcoming outlay is one you’ve heard about many times before over the years. The APBA Headquarters database and scoring system are like “spaghetti,” according to Ryan Johnson of Easy-Click, out of Renton, Washington. Despite many brave starts over decades, the system has never had a complete overhaul. Three different systems have been patched together to maintain one database. That type of poor design creates performance issues.

Generating a 10-second report takes 10 minutes, for example. Staff must hand-enter some data, as the system does not play well with imported files.

The goal once was to bring the system into the 20th Century; now here it is 2017 and the database is still, well...spaghetti.

The real deal: The APBA Gold Cup. Paul Kemiel photo

Ryan has been helping Cindy Minoletti at Headquarters, learning how she, Sabrina Haudek and other office staff work around the system’s severe limitations. A backward system makes for a lot of wasted staff time. He has been thinking a lot about how to fix it.

Doing it right will not be fast, or cheap. Johnson proposed a 6-month, complete database redesign. The APBA Board of Directors recently voted to approve the project.

The database is just a start. The APBA scoring system is connected to the database, but has its own patched-together idiosyncrasies. To redesign the scoring system (yes, including each category’s special exceptions and anomalies) would be bigger project that the Association will look at down the road. First priority will be to get the database stable so APBA can have a solid foundation on which to build additional modules such as an integrated scoring program. Since state-of-the-art technology is a moving target, Ryan (or whoever the contractor is) will have to anticipate change and design the system accordingly.

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APBA BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHT

What Can APBA Bring to Your Community?

BY JOHN RUNNE

Recently, I was asked some questions by a longtime boat racer who found a body of water which he thought would be a great place to race. He asked me, “Where do I begin?”“How do I get my foot in the door, to sell APBA to a city or town?”“Whom do I approach?”

These are great questions, because we have all been there. We all know that first step is the most important step in procuring a new race site. After much discussion we decided that APBA needs to create an introductory brochure that can be left at various local volunteer entities such as Firehouses, Chamber of Commerce offices, Rotary Clubs, Boy or Girl Scouts, etc. that may be interested in supporting such an event as a fund raiser or some other new community event to support a local charity.

So now, what should this brochure say? We have to identify our product. We have to answer the question, “What can APBA 6

bring to your community?” Here is my answer, in part.

When your city or town invites an APBA club to your area for an event, you’re not just going to get a group of highly experienced race boat drivers competing at the highest level, a show of extraordinary talent at speeds up to 100 mph, or death-defying skills at breakneck speeds. What you are really going to get are dozens of families coming to your community to work together as a team. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, work as one to accomplish a common goal. But also and most importantly, they come to have fun together, and to compete fairly against other families that over time have become great, lifelong friends, as well as relentless competitors.

Lessons are taught to boys and girls as young as nine years old about sportsmanship, winning and losing graciously, teamwork and respect on an equal level with their parents and peers. They learn the great work ethic necessary to not

only participate, but to win. Boat racing is more than just a sport; it is a way of life. You have to earn every victory with hard work, dedication and discipline. You learn how to follow rules that are there for everyone’s benefit, in an environment of fair play and a level playing field where everyone has the opportunity to excel. As you peruse the pit area you will see a group of people anxious to invite you in, willing to spend the time to talk to anybody about a sport you can truly love, and welcome anybody to be a part of this very unique organization. We will respect your property and cherish the body of water you have offered us.

I know this to be true, because it is the story of my life. It began with my father Hank, who started to race boats in the APBA when he was sixteen years old. Next, my brother began in 1963, then myself three years later, and finally my younger brother in 1969. Our father passed away last fall, but the rest of us are still here with our adult children—and now our grandchildren—following in our footsteps. But my story is not unique, not in this sport. There is an amazing number of third- and fourth-generation families all over this great nation with life experiences just like ours. These many families, together, are our family—the APBA family. We are the best of friends; we are each other’s greatest adversaries.

As a new member of the Board of Directors, at the Annual Meeting last month in Los Angeles, I made a short presentation to the Board and the membership present. I asked the Board to create a committee to address two of our most overlooked, yet dire, issues: the growth (survival) and promotion of APBA. I am prepared to make a motion during our Feb. 16th BOD meeting for the Board to establish such a committee. I will offer to chair this effort. From that moment on, I am asking for your help to develop a comprehensive plan for growth and promotion by Nov. 1, 2017.

After my presentation, many members stepped up to offer their assistance in any way possible. It was a humbling experience, and to those people, I say thank you. Together we will succeed and flourish. To the rest of the membership: if we call, please answer. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please contact me at j.runne@hotmail.com . I’m not sure yet how many I will need for various subcommittees, so please don’t take offence if you don’t hear from me immediately. This effort never ends.

Thank you, John Runne

The American Power Boat Association is that special.

What does APBA racing offer besides “death-defying skills at breakneck speeds”? “Dozens of families coming to your community to work as a team...”

At left, Andrew Tate and Martin Rochon in a spectacular Grand Prix duel.

Below, Cole Olson and Isabella Hearn proudly represent Junior Classes with their families at every event they attend.

F. Peirce Williams photos

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State of the Spirit Of Detroit

HYDROFEST 2017

BY MARK WEBER PAUL KEMIEL PHOTO

As the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. works to develop sponsorship for our event, we first must reflect on what UAW-GM did for this race and the City of Detroit.

Special thanks to UAW-GM. They stepped up as a sponsor to keep one of the great sports traditions in Detroit alive. And, as we look forward to 2017 and finding a new name sponsor for the 101st running of this spectacular race, we are in better shape today than we were at that time.

Even though we are looking for new sponsorship, this has also has given us an opportunity to shake things up as to how the event will look. The new look will relieve the burden of one sponsor to support the event.

We are now looking for a title sponsor for the Spirit of Detroit HydroFest. We plan to run the H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes with a race on Saturday and a separate race on Sunday. We will sell a naming sponsorship for each of those days. The plan would make the financial commitment less for a single company, and the show will be improved.

As we work with a new sponsor, we can also help them develop their sponsorship to their needs. When UAW-GM joined with us, they wanted to give back to the community and be part of the revitalization of Detroit. UAW-GM’s sponsorship allowed us to create free viewing areas for the public.

We are actively involved in discussions with sponsors. Some sponsors are on the secondary level, and others are looking at higher levels. When we talk with these groups, we are designing programs that fit their needs.

The DREI does need a number that we feel we can stage and execute this event professionally, and pay all our bills. This is a commitment we have made. It is just the proper way to do things.

Ticket packages will be mailed in April. Two H1 races, the Grand Prix Hydroplanes, and F2 Tunnel boats will make for continuous racing on the water. Sponsor opportunities are available. Call 313-329-8047 or email mark@detroitboatraces.com. More information can be found at www.detroitboatraces.com The Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. will do everything in its power to keep the boat racing tradition alive in Detroit. Last year, the 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest Gold Cup had the largest crowds in decades. We have every intention to run the Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest on August 25 through 27 and bring more fans to the Detroit River to watch many of the fastest boats in the world.

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RACE CALENDAR REGION 1 5/20-21 6/10-11 7/8-9 9/23-24

Annual Standish, ME Icebreaker Regatta PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 6th Annual Milton, NH Summer Kick Off PRO, Stock Outboard, Junior Classes COA Annual Thompson, CT Regatta PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 10th Annual Kingston, NH Fall Classic PRO, Stock Outboard, Junior Classes

REGION 7

REGION 2 9/15-17 Crystal Lake Regatta, Redwood, NY Modified, Stock Outboard, Junior Classes

REGION 3 6/3-4 Stock Outboard NE Divisionals, Whitney Point, NY Mod, Stock, Junior Classes 6/17-18 Thunder in the Mountains, West Milford , NJ Inboard 9/2-4 Labor Day Lock Haven, PA Regatta PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 9/9-10 The Mary Ann and Daniel J. Murphy, Jr. Memorial Regatta

Mays Landing, NJ - Lake Lenape Inboard 9/16 New Jersey State Championships, Roxbury, NJ - Lake Hopatcong Inboard 10/14-15 Fall Millville, NJ Regatta Modified Outboard, Stock Outboard, Junior Classes

REGION 4 4/7-9 Tabor City, NC 2017 Winter Nationals Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 5/13-14 Cambridge, MD Classic Powerboat Race Inboard, Junior Classes 7/22-23 POWERBOAT NATIONALS - Grand Prix of West Virginia, Huntington, WV OPC 7/29-30 Southern Maryland Boat Club Summer Regatta

Leonardtown, MD Special Events 9/1-3 Wheeling, WV Vintage Raceboat Regattar Special Events

REGION 5 2/04 Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta, Palmetto, FL - Manatee River OPC 3/4-5 Orange Cup Regatta, Lakeland, FL Inboard, OPC, Stock, Junior Classes 3/18-19 Tavares, FL Spring Thunder Regatta Special Events 4/1-2 Spring Jesup, GA - Lake Lindsay Grace PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 4/29-30 2017 Southeast Divisionals, Jesup, GA PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 5/20 6th Annual St. Cloud/Kissimmee Grand Prix of the Seas Offshore 5/20-21 Stuart, FL Sailfish Regatta - 5th Year Anniversary Inboard, OPC 6/3 4th Annual Jacksonville, FL Grand Prix of the Seas Offshore 6/17-18 St. Pete Beach, FL Grand Prix of the Seas Offshore 7/1-2 33rd Annual Sarasota, FL Powerboat Grand Prix Offshore 8/19-20 Islamorada, FL Grand Prix of the Seas Offshore 10/7-8 Fall Jesup, GA - Lake Lindsay Grace PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 11/17-19 Tavares, FL Fall Thunder Regatta Special Events

REGION 6 4/29-30 APBA / IRC Driving School and Region 6 Test & Tune Special Events, Inboard,

Dayton, OH - Eastwood Lake PRO, Modified, Stock, OPC, Junior Classes 7/8-9 Marietta, OH Riverfront Roar OPC 7/15-16 67th Annual PNC ROAR ON THE RIVER Presented by Trenton Rotary Club

Trenton, MI -Trenton Chan. - Detroit River Stock Outboard, OPC 8/12-13 Top O Michigan Marathon Nationals Stock Outboard, Outboard Drag,

Indian River, MI - Inland Waterway Thundercat, Junior Classes

8/26-27 Great American Outboard Race- Dayton Record Runs Regatta

Dayton, OH - Hydroglobe Modified Outboard, Stock Outboard, Junior Classes 9/30-10/1 RegattaFest, Duffy, OH - Ohio River Inboard, OPC, Junior Classes 5/20-21 Powerboat Days, Bloomfield, WI PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 6/17-18 Whiskey City Regatta, Lawrenceburg, IN - Ohio River OPC 7/8-9 Rock Falls, IL River Chase Modified, Stock, Junior Classes 9/1-3 Evansville, IN HydroFest Inboard 9/16-17 Thunder on the Rock, Beloit, WI - Rock River Modified, Stock, Junior Classes

REGION 10 4/8 Kenmore, WA Hydroplane Cup Special Events, PRO, Mod, Stock, Junior Classes 4/15-16 Salmon River Jet Boat Race, Riggins, ID Special Events 5/5 WARP- Burley, ID - WARP sprint track Special Events 5/6-7 Mount St. Helens Regatta, Castle Rock, WA PRO, Mod, Stock, Junior Classes 5/20-21 Soap Lake, WA Hydroplane Regatta Special Events, Inboard,

Inboard Endurance, OPC, Junior Classes 5/26-29 Boatnik 2017, Grants Pass, OR - Rogue River Special Events 6/3 WARP- Burley, ID - WARP sprint track Special Events 6/9-11 Richland, WA Regatta Special Events, Inboard, Inboard Endurance 6/25 Rooster Crow Regatta, Rogue River, OR Special Events 7/02 Lower Rogue Outboard Challenge, Gold Beach, OR Special Events 7/15 WARP- Burley, ID - WARP sprint track Special Events 8/05 WARP- Burley, ID - WARP sprint track Special Events 9/04 Labor Day Regatta, Grants Pass, OR - Rogue River Special Events 9/9-10 Frank Hansen Memorial Regatta, SeaTac, WA PRO, Mod, Stock, Junior Classes

REGION 11 4/1-2 Bill Boyes and Frank Banducci Time Trials, Oroville, CA Inboard, PRO,

Modified, Stock, OPC, Special Events, Inboard Endurance, Junior Classes 5/14 Hydro Heritage, Hoopa, CA - Trinity River Special Events 5/20-/21 Oroville, CA Spring Regatta Inboard, PRO, Mod, Stock, OPC, Junior Classes 6/11 Newt Grant Memorial, Willow Creek, CA - Trinity River Special Events 7/16 Klamath, CA Regatta Special Events 9/2/2-3 Redding, CA Marina Labor Day Regatta Inboard, PRO, Modified Outboard,

Stock Outboard, OPC, Junior Classes 9/30-10/1 Lake Minden Bonus Points Regatta, Nicolaus, CA

Inboard, PRO, Modified Outboard, Stock Outboard, OPC, Junior Classes

REGION 12 2/24-26 Arizona Copper Cup/H2OMG Festival, Peoria, AZ Special Events, Inboard, OPC 3/18-19 Havasu Landing Boat Races, Havasu Lake, CA Inboard, Inboard Endurance,

PRO, Stock Outboard, OPC, Junior Classes

REGION 14 6/3-4

Knoxville, TN Powerboat Classic

OPC

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Ji

CATEGORY AWARDS! The APBA National Meeting offers several sit-down awards ceremonies. The Saturday night Annual Banquet and Hall of Champions showcases the winners of the Don Allen Leadership Award (Kyle Bahl, this year), the Strang Award (Sally Titus), Honor Squadron (Jeff Williams and the late Terry Troxell) and all the new Hall of Champions inductees in their cool embroidered jackets. On Friday night, two simultaneous events compete for attention. The Inboard Awards Banquet is a dressy affair, honoring all the Inboard champions of the past year. At the same time, everyone else celebrates their heroes at the more casual Category Awards event. This is a free event with a cash bar, no dress code, and if you arrive late, no food (except delicious chocolates courtesy of Ron’s Balls Factory). However, boat racers are used to hardship, and cheered their champs with gusto. Emcee Kyle Bahl first thanked the women who keep the meeting on the rails every year: Linda Hauenstein, Penny Anderson, Tracy Trolian and Sheryl Rucker. We can live without appetizers, but what would we do without these ladies?

and certificates. Among the highlights were: Tom Johnston, receiving the Tammy Dawe Award for 56 years of service to Stock Outboard racing. Tom helped launch the 300SSH class, which is picking up speed and racers at each event.

Stock Outboard Rookie of the Year Paul Teike said his goal was to “go out on the lake and tick the neighbors off,” and speculated that if he paints “MOM” on the side of his boat, and goes upside down, it will spell “WOW.” We are still contemplating the enigmatic Kyle Lewis’s koan as he collected his CSH/CSR awards: “Keep it organic, but deliver it.” Wait, what?

Jeff Brewster proudly claimed the No Hair Award (“No hair, no bloodshed...”), while Ryan Gowin clearly earned the Cool Hair Award (along with the Up-andComing Award). Plus, Ryan’sGeorge Townsend Award red silk jacket presented by the PRO Category totally completed the look. Some guys fit right in, even in Hollywood...

Above (L-R): Jeff Reno with his US-1 award in SST 120, Scott Clark, Jeff Brewster, Ryan Gowin, Kyle Lewis, Emcee Kyle Bahl, Sheryl Rucker, and Daniel Korpe.

On behalf of the Regatta Scoring Committee, Jan Shaw and Lisa Jennings presented Kim Hamilton with the Scorers Award. Like many scorers, Kim is not sure why she got into all this, but is happy to serve and is obviously doing a great job. She was also named Woman of the Year by Tacoma Inboard Racing Association Starting with Offshore and moving right along through Junior Classes, Modified, PRO, Stock and OPC, the category chairmen handed out bling, jackets 10

The Tennell family (Buddy, Jean and Sam) were missed as the Gary Myhoski Award was presented to them for service in all aspects of PRO racing.

The OPC Achievement Award went to Sam and Sherron Winer, and Jeff and Suzy Shepherd picked up the Randy Tilton Sportsmanship Award. The Shepherds are looking forward to a trip to Monte Carlo, to celebrate Jeff’s World Championship in SST 200. Jeff said,

Suzy Shepherd, OPC Chairman James Chambers, and Jeff Shepherd with the Randy Tilton Sportsmanship Award.

Below, Howie and Pete Nichols receive the Modified Outboard John Read Award. Howie wrote, “The last time Dad went to an Annual Meeting was in 2004. He and I were given the Randy Tilton Sportsmanship Award from the OPC Category!”

“We tried other racing before we joined APBA. This is family.”

Can we get a little love for the APBA Historical Society? Along with all the other good works they fund (safety and rescue equipment, driving schools, etc.) the Historical Society matched Junior Classes donations to fund a total of five scholarships. So, this year Lily Deware of Massachusetts, Kyle Roskowski of indiana, Chloe Sees of Pennsylvania, Jack Cavanaugh of Maine and Olivia Valentine of Washington State will each get a $1,000 boost as they start college.

Anybody out there considering charitable donations, keep the Historical Society in mind. As a 501(c)3, the Society saves on your taxes and puts every dollar into boat racing.

At the end of the evening, Jim Foster won the 50/50 raffle. Proceeds go toward the 2018 Category Awards celebration. Along with the fun and glory, there may even be enough food next year!

Above (L-R) Brandon Boyd collecting the Bob Goller Award for his stellar performance in Modified Outboard; Stock Outboard Rookie of the Year Paul Teike; Abby Pond, Tom Nuccio, and Tom Johnston, who received the Tammy Dawe Award.

At right, Trey Marquard takes the stage to collect his Junior Classes award, along with (R) Tyler Price and Nate Mitchell. In the background is Pat Gleason who, along with a few dozen other duties, presented the J awards.

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APBA’S CHAMPIONS At right, the 2016 Hall of Champions Offshore inductees Mike Ogden, Val Fiorillo, Mike Bocchino and Warren Exner.

Below, APBA President Mark Wheeler, VP Fred Hauenstein, Stock Outboard Chairman Jeff Brewster, Inboard Chair Jim Sechler and OPC Chair James Chambers.

Inboard Endurance Chair Ted Kolby, Scott Liddycoat, Scott Schatz, Jimmy shane, and Chris Kohles.

Bottom row: Brandon Boyd, Terry Kerr, Joe Pater, Jim Nilsen and Ryan Gowin.

Gleason Racing Photography

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At left, many-time champion Ed Hearn with future champ Theo.

Below, Dave Richardson and Rich Evans after the Vintage & Historic meeting.

Top: PRO chair Kristi Ellison, Mod Chair Tom Sutherland, J Chair Pat Gleason, Strang Award winner Sally Titus (with Jeff) and Honor Squadron inductee Jeff Williams.

Middle row: Tyler Price, Nate Mitchell, Donny Allen, Rick Miller and Eric VanOver.

Bottom: Jeff Reno, Mark and Mary Schmerbauch and Kyle Lewis.

Gleason Racing Photography

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GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE A Guide to Marketing your Race

BY JEAN MACKAY-SCHWARTZ AND SHERRON WINER During the recent APBA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, several of us presented the first of a series of seminars designed to help members and clubs market their races. The initial goal was to introduce the concept of fact-based marketing basics, including promotion, by answering the question: “How do I go from HERE—a great idea—to THERE—an actual event?”

Armed with core concepts featured in the seminar slide presentation, we will guide you through the sometimes puzzling maze of marketing.

Via APBA’s bimonthly publications, PROPELLER and SPIN, we will continue with ongoing informational articles and guidelines for clubs to use as resources for marketing and promoting race events. These resources are available from APBA to all members and clubs for promoting your events.

When promoting an event internally, in the SPIN or PROPELLER, pre-event promotion should include: What’s special about the locale, or the history of the race: titles, trophies, record course (number of records set), tow money, anything that makes your event unique.

If you are producing a memorial race, add a little about the honoree.

Propeller promotional pieces are recommended to be 500 words if including photos, and no more than 1,000 words without photos. SPIN is an electronic publication and does not have limits on word count, but remember—people don’t read. They do like photos!

Our first installment following the seminar is a resource guide, which was published in SPIN. This useful guide offers direct links to several resources found on the APBA website that are helpful when putting together an event: www.apba.org/resources/apba-source-links-8565

We are working to put necessary tools at your fingertips when you are producing a race, so that your club has time to focus on the equally important tasks of publicizing and marketing your event.

Among the links are sanction information, approved officials, insurance forms and guidelines, regatta supplies provided by APBA, and U.S. Coast Guard permit.

APBA Categories are an excellent internal source for advertising and promotional materials. Many categories have promotional materials available for members and clubs.

Check with Stock Outboard stockoutboard@apba.org, Modified Outboard modifiedoutboard@apba.org, and Inboard inboardracing@apba.org, for availability of banners, posters and brochures.

APBA’s Executive Director Patrick Mell has created a Club Support tab at www.apba.org/club/club-support.php . There, clubs can access a sample Host Site Proposal, along with a sample Host Site Agreement. Also, among the documents available are Event Budget and Event Checklist.

Key in planning any event is to define your goals and then your objectives.

Determine the type of event: LOCAL (driver-driven event) NATIONAL or WORLD event.

Larger races obviously have some intrinsic value and are a bit easier to market and promote.

Decide on your: DATES, DURATION and LOCATION. Is your venue going to work?

If the answer is yes, then we have the Concept ...

Now, how to get from HERE to THERE...

Watch for future installments in SPIN and Propeller.

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Paul Kemiel photo

GULF RACING FUELS - OFFICIAL FUEL OF POWERBOAT NATIONALS Gulf Racing Fuels announced at the Performance Racing Industry show that the Powerboat Nationals championship powerboat racing series and Gulf Racing Fuels have partnered in a multi‐year title sponsor agreement.

Beginning in 2017, the Powerboat Nationals Top Formula class series will be known as “Gulf Cup Series”.

Gulf Racing Fuels will be the official fuel for all Powerboat Nationals “Gulf Cup Series” events. Gulf will provide track side fuel delivery of Gulf’s MARINE ethanol‐free gasoline.

The races will be held at iconic water sports locations such as Huntington, WV, Ravenswood, WV, Shreveport, LA, Saskatoon, Canada; and two new venues yet to be released.

Dan Bunting, President of Powerboat Nationals, Columbus, Ohio said, “It’s great to have Gulf Racing Fuels back onboard for our 2017 season. In 2016, we presented Gulf Racing Fuels to our race teams and asked them to do some testing and give us feedback. The feedback was so good that Powerboat Nationals has designated Gulf’s Marine Racing Fuel as our Official Spec Fuel.

“Gulf has a very strong history in powerboat racing and it’s an honor to partner, and bring them back into boat racing after nearly forty years out of the sport. For 35 years, from 1939 to 1973, the best of the best APBA (American Power Boat Association) drivers were inducted into the Gulf Marine Hall of Fame each year. Due to the 1973 oil embargo, Gulf announced that it would be their last year as a sponsor. Now, the legend is back!”

Gulf Racing Fuels pilot Steve Merleau appeared at the Gulf Racing Fuels exhibit at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jeff Farmer, Vice President, Marketing said, “This is such an exciting development! Reconnecting Gulf to powerboats and returning to our history with the Gulf Cup is something we’ve been working on for some time and are very proud.”

The “Legend is Back.” Gulf Racing Fuels has returned to the track (and water) with its new racing fuels designed for the legendary vintage and historic racing cars as well as the latest racing and street cars. Gulf Racing Fuels include high octane unleaded and leaded fuels, as well as marine and small engine fuels featuring Isobutanol. All fuels are distributed nationally by HYPERFUELS based in Houston, Texas.

Powerboat Nationals is a grassroots premiere racing event company started in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. Powerboat Nationals offers an unparalleled show with a high level of professionalism and intense competition. This is an action‐packed, and family friendly‐event that provides a “New Wave” of entertainment for fans of all ages! Experience the thrills of a breath‐ taking, heartpounding championship boat race. Tunnel boats are the fastest-turning, most nimble race boats in the world, reaching top speeds of 125 MPH! Pilots take the turns at full throttle, and often incur more G‐Forces than most professional race car drivers. The tunnel hull design enables the pilots to drive close to river banks and shorelines. The race course is ever‐changing, and these boats literally fly on water!

Paul Kemiel photo

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A

Fish Another Name by

BY JAY MARSHALL

The information for this article comes from Joseph C. “Joey” Nolan III, who, along with his father, was a part of the Piranha/Caribe team from 1966 to 1978.

“PIRANHA!” That word gives most people the “willies.” Images of a fast and ferocious meat-eating fish come to mind when people hear that name.

I am not sure why Henry V. Eastman chose that name for his legendary hydroplane but his choice was prophetic.

In 1958, Dr. Eastman, a family physician in Tustin, California, started designing and building a revolutionary inboard hydroplane in the 48 cubic inch class. By 1962, he had perfected his design, and his fourth boat started setting records and winning races. In 1963, with Mickey Remund at the wheel, Piranha set the 5-mile competition record of over 76 mph, and the kilo record of over 97 mph. These performances piqued the interest of a 48ci racer in Baton Rouge, La. named Sonny Greer.

Sonny started racing outboard hydroplanes in the 1950s, but gave it up to serve in the military. In the early 1960s, Sonny returned to racing, this time in the inboard ranks. He and longtime friend, Al Retif, started with a Colcock 48, Miss Becki. By 1966, the cabover design became popular, and Greer and Retif decided to buy “Doc” Eastman’s record-setting hydro, Piranha. Joining the team as crew chief was Joe Nolan, who had served in the same capacity for Greer back in his outboard days. Greer first drove the Piranha on Lake Palourde in Morgan City, La., and campaigned the boat on the inboard circuit for the rest of the 1966 season.

It’s funny how things happen. Wesley Nickens, a local friend of Greer’s, decided that he wanted to try racing. He asked Greer if he were interested in selling the boat, but Greer told him that the boat was pretty tired, and a new hull needed to be built. In 1967, Nickens, driving Piranha, qualified at the St. Petersburg, Florida, races; and work began on the new hull.

Greer, Retif, Nolan and Nickens used the plans that Greer got from Doc Eastman when he bought Piranha, and Nickens continued to drive her for experience. The new hull was named Caribe, (CARE-i-bee) after a cousin to the piranha. The number 707 was chosen for the fast Boeing 707 jetliner. Greer put the skid fin on the back of the sponson instead of inside the air trap. Note that this was done a full year before the 266 Miss Peg, with her skid fin moved, set the 5-mile competition record at St. Pete.

1967- APBA National Inboard Championship, Guntersville, Alabama: With only minimal testing, Caribe made her maiden voyage, 16

and won the first heat of the finals with Nickens at the wheel. Mickey Remundwas there; and, upon seeing the placement of the outboard skid fin, he told the Caribe crew that his record would have been higher in Piranha if he had thought of such a move. In the second heat, Lady Luck was not so kind, as a ground wire on the coil broke, dashing the hopes for Caribe and a national championship. However, the “New Kid” had served notice that she was a force to be reckoned with.

1968- St. Pete: Nickens and the Caribe were out front and pulling away from the field. Time for the first lap is faster than Piranha’s world record time! Again, as luck would have it, Nickens was flying down the back stretch when a gust of wind literally sent him flying! Caribe did a complete 360° flip, throwing Nickens out of the boat. Miraculously, Nickens was not seriously injured, and Caribe suffered only minor damage.

1969- APBA National Championship, Morgan City, Louisiana: Caribe won the Nationals in her own back yard. In the first heat of the finals, the first three boats jumped the gun, and Caribe won the heat. The second heat of the finals found Caribe dead in the water with mechanical problems. The first heat “gun jumpers” finished 1, 2, and 3; so Caribe and the second heat winner were tied for points. Caribe won the finals, as she was 2 seconds faster in her heat. From 1969-1973 Caribe continued to win races, including the 1973 Eastern Divisional Championship.

1974- APBA National Championship, Dayton, Ohio: Caribe won the first heat, setting a Dayton Hydroglobe record that would stand for eight years. In the second heat, Nickens was again leading the pack, but lost a carburetor bowl as he came into the last turn. Nickens managed to jam the bowl back on and restart the engine, but took third in the event.

In 1975 the Crosley engine was replaced with a Sunbeam, but the boat did not respond and ran in the middle of the pack. Caribe was sold and became a 1200 cc Hydro. Her new owner never got Caribe back to the front, and finally put her in a barn. Later she was moved to a field and a tarp was thrown over her.

2008: Caribe’s last owner was about to put a match to her, but called Joey Nolan to see if he wanted her back. Nolan, indeed, wanted her back; and she sits in Nickens’ garage awaiting restoration. The last Crosley engine that she ran also sits on a stand by her side.

In less than 10 years, Caribe won one of the three National Championships she entered, and the only Eastern Divisional Championship (1973) she entered.

Combined with the many other races she won, you can consider this “little fish” a true champion.

EVANSVILLE HYDROFEST

Roar on the River on Labor Day Weekend A new event will be staged on the Ohio Riverfront in Downtown Evansville, Indiana USA over the Labor Day Weekend 2017. Evansville HydroFest™ will host the APBA Inboard North American Championships during the 3-day event, September 1st-3rd, 2017.

As of press time, a total of 33 teams have committed to compete in Evansville in 1 Litre (Y), National Modified (NM), and Grand Prix Hydroplanes (GP). More classes are expected to compete.

The GPs are the loudest, fastest and largest of the APBA Inboard classes, using 468 ci supercharged/fuel injected V8 engines running on methanol, and producing upwards of 1500 HP. The current world straightaway record was set in Fall 2016 by GP15, driven by Jerry Hopp, at 170.620 mph.

The Grand Prix are organized and presented by Grand Prix Worldwide (GPW), a group of teams primarily from America’s West Coast. The Executive Director is Mr. Sam Cole, a longtime race organizer.

Evansville HydroFest is presented by Evansville Events, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit entity of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Bob Warren is the Executive Director; the Executive Organizing Committee includes Mr. Vernon Stevens, President of Southern Business Machines, and Mr. Randy Lientz, President of AXIOM. All reside in Evansville.

Bob Warren emphasized: “We are presenting Evansville HydroFest because our residents and visitors have asked for a new form of boat racing on our beautiful Ohio River. They want more boats, closer competition, less downtime, cooler temperatures, and MORE ROAR! And we will deliver. We chose Labor Day weekend because high temperatures will be around 85°.

As for action, as soon as one race is completed, the next heat will begin.”

Admission cost for Evansville HydroFest is $10 total for all 3 days.

Kids 12 and under are free. Passes will go on sale June 14th in a variety of Evansville and Tri-state locations, as well as online at www. evansvillehydrofest.com. Bleacher seating and pit tours will be available at the event for an additional fee.

The Preliminary Event Schedule is as follows: Friday, September 1, 2017 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Pit and Race Course Set Up, Team Registration 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Testing & Qualifying for All Classes 4:30 pm Grand Prix Class “Dash for Cash” 5 Lap Race 5:00 pm River Open to Traffic Saturday, September 2, 2017 8:00 am to 12:00 pm 4-lap Heat Races for All Classes 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch Break and River Open to Traffic 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm 4-lap Heat Races for All Classes 5:00 pm River Open to Traffic Sunday, September 3, 2017 8:00 am to 12:00 pm 4-lap Heat Races for All Classes 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch Break and River Open to Traffic 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm 4-lap Heat Races for All Classes 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm 5-lap Championship Races for All Classes 5:00 pm Awards Presentation and River Open to Traffic Randy Lientz stated: “The Evansville HydroFest represents an entirely new form of family entertainment for the Midwest. The Mission of our event is: To present quality of life family entertainment with a sustainable event utilizing the Ohio River to retain and attract citizens and visitors to Evansville, Indiana USA. Lientz continued: “We are grateful for the support of Evansville’s Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and the various city services we will need to present Evansville HydroFest. We are working closely with the City of Evansville, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, APBA, Grand Prix Worldwide, and the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau.”

Vernon Stevens says, “More than 100 volunteers will be needed to stage Evansville HydroFest. Dubbed ‘The Roar Corps,’ a wide variety of positions are needed before, during, and after the event.” Interested individuals and groups can register at: www.evansvillehydrofest.com/volunteer .”

Stevens also emphasized: “Corporate sponsorships are now being solicited to help fund Evansville HydroFest, beginning with the Title Sponsor. The Executive Committee will meet with interested businesses to explain the benefits of participation in the event, details, provisions, and costs.

For more information, visit www.evansvillehydrofest.com and www.visitevansville.com

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The View from HQ Patrick Mell Reports to Annual Meeting Patrick Mell arrived to start work as APBA’s new Executive Director in March 2016. Having worked out of the APBA office for many years running the PWC category, Patrick was very grateful that he had a basic knowledge of how APBA operates, where to get started and what questions to ask.

Employees Sabrina Haudek, Cindy Minoletti and Linda Likert were “fantastic,” working very hard with changing management and outdated equipment. There was no meaningful computer network security or backup system. The member card printer used Windows XP, which works on only one very old computer.

The office was purchasing a new card printer, but it was incompatible with APBA’s 25-year-old database.

So Patrick got to work. Except for the database and card printer, the office is now operating smoothly, as the staff now has the equipment they need.

In Patrick’s first month at the office, the biggest complaint from members was that the online Propeller was hard to read. He surveyed members on what they wanted regarding publications. Based on member feedback, APBA made some changes in 2016. Instead of 12 issues of Propeller annually (5 printed, 7 online only) there are now just six bimonthly issues—all printed and mailed. An e-newsletter (SPIN) in the alternate months provides monthly communication to the membership; and a new Yearbook showcases each past season’s photos, stories and stats.

Patrick hired former editor Tana Moore to produce the various publications.

Advertising rates have been lowered, and a few advertisers have returned. More are expected as the season picks up. The new magazine/ newsletter/yearbook format has been well received; several members have commented that the new Yearbook was the “best thing they have ever received from APBA.” The Association seems to be on the right track, providing quality publications for the membership.

The Executive Director’s day-to-day work involves a lot of material flowing to and from the members. Acknowledging that there are better ways to communicate with the membership, Patrick began to streamline procedures. Some APBA ballots, surveys and insurance forms are now handled much faster electronically, instead of requiring members to sign, scan, and fax paper copies. One ballot used to take a week to process; the online form now takes two days. Patrick is working with Howie Nichols to convert the Risk Manager and Referee test to be an online, self-graded test, set to launch this month.

Patrick reviews and gets bids on EVERY annual expenditure that crosses his desk. He reduced the cost of the phone system, for example, by $200 a month. He found a new CPA service to handle the APBA books for less than half the previous cost. While these are small things in the overall running of the APBA, he feels that money saved is better spent on improving the Association and benefitting the membership.

The Board of Directors and Patrick both realized that Headquarters needed to throw more support to clubs and event organizers. Patrick produced how-to documents to help with promotion, finding new race sites and sponsors, and organizing a race. Along with the promotion/marketing and resource materials produced by Sherron Winer and Jean MacKay-Schwartz, these documents are now available at www.apba.org/club/club-support. php . (Members will be instructed to get a password to access them.)

Loyal, knowledgable employees, APBA members, the Board of Directors and clubs have been steadfast in their support of the Association.

President Mark Wheeler’s availability and quick response to questions have been exceptionally helpful during Patrick’s transition into the job.

There is much more to accomplish at APBA National Headquarters, of course. The database had been patched together by 10 different contractors over the years, and is “spaghetti.” It will require a real makeover, not just another patch job. (See Finance Committee article.)

It will not be quick or cheap, but it needs to be done. The website also needs a cleanup and a tune-up. And, of course, marketing APBA and keeping boat racing alive are constant challenges. Headquarters staff are committed to helping clubs and race promoters with the heavy lifting.

Do you see ways to improve APBA procedures, publications, social media presence, or position in the world of motorsports? Your feedback is always welcome at apbahq@apba.org .

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Governmental Affairs Committee Report, January 2017

BY STEVE GREAVES, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) met via email during the year and in person in conjunction with the 2017 APBA Annual Meeting. The significant updates during the past year are: • The Illinois Boater Education law restricted boat operation to drivers 11 years and older. This impacted the Junior Classes in Illinois, as J drivers may be as young as 9. Last July, Michael Mackey was able to get an amendment passed and signed that exempts drivers participating in racing events sanctioned by the Department of Natural Resources.

This is a big win for the Junior Classes and for APBA. Michael Mackey deserves great credit.

motors may be converted for dedicated use in motorsport racing.

The Committee recommended that the APBA Board take a position in support of the RPM Act and also ask members to support the RPM Act by asking members to write their representatives in Congress. We appreciate Don’s heads-up.

• The Government Affairs meeting also heard from Chris Fairchild, who offered insights on creation of a permanent powerboat racing facility in Springfield, OH. The facility involved working with the City of Springfield and Clark County Fairgrounds. The hope of the Committee is that understanding how this facility was created might spark similar projects in other parts of the country. Thank you, Chris Fairchild!

• David Richardson brought the ongoing Ethanol issue to the attention of the Committee. The current federal law requires increasingly higher content of Ethanol in fuel and a reduction in the availability of non-ethanol fuel. Ethanol blends higher than 10% have been shown to harm marine engines. BoatUS has an online petition to push for a stop to the increases. The link is http://cqrcengage.com/boatus/ app/sign-petition?0&engagementId=265713. Thank you, David.

• A concern related to the EPA was brought to the Committee’s attention by Don Whitney. The concern is that the EPA may not allow the modification of EPA Clean Air Act compliant motors for use in motorsports. A bill has been introduced in Congress called the RPM Act (Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports) that clarifies that

“The EPA has no sense of humor.”

—Jeff Brewster

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SUITED FOR SAFETY

BY DON (ELI) WHITNEY, APBA SAFETY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN At the 2017 APBA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, the APBA Safety Committee met Thursday morning, Jan. 26, 2017 and Saturday morning 1/28 to review old business, finalize an air system standards addition to the General Safety Rules, and discuss several new initiatives. Total meeting time was about 2.5 hours. The meetings were well-attended, with strong individual participation.

A moment of silence was taken to remember Brian Small, an honored leader in the drive for boat racing safety and rescue improvements over the years. Brian passed away recently, and shall be missed.

We ratified housekeeping changes to several General Safety Rules (GSR) proposed by the Race and Rules Management Committee. Several of these changes ease the burden on race committees while putting on a race, and should be welcomed!

Victory Laps: It looks like a lot of fun, but it’s not a good idea to take an extra passenger or two on your boat for a victory lap. We don’t want anyone falling off and getting hurt. Sharp edges and rotating blades are part of our boats; they are not friendly to human contact. Make your lap, fly the checkered flag, wave at the crowd, do a few wheelies, stop at the dock, get your hugs and kisses from your adoring public, and hold your breath when they throw you in!

Air System News: The Safety Committee, including Rescue members, formulated and approved a consolidated air system rule for categories where drivers use such devices. Rules about basic air system requirements for affected categories (PRO, OPC, INB, IE, Vintage OPC) will now be consolidated in one spot in the GSR for easy reference. The specs were derived from current rules in those categories; the only new spec defines the mounting orientation of the quick disconnect coupler between the driver’s mask hose and the air supply (tank/air bottle) hose: male driver’s hose, female air supply hose. The model number of the coupler is also specified to provide consistent hardware and hardware orientation among all the user categories; in this day of combined category events, connection mixups are eliminated.

Driver restraint harness news: SFI labels on driver restraint harness sets (lap belts, shoulder belts, crotch strap) assure a driver that the set he or she buys and uses is suitable for racing (SFI 16.1 or 16.5). The punched holes on the labels reveal the month and year of manufacture, with many racing groups requesting replacement at set intervals (often two years). SFI studies have found that two years is the longest time that belts should be used due to loss of webbing strength (both polyester and nylon

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deteriorate under exposure to sun, dirt, moisture, etc.). Pat Gleason (SRP) advocated for the two-year limit, due to the typical belt and hardware condition in race boats: wet, dirty, ignored. In the car racing world, almost 100% of tracks and sanctioning bodies use SFI ‘s two-year requirement (some use one year!). SFI has issued new tags that indicate the date of expiration of certification to their standards, showing to one and all that certification ends two years after manufacture.

The OPC category decided to adhere to that policy, requiring driver restraint harnesses to be replaced at two-year intervals, as shown on the tags. OPC also changed minimum set requirements from a 6-point to a 5-point set design, just make sure drivers use SFI certified sets.

The Safety Committee initiated discussion and work on developing a consolidated driver restraint harness rule (similar to the air system GSR above) to follow the lead of the OPC category. Eventually, that consolidated rule will use SFI standards (16.1, 16.5, and as applicable) to apply to all categories with restrained drivers, including the two-year replacement requirement, using the expiration date noted on the belt set.

Look for updates on a rule in the future; better yet, look at your belts now; and if they are suspect, replace them!

A tip on replacement: if the hardware is in good shape, many manufacturers will reweb your set, or issue a one-time credit towards a new set, so that can ease the pocketbook pain.

Where to get belts? Try a supplier that specializes in boat racing (Security Race Products, Lifeline Race Gear, Tiger Performance) or look for speed shops such as Summit, Jegs, Speedway Motors and many more!

Stock Outboard Locked Throttle: The committee ratified a Stock Outboard rule change which prohibits locked throttle operation when getting on plane, milling, and racing. Reporting from the Stock Outboard Racing Commission (SORC), Jeff Brewster discussed this change passed by the SORC to allow use of a locked hand throttle only for the purpose of starting the engines.

Driver Medical Info Card: Jeff Brewster suggested a medical information tag, to be worn voluntarily by drivers for emergencies. The usefulness of such a tag becomes obvious when an incident has occurred and pertinent information (medical, emergency notification, personal identification) is not readily at hand for the emergency medical team.

Jeff and Region 12 rescue team member David Hale showed what they use: a small tag contained in a sealed waterproof packet with breakaway lanyard to be worn around a driver’s neck. Like a military dogtag but

voluntary, this tag has various information filled out by the driver. It allows quick access by medical personnel, saving time, confusion, and possible conflicting information. HIPPA restrictions are met with a signed statement of consent to share the info on the tag. On the principle of voluntary use, support for the tag was echoed by several persons, including Howie Nichols (APBA Chief Referee and an EMT), Kristi Ellison (previous APBA Safety Committee Chairperson), and other rescue team members present. Educating drivers to be open about medical conditions in using this tag is needed to maximize potential benefit; other organizations using this method by their drivers include the Lucas Oil Drag Boats and a West Coast Jet Boat organization.

all required features are included. Life jacket construction rules and requirements have not changed recently; they go as far back as 1993.

These requirements are for your personal protection while racing. Use the right stuff; protect yourself at all times!

Capsule Training: Drivers, when you complete your capsule training, you receive a slip showing such (consider it a diploma, if you wish). Make a copy of this slip and bring it with you to every race. This way, if your APBA card does not show your test status, you have proof of being trained.

Don’t berate a scorer, or the office; and don’t be embarrassed at a race. The database that shows your training status is not accessible from a race site.

Make it easy on everybody—bring your slip copy (keep the original at home, so if you lose the copy, it’s not a big deal).

March 5, 2017 Andy Guaresimo Blue Water Dive Team, 1:30-3:30 PM Sunday, L’Anse Creuse HS, Harrison Twp., Michigan April 1, 2017 Andy Guaresimo Blue Water Dive Team, 1:30-3:30 PM Saturday, L’Anse Creuse HS, Harrison Twp., Michigan For more info, check the APBA Resources webpage, and look for capsule training dates 2017!

Helmets and Lifejackets: effective November 1st, 2016, the Snell 2000 rated helmets are no longer legal to use in APBA limited categories, including Vintage; other than maybe a static display or as a business card collector near your boat on display at a boat or race show. (There’s an idea—display your boat and equipment. There are a lot of shows this time of year. You might get a new sponsor, a new race site, or a new racer!) The minimum Snell rating is SNELL 2005, and if you are shopping, the latest and greatest are SNELL 2015. Some manufacturers offer the helmets in the preferred Safety Orange or Yellow; on others, you’ll have to do a little painting. Strong suggestion: follow the helmet rule for color and solid color area. It’s on apba.org; just find the APBA General Safety Rules.

Please don’t bend or test these rules; just follow them. Peaceful relations with your inspector can be a good thing on race morning.

Check your lifejackets, too. Make sure they are in good shape and The well-dressed racer: OPC champion Mark Schmerbauch, in driver’s suit, lifejacket, helmet and safety harness. Paul Kemiel photo

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CATEGORY CORNER J J Committee in LA (L-R) Fred Hauenstein, Jim Nilsen, Daniel Wilde, Jeff Williams, Billy Allen, Pat Gleason, Jim Sweeney and Chris Fairchild. (Not shown: Jerry Davids, Dan Kanfoush.)

JUNIOR CLASSES

BY PATRICK GLEASON, JUNIOR CLASSES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN The J Committee had a very productive meeting over two days in sunny Los Angeles. A number of Divisional and North American Championships were awarded, and a number of rule change proposals were brought before the committee.

The 2017 Divisionals have been awarded. The Northeast Divisionals will be held in Whitney Point, NY June 3-4; Southeast Divisionals will be in Jesup, GA in April; Pell Lake WI will host the Central Divisionals May 20-21; and the Western Divisionals will be hosted at Cullaby Lake in Warrenton, OR on June 16-17. The 2017 North American Championships will be held in Constantine, MI June 22-25 along with the Mod and PRO Nationals; while Rock Falls IL, host of last year’s NACs, will host them again in 2018.

APBA presently has two complete Mercury engines left on the shelf which, based on our current sales rates, is roughly a 2-year supply. Mercury has plenty of parts to build more, if needed. On the lower unit side, Ed Runne of Racing Outboards LLC has six units assembled and on the shelf; most, if not all, are spoken for. They are currently out of gearcases, but will order more as needed. If you are in need of a J/AX gearcase, the best thing to do is to contact Ron Selewach at Racing Outboards LLC and “get on the list”. Ron can be reached at 813-316-0526 or racingoutboards@hrmc.com .

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A number of rule proposals were brought to the J Committee for consideration. Two of them were approved by the Committee, and will be forwarded to the APBA Board of Directors for final approval. The first one was more of a housekeeping issue than anything else, and that was the inclusion into the J classes rules requiring that an APBA logo sticker or the words “APBA.ORG” appear on your boat. This is the same rule as the APBA By-laws currently state; it just adds them to the Junior Classes rules as well.

The second rule passed applies to J Hydro only, and requires a 1-inch “setback”. The rule specifically states: “For J Hydroplanes only, hulls will maintain a minimum of 1” setback distance between the leading tip of the gearcase and the aft portion of the planing surface.”

The purpose of this rule is to make it easier for J Hydros to plane. We hope it will eliminate some of the “extracurricular gymnastics” often seen as drivers attempt to plane off the small, underpowered J Hydros. It’s the feeling of the J Committee that the focus of driving a J Hydro for young drivers should be set on driving in competition, and that anything we can do to make planing easier and less potentially hazardous is a

good thing for our drivers.

A number of people have asked what the J Committee’s plan going forward is on motor availability. To be clear, at present, the motor of choice that is available and continues to remain available for the forseeable future is the Mercury 15. New motors are available “turnkey” from APBA; there are plenty of motors in the used market; and still other, resourceful racers have been successful in obtaining powerheads from online venues like Craigslist and eBay; and then are harvesting lower units from OMC As, which also can be found on the used market. At this time, there are no plans to adopt any other J engine from other manufacturers until our current pipeline of new and used Mercurys are completely exhausted.

Finally, thanks to the APBA J Scholarship Committee and the generosity of the APBA Historical Society, we were able to award an unprecedented five $1,000 scholarships to some very deserving APBA J Classes alumni. Our congratulations go out to Jack Cavanaugh, Lily Deware, Kyle Roskowski, Chloe Sees and Olivia Valentine.

Now’s the time to start getting busy....racing will be here before you know it!

MODIFIED OUTBOARD

BY TOM SUTHERLAND, MODIFIED OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN For those of you who were unable to attend the National Meeting in Los Angeles, here are a few items of interest from the Mod Commission Meeting.

There will be three ballot proposals. They will be: 1) Legalize the Yamato Model 321 in the 500cc classes; 2) Lower the roping pulley weight in the 500cc classes to 315 grams. Reason: the new pulleys weigh less, and the older pulleys are no longer available; and

750ccMH (Father’s Day weekend, weekend before the Modified Nationals), Pell Lake, WI – 750ccMR; Kittanning, PA – 250ccMH; Hillsdale, MI – 850ccMH and Alexandria, KY – 350cccMR and 500ccMR. 200ccMR and 250ccMR are still available.

The 20 cubic inch Sidewinder is still a prototype motor this year in 350ccMR and 400ccMH. The PRD Fireball Go-Kart engine has also been continued as a prototype in 250ccMR, 250ccMH

and 400ccMH. The New Class Committee gave the Mod Commission their blessing for future new 125cc Hydro and Runabout classes using this Go-Kart engine. However, before this can happen, we need to get one running reliably at some of our races this year to generate interest and support for these potential classes.

Below, Tom congratulated Brandon Boyd on his induction into the APBA Hall of Champions in Los Angeles, California. Gleason Racing Photography

3) Raise the racing weight in 750ccMR to 475 pounds.

Non-ballot items of importance are: 1) On approved APBA logos, the APBA must be a minimum size of 1¾” high by 7¼” long; and 2) When racing 3 days over 2, a minimum of 4 classes must be run 3 times over 2 days; and a class may not be run more than 3 times at any single sanctioned event.

This year’s Modified Outboard National Championships will be June 22 through 25 in Constantine, Michigan. This will be a joint Modified/PRO Nationals.

Tabor City, NC will be the site of this year’s Winter Nationals. This will be a combined Modified/Stock Winter Nationals scheduled for April 6 through 9.

Modified will begin having a split Eastern and Western Winter Nationals. The Eastern will consist of the Northeast, Southeast and Central Divisions, while the Western will be made up of the West Division.

Jesup, GA will be the site of the 2018 Modified East Winter Nationals.

North American Championships for 2017 will be as follows: Huntington, Indiana – 200ccMH, 350ccMH and 500ccMH; Constantine, MI – 23

INBOARD

BY JIM SECHLER, INBOARD CHAIRMAN Now that the Annual Meeting is over with, we can get started on what we really love—racing! A special thanks goes out to all of you who attended the meetings and voiced your opinions. I realize that it takes away from other tasks in life, but if we don’t participate in the process of addressing issues within our sport, then effective change cannot happen.

While I have been to several IRC meetings over the last 20 years, this was the first one that I chaired. Let’s just say it was a learning experience!

I learned that it can be painfully difficult to get 20 people to speak one at a time and to agree on anything! Still, I feel we got some things accomplished. When I look back on all the meetings I attended, I have come to the conclusion that there has to be a better way to run the Inboard meetings. I know we need to follow our by-laws and rules but it doesn’t seem right that, with all the issues confronting our category, we spend almost two and a half days talking about rule proposals. Somehow our sport has lasted over 100 years; yet every year we get almost 30 new rule proposals that, according to our rules, we need to discuss and vote on.

sitting in their garage or shop. While it is most likely a depreciating asset, how much it depreciates is really up to the owner. A class that works together and supports races and each other will have a much easier time selling that asset and recouping some of the costs. A class that does not work together will see their asset become worthless. It’s pretty simple, but for some reason many do not understand just how dependent we are on each other. I suspect the reason is that this was not always the case. In the past, it really didn’t matter if you let each other know which races you planned on attending, because if you didn’t show up, the class would most likely still have more than enough boats to run.

I have often heard racers say; “I’ll try to be there, but The IRC meeting in LA. don’t count on me.”

We are racing in different times, and I think we need to let each other know what our intentions are, even if we can only participate in one or two races a year.

At least everyone will know what each other plans on doing, and can plan their own schedules. So let your Class Reps know what you’re thinking—they aren’t mind readers!

One final note: congratulations again to all our National Champions! I was honored to be in attendance at the Inboard Awards banquet and to see all our winners. It was especially nice to see Wally Johnston receive the Bruce Broussard award. Wally is a gentleman and a great competitor, and deserves this great honor.

“Let’s just say it was a learning experience!”

Does anyone think that race fans or race sites care how we calculate points or what type of engine blocks we —Jim Sechler use? I’m not saying these types of proposals aren’t valid proposals that need discussion; all I’m saying is: do we really need to have that discussion at our Annual Meeting?

Maybe a better way to handle some of the proposals is to discuss them over a conference call with the person proposing them on the call.

It would have been nice to spend some time talking to some of the Race Committees to better understand what they have to deal with in order to put on a race, or to the Region Chairs, to better understand what we could do to help them put on races—not talking about specific class proposals. I have to believe that, with all those Commissioners in one place for a meeting, there are far more important things to discuss than which carburetor to use for the Five Litre class!

One issue that I’m still struggling with is: how do we improve our communication within each class? It would seem with all the new ways to communicate, it would be easy—but it’s not. In my mind, there is not one class within our category that could not get together to discuss which races they can attend and which ones they can’t, build a plan for the season and be successful. Everyone who owns equipment in a class has an investment

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Speaking of great honor, many of you may not know that the Bruce Broussard award has been named after a few other very influential Inboard members.

Actually, the award’s name has changed every 12 years. The original award was called the “Bob Ballinger” award; and after that the “Tony Scartine” award; then finally the “Bruce Broussard” award. This was the last year for the award to be named the “Bruce Broussard” award, so a committee was put together to come up with a new name. The committee was composed of Bruce Broussard, Ann Fitzgerald, and Gloria Urbin; and they voted unanimously that the new name on the award for the next 12 years will be Mark Weber!

Congratulations, Mark; I can think of no higher honor than to have that award named after you.

I hope to see you all at the races! Next stop for me is Lakeland!

All the best in racing!

(L-R) Stock Outboard chairman Jeff Brewster with Hall of Champions inductee Joe Pater and APBA President Mark Wheeler. Gleason Racing Photography

STOCK OUTBOARD

BY JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN Our Los Angeles National Meeting flew by amazingly fast this year. It reminds me of Christmas morning in some ways, with all the shopping, planning and wrapping of gifts for the little ones—only to have a pile of rubble in the middle of the living room after less than a half an hour; then the kids go off to their rooms, playing quietly.

Our commission was much like this. We started off as soon as the Stock Commission was assembled in November. From then on, we discussed incoming proposals from members, up until early January.

In years past, only around a third of the proposals actually made it to our agenda at the National Meeting, and this year was not much different.

One task that kept our agenda manageable was a previous phone conference and email ballot that was used to weed out some of the simple housekeeping type of issues, so they wouldn’t take up time in our meeting. The debate on the remaining issues was excellent, and provided much more time for reflection and gathering

of the opinions of those at home. I believe our commission this year voted more in favor of members they represent better than ever before.

Every year it seems like we have one big “hot button” issue; and Yamato engine cooling was the one to tackle this year. I found it surreal in some ways, since I remember racing 20SSH at Wakefield in 1980 where there were a ton of cooling issues—mostly due to no height limitations then.

So now, here we are thirty-seven years later, trying to fix the problem. It’s almost comical if you look at it from the outside. After a very good debate and some very close voting, it is hoped that we may have created a fix to the issue of cooling—or at least a help to those that are having problems.

Only time will tell, of course, but if it doesn’t work, the proposed “cool tube” will always be a viable “plan B” if needed.

I must thank all of those involved in this process, and not only those on our commission. One person who has remained behind the scenes and provided a ton of support was Region 10’s Lee Tietze and

his company, Machined Components, LLC. If you have ever seen any of his workmanship, you will understand how excited I was to hear he was willing to be involved in the creation of the cool tube, and would be able to provide them for sale for us at a very low projected cost. Even though the idea did not pass in Stock Outboard, he will be able to offer this to other categories, along with the rest of his other products available.

If you haven’t had the chance to read our minutes, they are available on our website resource page along with our past meetings—all the way back until 2007.

If anyone has any older minutes or other historical information for our category, please consider sharing it with us and I will gladly scan it and post it for all to view now and into our future. It is always enjoyable to save a portion of our history for our members.

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H1 UNLIMITED

The U-5 at Detroit.

Paul Kemiel photo

BY DOUG BERNSTEIN, H1 UNLIMITED CHAIRMAN I would like to thank everyone who participated in the H1 Unlimited Annual Meeting and Gala, which was held January 13 and 14 at the beautiful Seattle Marriott Waterfront, which proved to be a great venue.

Although I have attended several prior H1 Unlimited meetings and banquets, this was the first while serving as Chairman. We had the privilege of having most of our team owners participate, together with representatives from our current race sites in Madison, Tri-Cities, Seattle and Detroit, and from our future sites in Phoenix and Guntersville, Alabama. Drivers Jimmy Shane, Kevin Eacret and Andrew Tate provided their perspectives, as did several crew members.

In a terrific presentation, Tena Hanson and Larry Oberto outlined results of a recent survey which we commissioned to give us an idea of how H1 Unlimited is perceived, what we do well, and what we need to do to improve. It was clear that we need to listen to what people are saying, to allow our sport to continue to develop and evolve, rather than ignoring possible new ways of doing things.

The Gala was a wonderful opportunity to honor the successes of our various teams in 2016, including the Home Street Bank/Miss Madison team winning the High Points Championship, Jimmy Shane again taking the Drivers’ Championship, J. Michael Kelly’s breakthrough win at the APBA Gold Cup, and Rookie of the Year Andrew Tate’s victory at the Albert Lee Appliance Cup in Seattle. We also acknowledged the many contributions of those we lost in 2016, including Bill Wurster, Sven Ellstrom, Niles Mayfield, Fred Farley and Kirk Pagel. Thanks to Shannon, Emily and Ashley Raney, Lisa Courneya, Walt Ottenad, and emcee, Brad Luce, for a great celebration of our sport.

It is clear we have work to do. With the help of our outstanding fans, team owners, sponsors, crews, race sites and officials, we will strive to improve our product and our performance. The H1 Board of Directors has vowed to be more accountable to its stakeholders, and to keep them better informed.

Here is the 2017 H1 Unlimited schedule: June 2 Test session- Tri-Cities, WA June 17 Test session- Guntersville, AL June 30-July 2 MainSource Bank Madison Regatta Presented by Belterra Casino Resort- Madison, IN July 28-30 HAPO Columbia Cup-Tri- Cities, WA August 4-6 Albert Lee Cup at Seafair- Seattle, WA August 25-27 Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest- Detroit, MI (two races) September 15-17 San Diego Bayfair- San Diego, CA Whether the Annual Meeting was a success will be determined by what happens over the course of the next weeks and months, when we see if H1 Unlimited actually follows through on what was discussed.

Two months into my tenure as Chairman of H1 Unlimited, I’ve learned a few things. First, there is no manual out there for how to run a hydroplane racing series. Second, many people have many opinions regarding our sport. And 26

third, not everyone always agrees with the opinions of others.

Please note that I don’t react to rumors, nor do I feel compelled to issue a tweet every time someone says something critical of the sport or of me. Years of marriage have taught me that immediate, emotional responses usually have negative results, and that no matter what I have to say, others may disagree.

With that preface, let me comment on the 2016 HAPO Columbia Cup and the later appeal, perhaps the hottest topic in my brief tenure. As you may recall, about an hour and a half after the final heat was completed, a penalty was issued to the HomeStreet Bank team, resulting in a win for J. Michael Kelly in the Graham Trucking. Believing that the penalty was improper, the HomeStreet team filed an appeal with the American Power Boat Association, which agreed with the HomeStreet team’s position; and four months after the event was held, ordered that the results be changed to reflect HomeStreet winning.

How did this happen? Without getting too technical, let’s just say that the various rules can be read and interpreted in multiple ways. As an attorney, I appreciate the art of finding issues for appeal, and the HomeStreet team did nothing wrong in pursuing the appeal. Nonetheless, many involved in the sport don’t like or agree with how the matter was handled, at all levels.

So what do we do? Make the changes needed, so we don’t have a repeat occurrence. While in law, a four-month turnaround time for an appeal is perfectly acceptable, in racing, taking that long to figure out who won is not.

Fans, competitors, sponsors and promoters all deserve to know who won when they leave the event site. If we need to change how we do things, then let’s do so. Despite having officials on shore and in a helicopter, not everyone agreed about what in fact happened on the water; and those involved have been passionate about expressing their feelings, both in private and in public.

I can relate to this; many years ago, I was on the losing end of a long jury trial. I didn’t like the judge, and the judge didn’t like me. I felt that my client’s position was legally correct, and that they should have prevailed, but the judge slanted the trial so that my opponent would win, and they did. I was confident that the decision would be reversed on appeal, but the higher courts upheld the decision. However, as a result, the underlying law was changed (see the legislative history of Michigan Compiled Law 566.132) so a future similar result could not occur. To this day, I’m bitter, but I have moved on. I neither gave up the practice of law or litigation. Although things don’t always go your way, take satisfaction in having a hand in making things better.

We can all learn from the experience and move the sport forward.

Finally, I need to acknowledge and thank Sam Cole, Steve David, and the late Gary Garbrecht, for allowing me to be involved in the sport at a higher level; and the H1 Board of Directors in having the confidence in me to serve as its Chairman. Best wishes and thanks to all; we’ll be in touch!

PRO RACING OUTBOARD

BY KRISTI ELLISON, PROFESSIONAL RACING OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN The PRO Commission met in Los Angeles for the 2017 APBA Annual Meeting.

Congratulations to the 2016 Hall of Champions inductees Ryan Gowin and Jim Nilsen.

The George Townsend medal went to Ryan Gowin for High Points in K PRO Hydro. The Col. Green Round Hill Trophy went to Justin Gibson for the most points in the PRO category for 2016. Chris Hellsten once again earned the “Gibby” Petermann Award for High Points in 250cc Hydro.

Every year the PRO Category gives the Gary Wyhoski Officials Award to the officials that go above and beyond. This year we were honored to give the award to the Tennell family—Buddy,

Jean and Sam—for their service and dedication on the judges stand and in the pits throughout the week of the 2016 PRO Nationals.

The Commission met over 1 ½ days and discussed PRO category business and reviewed all requests presented.

The PRO / MOD Nationals will be held on 22-25 June 2017 in Constantine, MI. Testing will be all day on the 22nd, and racing will be the 2325th. Indiana Outboard Association will be the conducting club.

We approved the Western Divisional Championship request for Eatonville, WA 19-20 August 2017 and the Eastern Divisional Championship for C Service Kristi congratulates Jim Nilsen on his 10th Hall of Champions induction.

Gleason Racing Photography At right, the other PRO inductee Ryan Gowin does the LA look better than anyone.

and C Racing classes in Hillsdale, MI September 9-10, 2017.

The only rule change made was to the KPH class.

For the K PRO Hydro class, all records established prior to 2002 shall be grandfathered. To establish a new record, the driver must establish a speed that exceeds 95% of the grandfathered record.

Once a new record for a course is established, it must thereafter be broken by the previous speed multiplied by 1.003. (This rule shall be deleted as soon as new records are established for the K PRO Hydro class.) This rule is effective 30 days after publication.

On behalf of the PRO Category, I would like to extend congratulations to this year’s category champions and to Sheryl Rucker, Tracy Trolian, Penny Anderson and Linda Hauenstein for arranging a great meeting facility.

I would like to thank all the Commissioners for attending, and for your dedication to our great sport.

Have a safe and fun 2017 racing season.

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Thank you, Linda Hauenstein and Penny Anderson, for once again handling registration and so much more at the National Meeting.

Sheryl Rucker and Tracy Trolian were indispensable members of the winning team too.

REGION ROUNDUP

REGION 10 Those of us who made the trip to Los Angeles for the National Meeting had a great time in the sun...only to return to six more weeks of winter. Snowmageddon hit Washington and Oregon in a big, big way, and we’re just now digging out of it. Some of us are crazy enough to go testing in this stuff, but that’s a story for another time.

Mike White of NOMA updates us with the latest news from our tunnel boat contingent: “NOMA had their first meeting of the year with new officers, discussions on the upcoming races and sending the OPC Chairman to Los Angeles for the National Meeting. There is much excitement in OPC this year, running in three classes: Formula 1/ Champ, Formula 150 and Sport C. Speaking of Sport C, congratulations to Steve Walde from Region 11 for taking US-1. Steve contributes much time and support into the Region 10 races. And also, congratulations to our own Mike White of Region 10, for taking US-2 in the Sport C class.”

Personally, I’m not sure if I can remember the last time Jim Codling missed an APBA National Meeting, but he’s still keeping tabs on our inboard group. Here’s Jim’s report from Seattle Inboard and Seattle Drag and Ski:

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“Hard to believe we actually got snow here in downtown Seattle. Very rare indeed...Good thing most boats are warm in their beds (garages) or somewhere safe for the winter cold and freezing we have had in our region.

“A nice social gathering was held at the Hydro Museum as a fund raiser for several in our racing family who need a little push for the spring happenings. We talked about Ron Jones Sr. and his passing. Seattle Times writer Bob Condotta had a nice piece on Ron’s history. You can read it online at the seattletimes.com site “The inboard clubs are having their monthly meetings; not a lot is happening besides the usual setup problems. We all need a few more hands raised when the commodores ask for help in a race just ahead. Push the hand in the air and see what it is all about; heck, it might turn out to something you are really good at. Rick Sandstrom came to the Seattle Drag and Ski meeting and we had a chance to go over the upcoming insurance rules. Not a whole lot of changes but no more room for “your way.” Follow the guidelines and your day might be a lot smoother. Rick has been a big help for all us racers getting a new insurance policy for 2017.

“Another great time of the year to look around for sponsors for the events. How about a $500.00 split between your new sponsor and the race committee as a heat sponsor—gets them a VIP pass and a well-deserved thanks. (Don’t forget to write out some verbiage for the announcer to use during the event.) Your sponsors will not forget that. And it helps everyone for the next time.

“Oh snap...our buoys are a real problem. Our supplier is having border problems with no easy end in sight.

Our last order is sitting in a customs warehouse in New York...I will be working on this soon.

“News from Richland is that there will be a driving school at this early event. If interested, check your Propeller magazine.

“Keep all our sick folks in mind, and remember another one who is having a go of it—Steve Kramer still fighting back after the incident at Pateros.

“The long and short of it: time to get after all your racing items.”

—Jim Codling It wouldn’t be a busy Region 10 winter if our Vintage gang didn’t have some wood chips flying somewhere.

Ron Morrison from the Region 10 Vintage crew provides us with this month’s update: “Snow be darned—with the first Region 10 Vintage event at Kenmore, Washington scheduled for April, the 2017 racing season is looking closer each day.

Indications are that it will be an active one, too, with as many as 10 new boats planning to join the circuit. Ten Vintage events are on tap as well—eight combined, and two “Vintage only.” For the schedule, check www.nwvintagehydros.com. Region 10 Vintage Coordinator Jim Olson is planning a meeting of the Vintage faithful in March; watch for the date, time and location. It will include the Vintage Inspector’s test. With the goal of spreading the inspection workload around, it requires a good group qualified to do the work. A dozen or more are in line to take the test.

“Planning continues for a Vintage ‘school boat,’ a training and recruiting device. Money to complete the engine for it is now available. Target for its debut is the Mahogany and Merlot Regatta in October.

Who do you know who would like to put on the gear and try out a Vintage hydro on a real race course? With Vintage activity growing, efforts to find needed organizers and leaders continue. This includes identifying roles that newer folks can take, and providing help and mentoring for them to be successful and happy when they take on the work.

“Two boat racing notables passed on in January, each with a long history of accomplishments in our sport. Ron Jones Sr. was a dean of hydroplane and marine design and construction. Frank Banducci was a stalwart of all things boat racing in APBA Region 11 (Northern California).”

—Ron Morrison And here’s our update from Ana Cappelletti and Tacoma Inboard Racing Association: “It’s that time of year...banquet time! Tacoma held their banquet this year at Johnny’s in Fife on January 14th. It was a great evening, with Brad Luce on the mic celebrating another great year in the club. We would like to thank Christabelle Bernard for putting on a great banquet and to all those that helped her.

Here are the winners of the night: Inspirational Award- Randy Christianson Sportsmanship Award- Jeff Bernard Hard Luck Award- Conrad Malmo

Club High Point Award- Keith Nelson Armand Yapachino 5 Litre Award- Jared Knelleken Rookie of the Year- John Reifel (purchased a boat after completing the school boat class at Pateros) Woman of the Year- Kim Hamilton Devin Mason Award- Jeff Bernard Rescue Person of the Year- Jason Lewis Roby Ottwell Award- Ana Cappelletti “We are looking forward to the coming year with all that continue to work hard putting on our races; from the officials, volunteers, sponsors, people within the city whom we deal with, to make sure that we can provide a good show for the spectators and to allow us to come together as a family, doing what we all love to do. Without these people, none of this would be possible.

“Starting in January we had our first joint meeting with Seattle Inboard, and it was well-attended and well-perceived. We are looking forward to working with all clubs and continuing to make inboard racing in Region 10 more successful with each race.

“Our Winter Region meeting took place on February 25th at the Doubletree at Southcenter. Capsule training was scheduled at the same time as testing (9-11am). Hope to see you all there!

“We all just came home from our APBA National meeting that was held in LA. Tacoma Inboard would like to congratulate the award winners at all the banquets attended, but one award was very special; Terry Troxell was inducted into the APBA Honor Squadron. What an honor for the family...I don’t think that there was a dry eye in the house, and what a tribute to all that Terry accomplished.

“Enjoy the remaining part of our off-season, but I can’t wait to hear the motors starting and the thunder on the water in just a couple of months. See you all soon!”

—Ana Cappelletti Region 10 was well represented in Los Angeles, with members Jim Nilsen, Jimmy Shane, Kyle Lewis and Ryan Gowin all getting inducted into the Hall of Champions; Kyle Bahl receiving the Don Allen Sr. Service Award, and the late Terry Troxell getting inducted into APBA’s Honor Squadron. We’re all very proud of our champions and the recognition they received this year!

REGION 11 As 2016 came to a close, Region 11 members were looking forward with spirit and energy to kick off the 2017 season! With lots of gratitude and boatloads of appreciation, we wish to acknowledge all the priceless contributions given to us this past racing year.

Many were called to duty in order to complete a very challenging season; and many answered the call by stepping up and pitching in. We couldn’t have done it without all of you!

Moving forward, we are proud to announce the appointment of our very own, home-grown young man, Daniel Wilde, to the APBA Junior Classes Committee. Chairman Patrick Gleason recognized Daniel’s devotion, outstanding efforts and energy in support of the Junior Classes and his dedication in conducting a successful Drivers’ School in 2016.

Together with East Bay Boat Club, at Salt Spring Valley Resort, Daniel brought aboard new racers and initiated veteran drivers’ introduction to a “changeof-class” experience. Of course, we all hope to see these “newbies” on the race waters this season.

Congratulations, Daniel. Keep up the good work!

As he beats the bushes for more new drivers—and as his program grows—Daniel will also be looking for more equipment (boats, motors, Kevlar suits), training instructors, and more funding. He has a very clear understanding that Junior Classes are the lifeblood of our sport, and promoting them means building a firm foundation for a brighter, sustaining future. Dan has already committed to a Drivers’ School in 2017, and will offer even more if needed to accommodate all interested racers or racers-to-be. Our region is proud of Daniel and pledge to help him in whatever ways we can.

As the 2017 race calendar is being fine-tuned, Region 11 clubs—EBBC, DBRA, and NCOA—invite everyone to follow the schedule and join us on our race courses.

Frank Banducci and ghostwriter Gloria Crim in 2008.

—Patrick Gleason

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Furthermore, all clubs will offer the Vintage/Historic drivers a slot at any event this season. Come along, guys and gals!

East Bay Boat Club is working on its 2017 membership campaign with the following yearly fees: $15 for Boosters and $25 for Racers. They are also offering something brand new this year: a five-year membership for just $100. How can anyone resist such a deal?

EBBC will host the Time Trials at Oroville once again, so stay tuned! In addition, EBBC is already offering their annual “must-do” race at Mossdale in Lathrop, CA. Race Director Steve Wilde is well into the negotiations with the property owner, and optimistically predicts a large race contingent from Regions 10 and 12 to supplement and to challenge the Region 11 Teams!

Thanks to all who attended the APBA Annual Meeting 25-28 January 2017 in Los Angeles, CA. Regions 11 and 12 are always happy to welcome you all to “sunny California”!

NOTE: As Frank Banducci fought health demons, this column was brought to you by his ghostwriter, The Ghost of Seasons Past... Our faithful correspondent Frank passed away on Jan. 1, 2017 after doing his best for his family, region and the sport of boat racing.

REGION 12 In the last issue, I thanked those who made the Brawley Race a success. I said that I would surely miss some, and sure enough, I did. Thanks go to Dean’s wife Mary Ann Wilson, and Missy Monroe, who worked both days on the stand. Bill Miller came down from Region 11 to be the timer the whole weekend, which was greatly appreciated. People not from California think that is not a big deal, but Bill had at least a 600-mile drive one way to come to this race. I am sure there are others, and I apologize to any I missed.

The APBA National Meeting was held at the Sheraton Gateway from Jan. 25 to 28. It was a very productive meeting. This was a good venue with the meeting rooms easy to get to, and eating places for lunch close by. If you have never been to a National Meeting, you should go when it is close to you. It shows APBA in an entirely different light.

Thanks go to a lot of workers that put this event on year after year, including Sheryl Rucker, Linda Hauenstein, Penny Anderson and Tracy Trolian, who were at the registration desk the whole time. The Region 12

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commissioners in Stock (Dave Hale), OPC (Dean Wilson) and Inboard (Scott Schatz) attended the meetings.

Some other Region 12 racers also attended, which was good.

Saturday night, the banquet and Hall of Champions are held. The food was some of the best that I have had at a meeting in a long time. The Hall of Champions inducted 21 racers this year, and they were all there to be honored. Region 12 had two inductees—Scott Schatz for Inboard and Chris Kohles in Inboard Endurance.

Congratulations to you both.

As co-chair of the Hall of Champions Committee, I am thankful that we have a lot of people who produce this program each year. Cindy Minoletti gets the year-end

printouts to the category chairs.The category chairs submit their lists of inductees to APBA, the inductees are notified and send their materials to APBA. Tana Moore was instrumental in doing the program. Patrick Mell asked Jerry Teague and co. to put the video portion together, and it was great. I particularly liked the large screens at each end of the room that made it much easier for the audience to see.

Pat Gleason did the photography, and Kyle Bahl took care of the interviews. Ed Hearn was the MC again, and did an excellent job. Ann Fitzgerald made the jackets, which the inductees treasure. Tracy Trolian, cochair of the HOC Committee, was there taking care of everyone’s needs.

Thanks go to all of these workers, as it would not be possible without them; and congratulations to all of the inductees. When one inductee said that he didn’t wear his jacket, another countered with, “I wear mine all the time, as it is the most expensive piece of clothing that I have.” Again, if you have never attended the HOC ceremony you should make an effort to go.

Looking for some Vintage fun?

Check out the Classic Race Boat Association events in Florida!

On a personal note, the Tammy Dawe Advocate Award was given Friday evening to Tom Johnston (aka TJ).

He had no idea he was receiving it, and was almost overwhelmed. TJ definitely earned it with all of his hard work for so many years. Thanks to everyone involved.

West Coast racing lost a true advocate of the sport when Frank Banducci died Jan. 1. Frank wrote the Region 11 report and worked in so many ways for boat racing. As I get older, more and more people that I have known for a long time are disappearing; and it is hard to accept at times.

However, a new season is here. Race hard, stay safe and have fun!

—Ernie Dawe

When Jimmy Shane and his wife Bianca attended the Hall of Champions banquet, they brought sippy cups, snacks, a stroller and a toy train; because Colton and Hudson have their own idea of a glamourous evening.

Austin 25 Dreamboat Rusty Sitton from Texas wrote: “After years of neglect I found a good use for my favorite boat, my Austin 25 runabout. I’m making a bed for my 2-year-old grandchild out of it. I moved the dash forward and cut out the decks so a mattress would fit inside it. I’m reskinning it now. My daughter is stoked to have something I cared so much about be a part of her new family’s life. (No, she really is!)”

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LEARNING FROM A WINNER

BY JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN The Stock Outboard Category gives the Tammy Dawe Advocate Award only once to an individual. The award is based on certain criteria, using a point system. A nominee gains points throughout their lifetime as a race official, category chairman, national officer, commissioner or region officer, just to name a few. The candidate must gain a minimum of 45 points before he/she will even be considered for this award. This number is very symbolic, being the exact amount of points Tammy would have achieved in her sadly shortened career. I really appreciate those on the award committee—especially one of Tammy’s closest friends, Jeff Conant, who works hard every year to honor his friend with this award.

the second turn just as hard. Without the turn fin, I quickly found myself swimming to the surface! Boy, did I feel like an idiot! As I climbed back in to try to finish, he had restarted, and slowly passed by with only a smile on his face. He may not remember that day, but it was one lesson learned that I never forgot. He also taught me to be calm in this situation, because he didn’t kick my butt in the pits afterward.

Helping me present this award the evening of Jan. 27th in Los Angeles was Tammy’s father and first winner of this award, Ernie Dawe.

Above is the same boat that I ran over TJ with earlier in the season. The photo was taken from the bridge in Lock Haven, Pa. in 1980.

Seems like yesterday...

I have known this year’s Tammy Dawe Award winner all of my life. His passion for this sport is unequalled, and I know I that I couldn’t handle the chairman task without his help.

At right, the very generous and forgiving Tom Johnston receives the Tammy Dawe Award from ex-jerk Jeff Brewster.

Gleason Racing Photography

One of my first memories of this man was in the early 1980s at a race in Oil City, Pa. I was around 18 at the time. He was already a wily old veteran to me, because he had raced against my father Jack in B Stock Hydro.

In a 20 Super Stock Hydro race, I was driving about a foot over my head, like a normal, testosterone-filled teenager. After being late on the start, I barreled into the tight first turn. Once the spray settled, all I could see was his arm up in the air, signaling his engine had stalled. I immediately swerved to the right to miss him, and felt the left side of my boat hit lightly. I made it through and took off down the backstretch, leaving my future friend sitting there, most likely shaking his head. Little did I know that I had run my turn fin all the way down the beautiful deck, the entire length of his boat. And, little did I know that when I did this, it had folded up my turn fin, like I was preparing to go home.

So, still trying to catch the pack, I drove into

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The 2016 Tammy Dawe Advocate Award went to our new 300 Super Stock quarter mile record holder, my good friend and this year’s winner Tom Johnston!

RACE IN PEACE FRANK BANDUCCI Years ago I watched Sport C tunnel boats run, and thought they were pretty cool. I was told,“You need to go talk to that old guy over there!” Before I knew it, “that old guy” Frank Banducci had invited me to try his boat and attend a boat club meeting.

would have been gone a long time ago. While we race against each other on the weekends, we are all family; and when one of us has fallen, we all hurt.

Frank rekindled his passion for boat racing in the 1970s with his son. After Rocky’s death, Frank went on to set records, form Banducci Racing, and encourage many others (including his grandsons) to enter the racing community.

Soon I realized that I had met a legend. Frank was an APBA icon and Godfather of the Sport C class. At races all over the country, we were always asked if Frank Banducci was also coming.

Frank’s longtime love Gloria Crim truly understood his passion for boat racing, and it quickly became her passion as well. One Valentine’s Day Gloria gave Frank the Sport C Patriot. He used the number 512 (the address of his dad’s bar, the “Base Hit”).

Born in Richmond, Cal. in 1929, Frank graduated from Contra Costa College and married his high school sweetheart Clara (Clare) Gorham in 1951. In 1953 he earned a BA in Social Science and Education from San Francisco State University, and entered the U.S. Army.

Frank was 85 when he placed 3rd in the 2015 Sport C North American Championships. A great sport, he was even proud of his Region 11 “Blonde Moment Award,” for the time he forgot to put the plugs in and his boat sank in the staging area.

Frank began teaching in 1956. Daughter Jan was born in 1957, followed by Jill, Paula, and Frank L. “Rocky” Banducci.

Probably closest to his heart was his 2006 OPC Achievement Award, for his efforts to develop and grow the Sport C class. Frank was always trying to bring new blood into the sport he loved so much. As a retired counselor, his genuine caring for people kept him introducing the sport to others so they too might find what it had done for him.

Frank began his counseling career at Helms Jr. High in 1963. He earned a MA degree in 1964. In 1968, he moved to Richmond High School, where he worked as a beloved counselor for over 25 years.

In his “free time”, Frank served the Salesian Boys Club and the Richmond Elks Lodge. He coached Little League baseball, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, stamp collecting, toy train collecting, and spending time with his family at his cabin in Cazadero. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a constant joy in his life.

Frank raced boats for nearly 70 years. When he was a boy growing up in Richmond, a neighbor raced; Frank would wander over and drool whenever they worked on the boat. Bobby Ziemer and Jack Dempsey encouraged young Frank to try boat racing, but his father said no.

When Frank was a teenager, his dad finally let him give it a shot. Frank participated in his first race as a deck rider. (These guys are considered to be nuts!)

The rest is history; boat racing was in his blood. It’s hard to explain this kind of passion to non-racers, but it’s huge. Frank told me that if it not for boat racing, he

Stuart Ford said, “putting people in boats is (Frank’s) legacy.” At a Sport C race, often three of the boats were his. Frank also helped new drivers with entry fees, gas, lodging—whatever it took to get them on the water.

Our beloved Frank took his final checkered flag Jan. 1, 2017. He finished as a winner—not only as a boat racer but as a patriot, friend, teacher and counselor, husband, companion, father, grandpa and great-grandpa—and most of all, as a human being! The world is a better place because Frank was in it.

Have a Happy...

Safety, Safety, Safety...

That’s a 30...

Ciao.

—Steve Walde

RON JONES SR. Master boatbuilder Ron Jones Sr., 84, died on Jan. 19. He built hundreds of fast boats, but cared as much about safety as about speed. In 2010, Ron was inducted into APBA’s Honor Squadron for his role in adding safety capsules and moving drivers’ seats forward of the engine. His dream was to create a hydroplane that would not blow over. Maybe that did not happen, but he did design boats that protect drivers in a crash. Many hydroplane racers are alive today because of Ron’s dedication and genius.

Ron’s father was the legendary driver and boatbuilder Ted Jones, who won the 1950 APBA Gold Cup in Slo-moshun IV. Seattle’s racecourse was named for Ted Jones.

Ron Jones built the 1958 Miss Bardahl, the 1972 Notre Dame, the 1973 Pay ‘n Pak (one of the all-time great Unlimiteds with 22 race wins), the 1974 Country Boy, Valu-Mart, Miss U.S., Lincoln Thrift, the 1980 Miss Budweiser (also with 22 first-place finishes), among many others.

After several devastating fatalities, including Dean Chenoweth’s death in 1982, Ron installed canopies on several Unlimited hydroplanes. He kept fine-tuning boat and canopy design, and pushing for rule changes.

Eventually safety capsules were required. That change has drastically reduced injuries and fatalities, even as boats become ever faster.

Ron is survived by many friends and family, including daughter Debbie Kirk, and Ron Jones Jr., who continues the family tradition as a boatbuilder.

A memorial service for Ron Jones Sr., is being held on Saturday, March 4th at the Life Center Church in Tacoma, Washington.

—K. Wise photo