Racing for 2018

[Ken Haines]

I am not sure where to post this topic so moderators move it where you like :)

I have recently noticed a strong uptick on some of the sign-up boards.
I was aware that the NAMBA Nats. had approximately 550 boats and 100 racers sign up,
but that might be just because they combined FE, Gas, & Nitro and it was the NAMBA Nationals in Vegas.
But I had also been aware that the Atlanta Model Boaters IMPBA race in early November in Tifton SOLD OUT !!!
Also the next Tifton race has a record number of entrants almost 200 boats for a smaller venue race.

Now looking at the NAMBA Winter Nats is over the 300 boat limit and at almost 100 drivers too again maybe
because they added Fast Electrics and some open classes, but regardless a good sign of renewed participation.
Then just looked at the IMPBA Gas Nationals......they are SOLD OUT already for a race in MAY and have an
additional sign-up section for a waiting list......wow

Looks like maybe the hobby is not dying
Just thought I would post this good news for a change

[ray schrauwen]

Very good to hear Ken. Hope!

[rol243]

why do you guys stop entrants entering a comp at a certain limit of people ? this can be a big let down for many that don,t sign up quick enough.

[Ken Haines]

why do you guys stop entrants entering a comp at a certain limit of people ? this can be a big let down for many that don,t sign up quick enough.

You are right in a way, but the clubs typically know how long it takes to run X number of heats.
When they go beyond a certain number it gets into a time issue as to whether they can actually complete
the number of scheduled heats. I would assume over time the amount of days would be increased to
accomodate higher race participation, but lets not get too far ahead of ourselves.....this recent sell-out
observation is just that.....very recent, hopefully it will continue, but until then my advice is sign-up early.
This also is a huge help to the organizers trying to manage the budget and plan for accomodations.
You probably knew most of this already....sorry if I'm pointing out the obvious.

Just trying to keep this Thread very Posistive about the renewed race participation

[Terry Keeley]

It's nice to see races being offered for all three power sources as well. We've done this for our Can-Am race since the beginning and is a reason for it's success.

Aug 11, 12th, 2018, mark your calendars!

[Peter A]

That is great stuff. Really interested in what may have been the catalyst for this? What is making the difference perhaps, over and above combining FE, nitro and gas? My interest is to compare and see what could be applied here in NZ.

[Doug Smock]

It's nice to see races being offered for all three power sources as well. We've done this for our Can-Am race since the beginning and is a reason for it's success.

2018 marks the 20th year for D13s Grand Prix Series. I just realized that Fast Electrics have been running in the series for 10 years! It works when you have like minded people.
Hopefully the fuel source noise is a thing of the past. We're all model boaters.....

[HTVboats]

The D-13 GP series has done an excellent job bringing FE classes into their schedule. Numbers and growth speak for themselves.
In Florida Namba D-3 we now have some options on the regular schedule staring at the Winternats, thanks to Ken, and hopefully we can support these FE classes the rest of the season. A stand alone FE race may follow at some point but for now being included in the district schedule in a big win.
Mic