New Entry Level Outboard Class at Blarney Island - Pro Sport Outboard

[Sam Baker]

I realize this may belong in the Racer's Hangout section, but I would hope Greg and team would allow this to stay in this section for a week or so in order to reach the most people.

We're going to start a new class at Blarney Island called "Pro Sport Outboard" that is more of an entry level "run what you brung" class. As you may know, the Lake Racer Outboard (the current entry level class) has weight requirements, engine rules, etc. and allows Mercury High Perf 260/280 engines as well as race prepped Evinrude E-Tecs. This new class would be designed for boats slotted below those - any motor EXCEPT for 260s, 280s, and 300XS OptiMaxes. 250HO E-Tecs would be allowed but only if they run their rev limiters (and those will be checked via Evinrude Diagnostics randomly). The rules will be simple...

Any engine allowed with the exception of Mercury Racing 2.5EFI 260/280, 300XS OptiMax.
V6 powered hulls must be bass boat or sport boat based (no Allison XR-2001 Drag Hulls, Mirage QuarterMasters/WildCat/PoleCat, STV Drag, etc).
V4 engines may run ANY type of hull.
250HO E-Tec motors must run rev-limiters (and will be checked at random using Evinrude Diagnostics software)
No Nitrous
The race committee reserves the right to require prop changes or weight additions to help even the class.
Safety equipment includes: Foot Throttle, trim in the wheel (or on the floor - must be able to keep both hands on the wheel at all times), kill switch (that also kills the fuel pump if you're running an external fuel pump), any life jacket with leg straps, Snell approved helmet, long sleeves and long pants.

Planned first race will be 8/18.

Entry fee is $20. First prize will be $80, second price will be $40.

Registration runs from 5:45-6:10, driver's meeting is at 6:20 and racing starts at 6:30.

Please call me to let me know if you're interested or if you have any questions. I've had a lot of requests for this kind of class and have lobbied the owners to let me try putting it together. 847-533-9773

Thanks.

Sam Baker

[Speed Jr.]

This is so awesome! A great way to get into racing! Anyone on the fence of running at the island, DO IT! Its an experience to say the least. If you dont know where you fall setup wise, give Sam a call. We will fit you in! I gotta find a boat for this class, cause I know its going to be a BLAST!

Jr.

[powerabout]

how do you disconnect the rev limiter on an etec?

[Speed Jr.]

You cant, its programmed. Please keep to the thread.....

[Mr. Demeanor]

If I still lived up there that would be a lot of fun for me and my V4.

[patchesII]

Is the class you're running Sam

[97 TWISTER]

Sounds like a fun class wish I lived closer.

[Sam Baker]

Erik, are you asking me if I'm racing in the class? I don't plan on it. The last two years, I've had a lot of requests for a class like this. Something where a guy or gal with a 200/225 or V4 on a light boat can come out and race. They're intimidated by the race motors in Lake Racer so they don't run. This is essentially the class we had when I started racing 25 years ago. It was 225 Johnsons against 2.4 Mercurys - no engine rules, no weight rules, just had to be a side steer boat. Your basic grudge match class.

[FOXLAKE-H.O.]

Larry will my 54 mph Run qualify, maybe I can take the tampons out and run the Ratty Rod

[dnr78]

Now I'll hafta find a rev limiterVery interested maybe my 2.4 will be good for something

[racerx]

So Sam what your saying is run what you brung and in another sentance you will be adding weight? And why isnt the 300 opti allowed to run with the e tecs? sounds like a fun class but it also sounds like if ya win your gonna get the weight thrown at ya which will kill the class...

[FOXLAKE-H.O.]

Hey DNR, did we meet last week here at Fox Lake Harbor? Billy said yesterday, "$5000 and your boat will be good to go", so the Pitty didnt help, I gotta get this Retarded Paint off to see how the Blue Flake and Silver flake look, why not it cant look any worse than my Acid Themed Paint Job......

[Sam Baker]

Actually what can kill a class (and is inhibiting some people from running based on the calls I've had) is somebody bringing a boat out like an XR2002 with a mod ProMax and kicking the crap out of everybody. What worked so well in the ALBA Formula class that I helped put together is trying to make it easy to run, but somewhat fair.

[E-tec1]

but, but, but...................thats a Family Ski boat..............

[racerx]

Kinda like the lake racer class,i get a kick out of this, run whay ya brung and then when you win, you will be penalized? Kinda like a guy who sets somthing up to win and then ya cost him money and time,I can see where this is going,what about not being able to run a 300 emission merc motor?