Flint, Michigan SAW trials????

[maddmatt]

Flint, Michigan SAW Trials. What does that mean?? If I go there is it a social? Can a record be recorded and keep or is it a just a trial run to see your speeds? Looking to go fast and put it on paper. Is a membership required. Extra info would be great or where do I go for it? Thanks, MM.

[longballlumber]

Flint, Michigan SAW Trials. What does that mean??

I am not sure I understand your question. This is a Time Trial event were you have 2 options. #1 - you can run your boat as fast as you can in a stright line and speed is recorded. Actually it's the average of 2 passes. One left to right then the other right to left. #2 you can run your boat in an oval configuation and you oval time is tracked.

If I go there is it a social?

I am not sure I understand this question either. Are you asking if it's a social even? yes there will be lots of 'bench racing' going on at the ponds edge.

Can a record be recorded and keep or is it a just a trial run to see your speeds?

Yes - records can be set and put into the IMPBA record books.

Is a membership required.

Yes - you will need to have a valid IMPBA membership.

Extra info would be great or where do I go for it? Thanks, MM.

https://www.impba.net

Sounds like this might be your first go at organized racing/time trials. You may want to go and check out the event, ask questions, and become more familar with the class requirements... and so on. Then you can go back in the fall. Terry and his club will be hosting another SAW event in the October at the same location.

Later,
Mike

[RaceMechaniX]

Matt,

The Flint area guys are a good bunch. They set-up a straigtline course and a 2-lap course (yes you have to avoid the ballons of the 2-lap course when running straightline passes, but there is plenty of room).

I believe you can have a one-day membership just to run, but you need to be a full member to earn a record.

I believe it is still a flat fee for the weekend and you can run as many times in the running order.

Tyler

[Fluid]

I would encourage the OP to go to the event, and if he has a boat to run, bring it. Check first with the event director to insure that the boat will be "legal" if setting a record is important. Be prepared to see some very fast boats and to learn a bunch from the other racers. Most will go out of their way to help a new racer - at least until the new racer gets too close to their record! Some info and contact are below. Go and have a blast!

http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...ighlight=flint


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[maddmatt]

Hey Guys, Thanks for the response. It is my first event. I've been doing some reading about classes and regs. My boat should fall within 2 classes w/ some changes. P and Q mono if there isn't a min. size. From my reading there isn't a size min. yet. I'd like to talk to Terry but can't find his #. I like to be prepared regarding safety and other needs. I like smooth sailing w/ no surprises. Be prepared! Anybody got Terrys # or a link to it. That would be great. Thanks, MM. PS-the boat is running GREAT!! Just need some flat water. Thanks again!

[T.S.Davis]

I believe it is still a flat fee for the weekend and you can run as many times in the running order.

That's the way I remember it. That's 3 or 4 runs a day if you get there early. Every racer gets 7 minutes per round. Then if a boat stalls they go out and get it. The nitro boats stall 7 out of 10 times. Gas boats are more predictible but about 25% (ish) of those blow off. They'll only let you run one boat in your 7 minutes and that boat can only set a record for one class on your turn even if the boat is technically legal for 2 classes. You can't do another set of passes for the other class. Just one. A Q Sport can't also be a Q hydro in 7 minutes. So for a SAW run you'll be done in under 1 minute. Oval trial maybe 2 minutes. Then it's 3 to 4 hours wait for your next chance to run one single boat. Your setup has to be completely figured out dead on before you get there. Trying that second prop you think might make the difference on that water on that particular day will be another 3 or 4 hours to find out if you guessed right. Frustrating.

If you're a fuel guy make the trip. Electric not so much. Most electric guys could run a whole fleet of SAW boats through the traps in 7 minutes.

Nice thing about that pond is that there is a TONNNNNNN of run up. If you've already got it all figured out you could blast a 1/2 mile run up before you hit the traps. The potential is extreme. There's at least that much room to slow down too.

[RaceMechaniX]

In more recent years the attendance has been pretty low at Flint due to the weather. It you can run in chop you could run a lot more often then several times per day. If you are driving, I would suggest bring several boats including ones that can run in chop. This way if it is windy you can still run for practice. Although the course is very big is has a couple interesting obstacles. Pinkert point, the island and the lots of floating tires.

TG

[maddmatt]

Howdy, I have a changes of plans. I couple of fishing buddies are flying from Vegas to go fishing for opening day. So I'm going to pass on the May event. Are there any other good events close to N. Wisconsin? I appreciate all the info. I'll get to a event soon. Thanks, MM.