Bracket Racing vs. Pro120 Racing

[kathy]

This is two totally different kinds of racing ...... Isn't it? ODBA is top racing...... correct? Bracket racing has never been brought to my attention on here. I know a little about it and the little I know did not interest me at all. You all had to start out somewhere was it Bracket Racing? Or did you start at the top? I had no idea ODBA was the top............ and you know I am getting that thought out of my head..... I picked the class I wanted awhile ago and I am sticking with it. Guess we will see what happens. Top or not........... doesn't bother me. You have to start somewhere. Guess it's tops for me!!!!!!!!!

[Greg Moss]

Kathy it is also called rope racing. It is more like the sportsman classes in the NHRA. You race anyhull and motor as long as it is in your bracket. there are second brackets 13 sec,12sec,11sec,10sec, Like that if you run 11.5 you would run in the 11 second class and would be handicaped at the light if you were racing some one that qualified at 11.7 by 2 tenths of a second. Meaning they get a green light 2 tenths of a second before you so you are racing to cross the finnish line together. It is fun to do. I did it before racing (I can't believe i am saying this)Jet boats. That was a long time ago and they didn't have very many V-6 Merc then.

[Unloaded Racing]

Don't know where you are racing but none of the places we race have "Handicaps". Wish they did. You are paired by the way you qualify. Have seen boats running .6 paired with boats running .0. Just got to beat them on the light. Rope racing is a great place to start and hone your skills. Cheap and very competative.
Tim

[kathy]

I don't like handicaps...... I like when the flags go down..... get more of a thrill on take off. You against them at the drop of a flag.... I hate lights. I have a tendency to start off before I am suppose to.... My mother used to scream at me for that when I drove with her..... Still do it and will never stop.... not unless not even if I got a ticket...... you can fight them. I have a big one at that...... right when I was sixteen..... haven't had one since..... don't have any marks on my record. Pretty good all things considered.

[6Killer]

Funny thing about "Rope Racing", if you read Drag Boat Review, region for region you will notice that the same people are winning in each class. It's the same as in ODBA, he or she who works hardest, comes out on top. As for bracket racing, "One and your done" may be fun for some but not me.

Six

[H2Onut]

What ya mean one and your done, Its single elimination ???


If so that would bite the weenie, tow your rig 8 hours for 1 pass, I could see if ya T-Rex cuz dats all ya get, But most ov dem boats run more dan one pass

[6Killer]

Single elimination, on top of that, if ya ain't driving a bazillion cylinder "turd churner" you get treated like a "Red Headed Step Child." Been there Done that.

I won one of the lake racer classes in Marble Falls one year and my payout was $50 bucks and a battery. This was a 12 boat field,
not two or three.

I have heard that IHBA has a second chance class but don't know the details.

Thanks but no thanks.

six

[Raceman]

Water nuts, you shore is bein' hard on T Rex. Now you know that last year he got pretty good at pulling pistons after the big KABOOM in the first round so he could go round 2. One thing about Da Rex................he might blow up but he don't give up.

[Steve Zuckerman]

Guys and Kathy:
One is not BETTER, than the other.......They are just different. I
race both, and enjoy both formats.
Here are a few observations.
ODBA
Obviously outboard only competition, and the rules are structured
to allow boats of different levels of modification and brand motors
to compete on a "level" playing field.
Hot idle in start.
No break out since boats are "in class".
Manually controlled tree/starting system.
Round robin, double elimination format.
No ETs or MPH provided by sanctioning body (crew may use manual stopwatch/GPS/radar).
Generally requires a boats be built to class specs to be competitive.
Post race engine teardown for winners in all classes except unlimited.
IHBA and other associations/bracket racing
Outboard and inboard competition.
Boats are classed by performance (ie ETs) during qualifications, rather than specifications. It would be very hard to configure a
rules model where outboards, jets, v-drives and endless hull
variations would be able to compete heads up "in class".
Bracket classes are in one second breaks from 8.00-P/E to 13.00-RR.
Most sanctioning bodies also have "professional classes" such as
OU, TFH, TAH, TAF, etc. that are technological rules based and
compete on a heads up basis with no breakout.
Off plane, neutral start, holding rope format.
Computer based starting "tree" and timing system. No human
error, subjective or otherwise involved.
Reaction time, ETs, and speeds are given to competitors (on time
slips) and spectators. MOST racers and spectators appreciate this
OBJECTIVE data as it cuts through the hype, and allows racers to
tune their equipment to the weather and the competition.
Single elimination, no breakout from class allowed.
Emphasis on good RTs and consistent, low, in class ETs.
Classes available for everything from hot bass/ski/lake boats to
all out race boats, outboard or inboard.
No post race teardown required.
GENERAL
Neither format is easy. ODBA will generally require a race only
boat (Lake Racer exception), built to class specs to be competitive. It will be very hard to bring in a hot lake boat and
race competitively.
IHBA/bracket racing requires driving expertise and a fast boat,
but you generally can race your hot lake boat competitively.
Some people like to race the inboards (I DO!). Some do not.
I think racing both formats makes you a better all round racer, and opens up a lot of races to you that you may not otherwise
be able to compete in.
To be competitive on both circuits, it's generally best build a boat
to ODBA class specs and then go bracket racing, NOT the other
way around.
I hope this sheds some light on sanctioned drag racing.
Regards,
Steve;)

[kathy]

There is a little more competition in the ODBA though. I guess it is all in personal preference. This is just my opinion. That is all.

[vic peters]

There is just something abought Drag Racing that says you can never go to fast. To me it's all abought we put our wagons on the top of the hill& stack our marbles & see who gets to the bottom first. The winner gets all the marbles. Just my 1/2 cents worth. Vic. Look Forward to the next Three events:) :D :D :D :D

[kathy]

But it's even more exciting from a dead start......... straight shot to the finish line. Win or loose it's a great feeling. Or should I say "Thrill". fast motorcycles..... fast cars.... all thrill rides.... all are different depends on what kind of thrill you want I guess ....... something tells a fast boat is a definite thrill ride. Racing one definitely will be.

[Racemore]

Between the ODBA and IHBA,about 100mph.:cool:

[Kathleen Michelle]

this was the question. I understand it now. Bracket Racing that's what I was wondering.

Thanks

[Steve Zuckerman]

Kathy:
You better do some research before you become the Shirley
Muldowney of boat racing. Some of your statements tell me that
you're not quite "up to speed" regarding the rules and formats.
I suggest you do some basic research.
1. Go to as many races as you can of all types. ODBA, IHBA, KDBA,
MSDBA, whatever. By the way, don't suggest to anyone who
bracket races against 1000HP inboards that "there is more competition in ODBA". It only shows how little you understand
the sport. Yes, there is a high level of competition in ODBA. But
that also exists in the other DOZEN or so sanctioning bodies too.
2. Get yourself a subscription to Drag Boat Review. DBR is the
"Bible" of our sport. Read it from cover to cover. There are technical articles, articles about racers and their teams, and write ups on most major races in North America. You'll become much more knowledgeable about the sport, including the time and financial commitment necessary to participate, and hopefully be competitive. For more information on DBR, you can visit their
website, www.dragboatreviewonline.com.
I wish you luck, and will be happy to explain anything I can to help you out. If you are still interested in racing a QuarterMaster (not a bad choice, as it's a great boat) you are welcome to check mine out @ Jasper.
Regards,
Steve;)

[T-REX]

I have run 1000hp squirt botes on the river(heads up) more than once...have lost sum, have won sum...at the BYUBOYZ ralley last year a 980HP lightweight tunnel squirt bote showed up Sunday(a friend of mine)...He came to me and said he wanted the baddest eggbeater there, to add to hiz list of ass whoopinz he had dished out...2 300 dragz on allisonz answered the call, both starting thier own list of squirtbotes they whooped...Vee-drives are a differnt animal, but are beatable wit an OB...anuther friend if mine had a hydro wit a 900HP bigblock chevy, lenco 2speed...One bad assed lil boat...heads up on the river, I seen quite a few OB's(river racers, not sole raceboats) give him all he wanted...at the races, he would run sum 9;90's...Each type of boat haz it'z advantages and it's disadvantages, az does each type of racing...You have to make the choice of which race, boat and type of power that U prefere...Steve runz both types, listen to him, take hiz suggestions along wit all the others...God gave U a brain, use it!! Don't think U will be the 2003 wonder woman and it will be all roses...NOT...don't happen dat way...I'm not trying to deture U from ya dream, jus trying to prepare U for a failure if U think it will be easy and fall in ya lap...WORK,WORK, and mo WORK...the 3 main ingreadences...driving ability!!! U work at being the best...Making tha most HP!!! U work to find that extra edge...setting up ya bote!!! Mo work(it never stopz)...Any racer here or anywhere on this planet that tellz U it's a matter of jus finding a bote and going for it, and making U think U will be competitive the first time out, iz az full of **** az a Christmas turkey...U Kan do it!!! But U have to be determined, and have sumone behind U to kick U in the ass when U'v had all U kan stand, sumone to push when U feel like jus saying "tha Hell wit it"...It will happen, and more than once...Hope I didn't bust ya bubble, jus made it a lil bigger...git seat time (in anything) the littler and tha faster tha better...after multiple hours behind the wheel and U still have the urge and the gonadz...U are ready to make the step...and it don't make a ratz ass which way U go...Bracketz or headz up...Pro 120 iz history, but a sportsman class will emerge that will open new doors for sum combos that have had no place to run...make no desisions till after the 2003 rules commitee meeting...brackets don't change...U run 10's, U run 10sec bracket...U run high 10's yo chances are very low...so jus be prepared to run at the top of the bracket, no matter which bracket it iz...ODBA, be prepared to run wit the baddest of tha bad, no freebee'z...U have time...Keep researching and learning, and don't git frustrated and give up...See ya in Jasper, REX

[H2Onut]

FREAKING A REX


Whats going on, you are letting your intellegent side show, very well written, straight to the point. Good read.



SO if you had a son daughter, where would YOU start them racing?????


In the lil 8 ft hydros to learn drivnign balance setup and such, Or drags in lake race or roundy's ...

Just interested in opinions.

[T-REX]

I have taught guyz to handle thier boats(ones that never had a boat and jump out nad buy a bullet wit a 225 promax...not smart)...I jus make them run around 40 or so and over trim tha **** out of tha boat till it'z very squirrly, then make them drive till they find they kan't(sum jus don't have the feel) or till they master the running on the gearcase at low speed...40 usually won't hurt ya if the driver looses hiz nadz...Then, evaluate from there, if he haz it, go faster, if he ain't ...sell tha boat and tell him to git a bay boat...Jus my way...REX

[Jay2002]

T Rex! Seat time is where it's at, with out a doubt! And lots of it! . The first ODBA race I ever went to was in Jasper last year, it's a beautiful place and well worth the drive. It was also my wifes first race, she's been hooked ever since. I've been fortunate enough to be able to compete in the lake racer class this year. Competition is tough, but you'll never get better if there's no one to chase! Good Luck and see ya at the races, Jay.

[Steve Zuckerman]

Kathy:
The Rex may be hard to understand sometimes (hell, I'm from the
South and he loses me every now and then), but he makes a lot
of sense.
What he's saying is ain't easy Honey Chile (how was that Rex?),
but it can be done if you're willing to learn and make the necessary sacrifices....
Regards,
Steve
;)

[Kathleen Michelle]

I'll start with having determination. I have a **** load of determination... most of the time so much that I have to sit back and take a look at exactly what I am about to get into. I take everyone's advice and half the time have to hear it more than once.... I feel as if they are trying to tell me I can't do what I am about to try and do. Which makes me even more determined.... (hope that makes sense). I have never set out to try and do something and not suceeded in what I have wanted to do...... except one thing and Talon knows what that is. Obviously, that was not something I actually wanted to do at that time.... so it didn't work. Lost my focus and the results were a flop. I beat myself up on that and realized finally that it was not for me at that time. Perhaps not at all. I went about it half assed and blew it. Regarding racing. It is something I have been thinking about since Jasper last year. Watching them prepare for the race.... watching them control their boats and fly across the water..... Just really put an urge in me. I wanted to do this so bad.... I wanted to just hop in someone's boat and do it myself. I know that sounds crazy but that is how bad I was wanting to learn more about this. When we got home I thought no not possible no one would believe I would want to actually attempt something like racing a boat. So, I put it out of my head. I came on the boards for awhile and just read and tried to learn as much as possible... posting at times and not getting good feed back. So, I backed off. Then we decided we were going to the Rumble and low and behold...... we have racing. Some of the guys from the board heard me watching the races and even said to me there have you ever thought about getting a boat. That was all she wrote. My thoughts of racing were in my head again! Came back to the boards and starting asking questions.... I don't know if I came right out and said I wanted to race....actually I know I didn't you guys would have laughed your asses off it I had done that. I do believe I went about it the correct way. The responses I have gotten and the emails have been very supportive. I have asked many questions. I have done a ****load of reading I have taken tons of notes I have absorbed all I can at this point. I am now heading to Jasper to watch, and learn as much as I can in a few short days. No I do not have a boat .... no seat time either.... and I know that is what I need if I could have gotten it a month ago I would have. I have started this in a way I am most comfortable with. Perhaps to some it seems ass backwards hey we all do things differently. I have all my ducks lined up. I will be getting into a boat here real soon.... I want to feel the speed.... if I can't handle the speed I am heading for then I will not be racing... if I can handle this speed..... then the rest of the learning of the boat will come easy for me because I will have even more determination inside of me. I know I am not going to be Suzy Pro Racer over night I never claimed to be. I would be a reckless driver if I actually thought that. I have read about the costs of all of this I realize that many things go wrong I know you may or may not win a race I am prepared for not winning I don't want to win I want to give it my all and if that means I win then so be it. This is a dangerous sport and I know I am not telling you all anything new hell driving anything can be dangerous but if you work hard enough at something you want so bad there are nothing but good results in the end. I guess we shall see if I can do this. If I can't then I can sure say I have learned a lot about boat racing.

I thank all of you for giving me information... for answering questions .... for everything. I don't now how any other boating forums are but the welcome I have gotten since joining this place has been nothing but great. You are a great group of people.

I will definitely be getting to more races next year... I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing the races in Jasper!:)

Take care. I think I talk a little bit more then Pat Simmons!;)

[Unloaded Racing]

Not even close to Pat......... maybe close. Just remember there are the people that talk about being a boat racer and then there are the people who race.
Kathy
Keep the focus you have now and everything else will fall into place.

Tim

[BK]

Kathy ~

Here's how I got into racing --

First, my brother raced, so I was his 'pit crew' for a number of years. When you hang out with racers and watch them drive, you really learn a lot.

Next, I volunteered to help out at the races -- I worked various capacities: a ramp boss, scorekeeper, turn judge, PA cable layer -- just all-around helper. Even scored at a few 9-hour Parker Enduros! You have to have a big bladder for that! LOL

This gave me an inside look at what the officials have to deal with when putting on a race. I'm sure DSRA could use a few extra hands! All you have to do is ask.

One day, a racer who I frequently helped (ie: launching, testing, cleaning the boat, etc) offered to let me join him during a test session. The first dozen passes in his Sleekcraft MOD-VP, I drove and he sat behind me on the tank. He would tap my shoulder with signals regarding trim angle etc. We got it up to 90mph and I was lovin' it!

A few weeks later, someone had a HEAVY 60mph mini-boat Kober Kat and this same ModVP friend called and asked if I would drive it. (I weighed only 100 lbs back then). I spent every evening after work driving 50 miles to the Colorado River to run the boat. As much seat time as I could get -- every spare moment.

The day of my first race, I was sick as a dog -- a giant bundle of nerves. Scared #$*less. I can't remember how much Pepto I drank, but it was A LOT!

But after two days of racing against 18 boats, I ended up with 3rd place! There was some mean competition there too --- including the Miller Brothers from All Season's Marine in Boulder City, and Bob Carlson (Art's son) in his own design 12 footer "Bobcat".

Go to Jasper and look around - I'm sure things will fall in to place. Good Luck!

BK

[Kathleen Michelle]

I have been disciplined all my life. I know what being discplined is all about.... Going to start with my age there were a couple who wanted to know this the other day..... I have nothing to hide so my age "38" feel like 16 been told I look like I am 25 and for the first time in my life I am proud of it. Nothing wrong with telling your age.

Unloaded I have been disciplined all my life... I know what it is to be disciplined.... I am not afraid to do this I am not afraid of any thing at all in fact.... If you'd would have asked me that a month ago at the Pit I would have had to tell you I was scared to death.... Nothing wrong with being afraid it's something we all experience in our life some are more afraid then others. It's time I for me to take charge of myself and not let others around me do it for me.... I think the word for that is intimidate. I believe that is up to me to decide for myself....... I am learning and will continue to learn the sport of boat racing.... This is something I truely want to do..... you must understand that I am not going at this to prove any points....... I am going at this because this is what I WANT and there is nothing wrong with wanting. I "DEVOTED" 13 years of my life in raising my children.... I would do it all over again if I had to.... I loved every minute of it. Thank god I have a good man in my life. I have given to everyone in my life and will continue to do so.... I love giving. I do everything for everyone.... time I did something for myself..... and I am going to.... I can handle more than one thing at a time.

Those of you that read this..... don't think I am looking for pity or anything else. I can give myself pity if that is what I wanted..... I don't want pity....... I don't like pity it gets you nothing but depressed. I am a positive thinker..... Always have been and there isn't a thing wrong with that. My attitude may seem bad to some..... I don't mean in anyway to come across like that. Those that do know me do know this. Those that don't I hope I get to know.


Again, I am so looking forward to Jasper. Can't wait to see you guys race..... I got a feeling deep inside I will be towing my 1/4 Master down there in a few years.... Can't wait for that day.;)

Focused and in control...... something I do need to race.

[6Killer]

You talk to much!

You know what you need to know.

Get to work.

Six ;)

[T-REX]

git off this dam puter and go work on ya dam lil bote...I don't want no excusses fer tha big asswhoop'in I'z gunn put on U next year!!! I no U wuz jus skeered ov dat yeller bote this year, iz why U run and hid...but U better git skeered of ORANGE!!...matter fact, brang dat lil monster to day BYUBOYZ rally, and we'll put it up for tha winter wit a lil taste of whats in store fer it next year...U talk too Much!! All talk no action...U start'in ta sound like Raceman, and sum ov these other yankee ledgendz...See ya in Sunday skool...CHUMP!!!...Yo Hero, REX:cool:

[6Killer]

If you could drive that boat as well as you flap them jaws, you'd be hell to beat.

Don't worry about me, I'll be there next year to kick your ass and any other V6 crybaby that wants to play.

They whined about the nitro last year, next year they will whine about the V4 and probably say...." it ain't fair, we can't compete against the Four. Boo Hooooooooooo".

Bunch a Babies!
Mercs is for people who gotta buy their Hp.

Six:eek:

[T-REX]

U SKEERED!!!!!!I kan see tha tremble in ya voice when ya say my name...Now, other than that asswhoop'in U iz thret'nin, U might be hitt'in on sumpth'in...I thank tha Nitro should be left alone...Ya'll lil 4bangerz need all tha help U kin git...Az fer THEY, THEY iz gunna kry no matter what ya do...THEY ain't racerz, THEY iz Krybabbiez...and I ain't THEY, I'm ME...and ME iz got U pegged for tha firs asswhoopin of 2003!!!...Now U right bout dem Merkz, Datz why I run My ole super highly modified Hemi Chrysler!!!...I took yo advice..."GO WHITE, IT FEELZ RITE"...Don't thank dem merkz iz took over yet...Dem Blackz keepz multiply'in, but only takes one GOOD white one to keep'em under control!!!.....OH YEA, az fer My driv'en..I'm gitt'in there...maybe by Jasper I kan give it more than 1/2 throttle...Kan't wait!!! Later, CHUMP!!...YO HERO;)

[Kathleen Michelle]

a TREX dictionary!!!;)

[6Killer]

1/2 throttle.........bbbbbbwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaa
hhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaa.

You go Girl, you go!

Six :p

[DaveR]

Kathleen, I don't race, and this may be obvious to you, but one thing I haven't seen mentioned about bracket racing is you have two options with a boat that runs say 10:35.

1) work to make it faster and run 10:03 or
2) learn control and tune etc to slow it to 11:03

You need to be at the bottom of whatever bracket you run in and be consistant at everything. It can have it's own challenges

[JIMK]

hey kathy, good to see you still determined! i don't think these guys are trying to deter you from what you want to do,just don't get your hopes up to high. a little story: as i said before i raced stock cars and it was a blast,well my wife said she wanted to do it, and most fans in the stands say they can do it too,looks can be deceiving. well i got her a car ready,no slouch either, a 4cyl. pinto but it had the hp. we go to the race track and it is her turn to race. 24 cars she starts about 14th. well they all took off and she went straight to the bottom of the track and stayed there for 15 laps at about 30 mph, now these other cars are doing close to 80 mph. so race ends i lost count on how many times she got lapped but still finished 11th after all the wrecks. it was heartbreaking and a rude awakening for her. so i think these guys want you to not be disappointed in yourself EVER! you can only do your best. i love going fast but i would not set foot in one of these things in a race,i have to have rollbars around me,then i am SUPERMAN! just kidding let us know when you get going, i put her behind the wheel of our boat over the 4th and when i told her to move the throttle forward she freaked out.. so no boat racing in her future. love to come watch you race sometime.Jim King

[BK]

kathy,

If I was as young as you I might join ya! We sure used to have a ball.

Here's a picture of me and one of my racin' Sista's.....years ago

[Kathleen Michelle]

JimK... no these guys aren't detering me at all. They are great... No one can deter me.:) Just straight up. I don't mind falling I get back up and just do it again until it's right only way to learn..... 6killer I had to reply! lol;) Don't rush me! I'm getting there.

JimK you better come see me.;)


BK........... I would love to pull up that pic..... but admin. is still working out the problems.... ( at least they do take a break occasionally and jam! :) ). As soon as I can pull it up I will or email me. Thanks!

[DaveR]

No problem Kathleen. I live vicariously through most of the racers on this board, might as well add you..LOL

I only mentioned it because you don't have to keep throwing big money at your rig to keep up with the other guys, just stay on the bottom of your bracket.

Good luck----

[6Killer]

Chop Chop, woman!

Six

[Kathleen Michelle]

You're to slow!!!!!!!!!!;) lmao......... But I can't keep up with you ........ one minute you're here the next you're gone. Okay I got it now. :) Speed Racer!

[Rocket]

Come down to Bryan/collage station tExas this weekend and watch the last race of SDBA on lake bryan! 80-100 mph boats over 100 entries. Band Saterday night after races! You ain't seen noth'n until yoy ahve seen a boat go from a dead stop to 200 MPH!:D

[C.J.Davis]

Kathy-
Your in Maryland why don't you come watch the ODBA in
Plymouth NC Sept. 21/22.

[H2Onut]

Check List

Boat ?
Motor ?
Trailer
Tow Vehicle ?

[Kathleen Michelle]

Can't get to those this time. If either of you are heading to Jasper I'd love to meet you and see you race. Thanks for letting me know about those races. I actually new about Plymouth not the other.


H20nut.... I'd rather have a 1/4 master. :)

[Kathleen Michelle]

I am sure I came across as a spoiled little brat when I just replied to you. Let me clear some things up for you since you really don't know me. I did though meet you and your wife at the Rumble but didn't really get a chance to hang with the two of you. You both seemed very nice.


I have never in my life asked for a thing from anyone. If I want something I get it myself. I don't expect anyone to give me anything. If I can't get something myself then I will do without until I can get it. No I didn't hit the lotto did any of the racers hit the lotto when they started ? You know nothing about me .... nothing about my family. I try to support people I know I would never throw things at them to make them feel there is no shot in hell for whatever it is they are striving for. I have to believe in that person and support that person.... whether I think they can do it or not. If they fall I am always there to make them get right back up again.


You are entitled to your opinion. I have lisetened to everything everyone has had to say to me. I have not jumped on anyone I have continued to say the same thing. I want to race. There is nothing wrong with wanting.... I can handle the fall.... I have fallen a few times in my life not afraid to admit that I do get right back up again on my own.... All I need is support nothing else.... I will worry about the rest. I have no problems asking for something.

[6Killer]

It's call mid life crisis.

If you don't do it, you will live the rest of your life wishing you did.

No Pressure.

Six.

PS It's Better than sex!

[Techno]

To read T-Rex glyphs you need to move your lips. Sometimes actually sounding it out.

Kathy you can't do it!
There. Some reverse phsycology.

I have a few questions on this drag racing stuff. Where are these races held mostly? Anything around my parts? How many bodies are there and how many different kinds of racing?
What about non-sanctioned stuff? Any of that around?

My boat seems to be either too modified are not modified enough for ODBA. I'm stuck there. Boat should weigh about 1100-1200 lbs. Even with my ballast in it that still leaves like 300 lbs of wasted weight. The engine is a modified 260 so that moves me up as does the weight. And now in this field I wouldn't stand a chance.


BTW when someone compares sex and drag racing It makes me wonder if theyr'e comparing the ETs?

[dan agnew]

kathy, i tell the people around here that if you want to get a lesson in humble just go racing. EVERYONE gets outrun, the best come back next week it takes dedication to keep coming back week after week. all it is is a life style change. if you are not a jillionare you will do it on your own. it can be fun but you need to understand little johnny and your old man may not share the passion that you have. i raced roundy-round boatslate 60s to late 80s and had only a few buds that shared the dedication, race on sunday, drive home 1 to 15 hrs go to work monday morning come home monday nite and go to the shop and start prep for next weekend. if you are lucky nothing broke, maybe you placed and feel pumped cuz you know you can get that xtra some-some to win next time. tues same sh-- different day, wed same sh-- different day, thursday get rig, parts, props, etc ready to roll out friday after work drive 1-15 hrs to race site, sat morning tech boat maybe few passes if top classes allow it sunday go again. get the gist? as i said it is a life style. as i told my business partner i work to race not race cuz i work.
not being neg here but i did go thru a lot and missed a lot cuz i was hooked remember there is NO 12 step program for boat racers. just gotta work thru it
smile it will get better and you will win someday just remember someone out there will spend a little more money/time/effort to put you out. come back next week they will get pissed off at your hanging in there.

Danny

[Psyco]

Kathy,don't pay any attention to nuts checklist. Obviously he is racin' an OMC with all them spare parts he listed. You can get into 120 racin for probably 10k starting from scratch and that's if ya buy a ski bote instaed of a racer. The one thing ya hafta remember is that it involves work, work, and, more work. Ya gotta ask A LOT of questions. One of the reasons that I got away from asphalt racin' and into the liquid quarter is because of the people. They are somof the nicest,coolest,most laid back,beer drinkinest,bull****est,humble,helpful,down to earf folks you'll ever associate with. Just stay away from Galen, he's a durty ol fart :p Just get him to explain the starting line procedure and ettiquite on the race course and leave him be.
I raced 120 this year and it's amazing how few tools you actually need. Ya not gonna work on yer bote at the race. If ya werking on yer bote at the race site, you probably gonna lose. Get someone to build ya a good dependable motor, put it on a good hull and go racin'. The way they are rewriting the 120 rules for next year should make it really exciting and competitive. Heads up racin is totally cool. The rush it instills is simply amazing. Bracket racin' can be downright boring.

[Kathleen Michelle]

I can't stop laughing!!!!!!!!!!! Midlife crisis!!!!!!!!!!! NOT!!!!!!!! I should have never told my age I knew that would come back to haunt me good thing it was you that said it!!!!;) I hope the hell you come to Jasper....... boat or not I'd love to meet you!!!!!!!! Better then sex...... sounds challenging!:) (j/k).



Techno........ YES I CAN DO IT!



Dan..... Thanks for your reply and your honesty. I will learn all of this. We shall see what happens. I want to race. Win or loose that's all part of racing. I'm not one to sit still for very long. If I have a passion for something it all works. I will be the only one to decide whether or not this is for me. Plan on giving it my all........ all the way around. In the end if it doesn't work...... I will at least be able to say I put all I had into it.

Besides 6Killer says it's better then sex!!!!! and well.... (just kidding).:)

[Rocket]

kathleen, I just got back from Bryan TX SDBA race, there were two girls racing there, and one that raced in Pine Bluff that did't show in TX. I support you! I will be in Jasper, and would love to meet ya. If ya want to race, Just do it! you may not start out in the class that fits your needs, but you will meet a lot of helpfull guys that will go out of thier way to help you. Everybody in Boat racing helps everybody. ****, I have had my compition give me parts off thier boat just so I could run. (And then I beat them) LOL
;)

[Kathleen Michelle]

Looking forward to meeting all of you down in Jasper.:)

[Kathleen Michelle]

You changed your checklist!!!!:) It was a mile long!:)


Pysco... I always ask questions.... and will continue to until I get answers.....:) I'll get my hull by now you all know what I want and I'll get the motor...... and I'll have a tricked out looking boat.... my husband is ARTISTIC.


As for Galen..... he won't be a problem!!!! lol:)

[T-REX]

My Brother now haz my last yearz 120 bote for sale...Hull and Trailer for $2500...U have to kum git it tho...or if ya reely meen bussiness, I kan have sumbody drag it to Jasper...Hell, I kan pull double, that traler iz set up for a trailer hitch to tow double...Here'z a pic...any questionz, jus ask away.......PS: I reely don't no about tha better than sex thang...I'm jus glad sex last a lil longer than this dam 2liter haz been...I jus don't git sleepy after I blow up a motor;) , REX

[T-REX]

:cool:

[Kathleen Michelle]

Where you been? The pics. don't work here yet. I'm gonna email you later tonight.


The sex thang.....lol You gotta work that motor! ;) You'd sleep like a baby!;) (just kidding).




this bote (boat) is not a 1/4 master.... I would love to see the pics. though. Emailing you.

[vic peters]

Kathy the deal is still on for the ride in the Q/ship Don't give up Look forward to meeting you . your husband must be a hell of a guy to put up w/someone that wants to run a drag boat. Will help all we can w/info or anything else that we can. P.S. Everything is for sale, for a price. Name the right # & you could have A turnkey rig. TWO TIME WORLD CHAMPION UNLIMiTED OUTBOARD. Thats w/trailer& parts etc... Inc spare motors etc. You will need them... Best regards ... Vic HOC Motorsports:D :D :D :D

[Kathleen Michelle]

Can't wait!:) As for my husband.... yep. We'll talk when I get down there. Is it one ride or two? :) I am difficult.:)