Primer to boat racing

This blog post is written for the complete novice to kneel-down boat racing. If this not you, than you may find this a bit boring. I plan on writing more of these in the future, so keep an eye out.

Most people I meet are completely unaware of boat racing, at least, boat racing that I am familiar with. Most of the people who have heard of boat racing instantly think of the Madison Regatta on the Ohio River. The kind of racing that I am involved with is similar but different in some very fundamental ways.

I drive an outboard hydroplane, similar to the ones that one can find at races like the one in Madison, Indiana, but smaller. There are several classes, ranging from J (junior) to A through E. There are stock classes, modified classes, and there are hydroplane and runabout hulls. I personally race Formula A Hydroplane, which a modified hydroplane class that can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour. The J classes use the same motor, but are restricted to 40 MPH. Formula E classes can reach speeds of 90 MPH.

Unlike more commercialized types of motor racing, few people have sponsorships and pay for their racing expenses from their own pockets and no one is obligated to show up, save for the race officials. This helps to keep the competition friendly and reduces tension, since there is nothing at stake except for bragging rights.

The starts are the hardest part for a rookie to get. Since the boats are tuned for performing at high speeds and not idling, then a flying start is required to start a race. The boats leave the pits and mill the course, as a large clock on the starting line counts down from one minute. The boats all line up and make a run at the clock. Anyone who is too early will be disqualified for that heat. Anyone who is very late will have a big disadvantage in the following laps.

2010 IOA stuff

The 2009 Indiana Outboard Association season has come to close, with this weekend’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana. Good times were had by all.

The event started with a review and planning meeting being called to order at about 10:30 on the morning of November 7. The 2009 season was a very successful one for the IOA, especially when considering the state of the economy and people generally trying to tighten their belts. The Nationals at Zanesville were a success, despite a lower turnout than normal.

With more race sites available for next year than was anticipated, a temporary limit of 6 races for the 2010 season was voted on and approved. This was done so that the IOA does not overextend itself financially.

Next year’s Huntington, Indiana event is all but a certainty, as are two races in Hillsdale, Michigan. Other potential race sites for next year include Holly, Michigan, which is looking promising, as is a return to Zanesville, Ohio.

The IOA has the distinction of counting several National, North American, and High Points Champions as some of its members this year. Nine of the winners from the National Modified Championships are IOA members.

Most of the IOA drivers in attendance took home some hardware. Rick Miller, a driver who hails from Oklahoma, won in several categories. After spending much of the summer traveling from race to race with his family in a large RV, he said he spent about $5000 in fuel, just to get to all of this year’s races.

The 2009 season was enormously successful for the Indiana Outboard Association. Let’s try to make the 2010 season even better.