OK i might make some people out there upset but that is not my intention... First, I thought Long beach was fantastic I was even interested in the kids and their 15hp hydros. At first I thought two classes of jets was fantastic and I was glad to see Ralph out there again. but the boat count was disappointing. 5&3... 8 for one class would have looked a lot better to the fans. I know, I know the river racer boats would not be competitive, and it's good to have a vintage class to get more people out and racing, but the appearance was unimpressive and I might say tacky. Seeing tired looking old boats running no faster than the slowest classes on the water does not foster a good impression. Comp Jet had some great racing going on and the inboards I must say certainly out shined all the whackers. But anyone who came into the pits and looked the boats over surely would not be impressed with the jets. The one boat that did show some technology was Ball-n-Jack but even that hull was showing some real wear and tear. SS & SC not to mention KRR all those boats looked immaculate. I know it's a burden and I know it's expensive but for next year it would be great to see all the jets com out with nice paint, hardware, and team uniforms. I know there is no monetary reward for boat racing and I know that many are on incredibly tight budgets but the word I hear out by the beach is the jets are a joke. That hurts, for I love jets, more than all other types of boat racing. I want it to grow and I want it to not just become better, I want it to be the best show on the beach.
For those who raced, I congratulate you. For those who came to cheer I commend you. But for the class I challenge you to become the most professional class in racing. Be the class that people aspire to not the class people put up with. I open the gauntlet let the slings and arrows begin...
While I totally understand where you are coming from, your statement is both misguided and totally out of context.
Let me start by saying that the CJ123 while awesome to watch and runs like a scared rabbit, in order for someone to be competitive against them will really have to bring their A game, not to mention spend a ballistic shorts load of money. I do not advocate, nor believe in, racing cash.
This is the main reason for low boat counts. Not every swinging hot link can spend tens of thousands of hard earned dollars to risk getting hurt to win a trophy and have some bragging rights.
The River Racer class is a chance for the average schmo to get out there, get your feet wet and have more fun than a box of puppies.
I personally think, observing the crowd, that the comp jets and the river racers were definately a fan favorite. Now imagine a full field. It would be off the hook...
It takes a lot of sand and little bit of investment to do what these guys dud this weekend and I take a personal offense to your comments.
If you will excuse me now, I have to complete my 5 and a half hour drive home....
(steps down from soapbox)
GT
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I927 using SoCalJetBoats mobile app
