Blarney Report

[Sam Baker]

Well, Blarney was great again last night - perfect weather and it was great to see Nick Kaye, Mike Balz and John Dorn in attendence.

Lake Racer
Lake Racer had 8 boats ready to do battle - 2 Allisons, 2 STVs, 2 Mirages, a Rapid Craft and a Seebold.

First round was Bob Albee in his Mirage River Racer/Mercury 260 Combo handing a loss to Jeff Cleinmark who was the hired gun driving his buddies XB-2002. That's the boat the spit Jeff out on the river earlier this year. Way to get back up on that horse and ride 'er JC.

In the second race, John Mumford in his XB-2002 Allison raced against Karl Lindwahl in STV Pro Comp. John got the better of Karl this day.

Next up was Kaptain Kirk in his Rapid Craft against reigning champ Joe Perocesci's STV. Kirk, giving up a near 200 lb. weight advantage to Joe's flywheight River Rocket, put up a great fight and put in a much improved run over last week's first time out. But Blarney is all about hole shot and the weight difference was just too much for Kirk to overcome. Don't worry Kappy, next week you all weigh the same!

Final race in the first round was Tom Klement in his Mirage Wildcat against Jack Fischer in his Merc powered Seebold Eagle. This was the first run for Tom in his Mirage and he made it work as he sent Jack back to the dock.

In the second round, Bob Albee sent John Mumford fishing and Joe Perocesci put Tom Klement on the dock setting up a repeat of last week's final and revisited one of the best rivalries Blarney has to offer. Albee - VS - Perocesci. Tonight though, Bob had Joe covered taking a commanding 3 boat lead out of the hole and holding on to cover Joe easily. Joe had top end on Bob, but in 700' it's hard to catch up if you give that much of a lead up at the start.

Pro Modified
There were 5 boats in this week's Pro Modified Battle. Rich Srnec made the painfully long trip from Michigan through Chicago Traffic to get ther just in time and it would prove to be worth the effort.

In the first race of the night, Jeff Cleinmark (driving his Allison XR-2002) drew the travel weary Srnec. In what had to be the ugliest start in Blarney History (Jeff, you're supposed to come off plane before you start!), Cleinmark took a 1 boat lead at the start but couldn't hang on to it as Srnec strolled on by in his Pro Gasser XR-2001. That boat is all business.

I got the opportunity to run against Ron Barta and after struggling with Ron's awesome holeshot again, I was able to top end him by about a boat length.

Second round saw Vydas Rykasius (who had a bye in the first round) take on Srnec. Rich had his Allison strolling and sent Vydas back to the dock setting up an all Allison XR-2001 final between Rich and myself.

This wasn't much of a race I'm afraid as Rich came out of the hole like he was late for dinner and left me trying to make up a 2 boat difference. I was able to make up a little bit of ground, and I know both of us didn't use 1 foot of boat between us - we were both pretty aired out - but the race was over at the start. His boat hits HARD!

Way to go Rich and Bob - great job. Next week starts points and everybody must be weighed and teched prior to racing. We'll be at the shop Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to weigh and tech.

Final Results - 6/7/02

Lake Racer:
1st - Bob Albee (Baker Marine/Sticker Dude Mirage/Mercury)
2nd - Joe Perocesci (Gohr Performance STV/Mercury)

Pro Modified:
1st - Rich Srnec (Gohr Performance Allison/Mariner)
2nd - Sam Baker (Baker Marine/Sticker Dude Allison/Mercury)

[DaveR]

Real nice report - thanks for the fun reading!

[BK]

Good job Sam!

We couldnt make it up there this time. But we are working with Shep to plan a weekend where his babysitter can watch our kids for us while we are there. Shep and Jill certainly know how to party, so I'm sure the trip will be a wild one!

We'll let you know more about when we'll be heading that way. The racing sounds great!

[Balzy]

We had a good time. It was great to see everyone again. Got to see "Frank and Frank" for the first and I am sure not the last time of the season. Good seeing you guys. The racing was great, Sam's right, Kappy had a nice looking run, just didn't have quite enough for the fly-wieghts. (I know how that feels Kappy) Hung out in God's country and ate pizza, picked up Nick's drag mota, got Jeff and Jody's cowl, bought a few props off Kappy, delivered his checkered flags (not that he needs em yet, LOL), and drank a few beers (my head hurts right now). All in all it was great night.

[RichS]

Thanks for the report Sam. And thanks for finding me some weight and letting me run. I like the mention of me and dinner. (What are you trying to tell me?) Now if I could find a decent way around Chi-town:mad: 4 1/2 hours there and 3 1/4 hours back and I was at work at 7 this am. It hsould be a < 3 hour drive. If I put the tall prop on the Ally and head straight across the lake it would only take me 1/2 hour to make Wakegon, and thats 1/2 hour from the Island, right? I will start out 2 hours earlier (and a different route) next week to make sure I can get tech'ed. It was good seeing everbody:D Now I'm going home for lunch and take a nap. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[pyro]

congrats to Rich!

Hey Rich, that foot throttle is great! Thanks!

-Chad

[Sam Baker]

Now if I could only find a way for you to take 4 1/2 hours to get down the track!

[RichS]

I'd say you could tie a anchor to my a$$ and make me swim the course, but I'm a good swimmer and fat is a lot lighter than water so it would have to be a big anchor for me to take that long to swim 800 feet.:D

[JW]

Nice representin' the Michigan boys! Couldn't talk Wright into joining you huh??

[22VelocityProMax300]

Balzy, It was great seeing you and John Dorn and Marty Kaye at Blarneys, I have to admit I was freezin my butt off coming back on the ferry, Frank Jr my wife and I and daughter had just gotten back from Cancun where it was 95 in the day and 85 at night. I think my blood was a little thin. What a shame in Cancun all that beautiful water, but there wasn't any performance boats, instead I had to survey the scenery on the beach. Marty Kaye, if you ever want to ride down to Blarneys,my son and I go on most Thursdays,give us a call. Frank sr

[skydog]

ALlison go!!

[G-Train]

Don't worry Sam, you'll get Rich next time, he won't ever be able to find a helmet big enough to fit his Dome now...sorry Rich... couldn't resist...

Greg

[NPK2003]

I just feel the need to relieve!

After driving back from my cottage in Three Lakes, WI., I come home to read the S&F the Blarney Island report! I want to add a bit to it tonite, late Sunday, around 11:30 PM to start!

1. Rich S.: Would you rather drive a car 3 hours less or drive your Ally 2001 faster than any other Cheeseheads and Flatlanders? Congrats on a fine showing, and listen to Bill, GOD himself, when he takes to the pulpit preaching; Stop it>>> and ..."Just drive the dang boat!"

2. Sam! If you finish 1.5 boat lengths apart (Urrr!~yes, behind) and START 1.8 boat lenghts behind when they flash the green light, who really won the race?!?!

3. I was inspired to see those five (?) red bags of lead shot go into Rich's boat. I guess I realized that I would only need to put my fat behind into a drag boat and would be able to compete fair and square without adding weight. Unless I won, which at that time, I am sure a distinction between lighter than water and heavier than water would be drawn into the Blarney~Baker Rules! I am big, but lighter than water! Too Bad for Nicky and Killer Whales! I still LUV YA SAM! After all, You did help Rich take the weight back out!

4. Kapt. Kirk ran real fine, considering he doesn't have any trim timers! He discovered 1/2 way down the course that the Riot needs to be trimed back down after launching! The Rumble is coming Kirk! Better practice trimming UP!

5. I had a great time at the drags! Too chilly for adding Bras to the ceiling, but a blast all the same. Frank Sr. and Frank Jr. were a riot to talk with and riding with Balzy plus John Dorn made the trip home all the much better!

6. Bob Albee! Wisconsin's finest in a bright ORANGE Mirage with Sticker Dude Graphics was awesome! Made me proud to be a cheesehead! Well, how about feeling good about it for a few moments?

7. Last but NOT least! Bill Gohr was a terrific host before the races! He bought a bunch of pizzas to share before the race and was an absolute pleasure to be around. I know some of you think he is so serious and rigid (at least above the waist-Hahaha!) that you can't imagine him as a fun friend! Well, Bill just cracked me up laughing at his "On the Scene" commentary at times. He is a S&F god! Thanks Bill for helping add to a great time at the drags!

I gotta go to bed and rest up for my travels to VIKING Country next weekend! Imagine retrieving your revitalized Allison 2003 from RP in Avon, Minnesota, hauling it up to Gull Lake to break it in with the MN "Hot Boaters" organized by nephew Doc Sufka, and partying with the original Three Amigos at the same time!

Nite All!

Nick K ;)

[Sam Baker]

Thanks Nick. I appreciate your comments....I think. :D As for the rules, I don't get to make them up. I take comments from other people and integrate them. The rules last year had the ProGas motor weighing less than the Modified Production SVS motor and as you saw this past week, that's not a fair fight. So it was recommended that the weights be flip flopped so the SVS Drag Motor (Mod Prod rules) would weigh 25 pounds less than the ProGas motor. And with any rules, they're flexible. If that's not fair, they can be adjusted. However after seeing Rich's performance, I don't think that's going to happen.

As for the start, Rich was in the outside lane and at Blarney, the course angles in toward the island so the outside lane always appears to have a big advantage at the start and the inside lane looks to have an advantage at the finish. The start with Rich was one of the best starts I've had there. Both of us idled in nice and steady and I could only see the very tip of the bow of his boat in my peripheral vision, so I don't think he had a lead at the very start. However, the second the light turned green, that all changed.....maybe I should make up the rules....1500 lbs it is! :D

As for helping Rich with the weight, he needed 5 bags. I found the bags for him, and I carried 3 of those bags over to his boat while he carried 2. On the way back, I carried 2 bags and he didn't have to carry any! How's that for service!

The biggest reason you can say that the Blarney Rules are my rules is because I have never received an offer for ANY assistance with this stuff. I would GLADLY have somebody help me or take over pieces of it. However, if we don't weigh the boats, you're going to see Bob Albee (and/or Nick Winski now that we've weighed his boat....can you say Flyweight?) win. So, it'll be like the old days where one or two guys have a chance. Now, as a dealer and friend of Nick and Bob, why would I want to give other people a chance? It's a lot more fun watching everybody race closely than it is to see the same boat win everyweek because they're light. That's why the only person to beat Bill Gohr in a two year time frame was Randy Mills - because his Rapid Craft was the only boat lighter than Bill's with the same motor.

Anybody want to take time to weigh and tech boats, put up with backstabbing remarks, people complaining for no pay? I'd love to have some help.

[Scott]

Great reading!

TX!:)

[halveb]

Still shining the HST and got my charging problem all figured out. While Thumper was installing an air conditioner in Madison this past weekend I was out boating. What a friend huh??? :D

Have you lined up a hotel or anything for Otterfest? I am going and haven't done any of the final planning. Do you know where a decent hotel is close to where we put in? I don't even know where we are putting in. Mike's letter described where to find them on the lake but nothing about land activities.

I am gonna call Thumper and Balzy as the week progresses and try and nail down the finer points and saw your post and that you're going so I thought I would touch base. Looking forward to seeing you again. By the way I am going up Friday morning or Thursday night so I look to be boating on Friday also weather permitting.

[RichS]

Obviously I'm not complaining about the Blarney Is. Progas rules as they stand. Also, after looking at the ODBA rules for this year if you take the Lakeracer rules for the different engine setups, the blarney rules between Mod prodution horn mtr. and progas come out to the same % difference to a .01%. Close enough - Good job with the rules Sam!

[Sam Baker]

Wow. I didn't even think to get technical with them. It just seemed to be about "right" when you run the boats. Trial and error. Thanks Rich. Great to have you in the fold this year. Now I just need to pick up some HP somewhere.

[NPK2003]

Posts of mine. I was just re-hashing some of the comments and laughs I heard on the docks. I had an absolute blast that night. It was just great to see so many of the Midwest guys I got to meet over the last few years all racing together, laughing together, helping each other and helping newbies like KK run tough. And "WOW" to Bob Albee, especially after St. Louis too! Let's hear it for the Cheeseheads!

I am going to attend many more Blarney Island events this year and you may even see me with a boat to race by next year. If I do try it next year, you and Bill Gohr will be two of the very first guru's I ask for help. I only have one-half of a winning combo at present with Jeff C's Drag Motor waiting patiently for a hull to ride on.

I'd like to say to the rest of you S&F fans; " If your able to go race or watch at Blarney, do it." Sam, you work your butt off to make the races fair and competitive. As you hint, it surely isn't easy and surely is Thankless at times.

Thanks for a great show last Thursday and for doing a great job in promoting our love of performance OB racing and boating in general. You (and Jeff) run a great dealership and by organizing the first of many Firewater Events, deserve all of our respect and thanks for helping bring so many of us together over the years.

I gotta stop already or if I do get a drag hull for next year, I'll have to name her "Kiss- A$$"!

Nick K

[Blown509Liberator]

Sam,
Very Nice Report. Even though I have never met you I am very aware of you Company as I grew up just across the Channel from Baker Marine. I am a big fan of the Blarney drags and can be found track side most Thurs nights. Last year I noticed that the boat traffic around the drag strip was getting very very heavy and made it for terrible track conditions. Most of the crashes I have observed where do to these poor conditions. As an observer It seemed to me that participation fell off last year. Maybe I am wrong there on the last part .But you have to admit the water conditions around the island is terrible. Has there been any thought to how to control this or fix this problem? I would love to see these races continue and even grow.

I would also like to extend an invitation to you and others on this board to attend the Mid West Real Jet Boat rally in July. This rally is in its 4 year and continues to grow. It is an informal gathering of BOAT INTERESTS. More info can be found at www.NothinButJets.com . Thanks for your time, Good luck with the races, and hope to see you all there.



Thanks
Michael Whitehead

[Sam Baker]

The boat count for the outboards is up but it's been slowly dwindling for the inboards over the last few years. The conditions aren't perfect - that's for sure - but I don't know that they're any worse than they have been in the past. I've been racing there since 1987 and they've always been bad. On the flip side, we thrive on those conditions and wear it like a badge of honor when we hear people at other races complain about wind, chop and waves. We have a good laugh about that. We were in Palatka last year and it was real windy and white cappy. There were some loud complaining going on. Jeff Cleinmark, Bob Albee, Nick Winski and myself couldn't help but laugh. At least all the waves were the same height!

Sam