NAMBA/IMPBA Racing times and speeds

[ReddyWatts]

Is it posted anywhere the speeds or times for the different class racing events. Competitiver SAW speed records are posted, but where are the namba/impba numbers?. This would be good information for new people getting nto racing to know how well their boats need to be performing to be competitive in each class.

[Fluid]

I'm not certain what you mean. Both IMPBA and NAMBA post the oval and SAW records for all FE classes on their respective websites. What information are you talking about?


.

[ReddyWatts]

same

I was looking for the oval times, so I can figure the average speed these boats are running in each class. I cant recall seeing these average speed/times posted like for the SAW's. When you go to a race how do you know if your boat is up to the rest of the class, before the race? Driving skills excluded. ha I think this is a question most sport boaters would like to know. How does their boat matchup with the racers.

[ReddyWatts]

Thanks!

So for Stevens V's. time in Q Mono he averaged 25 MPH on a 5/8 course? There should be some better information out there to set the standard for newbies in each class. This makes it look like it takes more driving skill than speed, but it still does not answer my question of how fast of a boat you need in each class to be competitive? Am I way off here or is this something other people would like to know?

Q Mono
Steven Vaccaro
09-06
time 89.91

Fiegao
Toys Port
Octura X646

[Doozie870]

Not sure on the other classes, but it seems in oval 10 lap trim, lower mid 30s in lso/sv27, upper 30s low 40s in lsh.

[ReddyWatts]

Thanks, maybe other oval racers will give up some numbers.

[Rex R]

it is hard to determine 'speed' on an oval. the size of the course only is if you hug the bouys for the entire course. what we do is use a stop watch and try for low E.T.s and yes driving skill plays a big part in oval racing.

[ReddyWatts]

same

Yes, but the people running in these classes should know how fast the boats run. It would be nice to have a reference speed for each class for the newcomers. Why should anyone have to race blind against his competitors. It is an unfair advantage for the experienced racers. Why not help newcomers??? They are already at a disadvantage with driving skills. I knew some people on here that very anxiuos before their first race. I think if they new their boat setup was competitive, then they would be able to concentrate more on their driving skills. Is this making any sense? Would this help promote any of you sport boaters to setup your hulls for racing in an event?

[Rex R]

hey now! I'm one of those race newbies I've yet to find any of the 'old hands' who wouldn't run a stop watch on the measured course( as well as offer suggestions on boat set-ups, driving tatics)! granted some of the comments on my driving could have been worded differently...but none of the comments were intended in a hurtful vein. one problem with a speed measurement (presuming gps) is; it only covers the fastest speed(just before the turn entrance), speed in the corner can easily be 5-10mph slower...and thats with a well set-up boat. one that has cornering issues that force you to 'drive' the corner will be slower yet. then too you have the reliablity problem, will the boat stay fast for 5 laps. you can't easily tell that w/o a stopwatch.

[ReddyWatts]

Ok, thanks, Rex. I just thought any racer could tell, off the top of his head, the top speed that his boat is running in each oval class.

[Doozie870]

Hey Reddy, this weekend there will be a two lap timed qualifier for the race, Ill try to jot down the times of the boats. p-mono,lso,lsh,sv27.

[ReddyWatts]

Thanks, Doozie!

[Fluid]

I just thought any racer could tell, off the top of his head, the top speed that his boat is running in each oval class.

We could - but then we'd have to kill you.



Seriously, top speed is pretty worthless for judging the performance of an oval boat. Go to enough races and you'll quickly see that the boat with the fastest top speed seldom finishes his heats. Race water is a lot different than practice water, and a safe top speed in practice can result in a blowover on a race course. Races are won by having the lowest lap times, and that seldom means the highest top speed.

High cornering speeds may mean a sacrifice in top speed - most experienced racers tune their boats to corner well. Most races are won in the corners....I make most of my passes in turns when the other boat swings wide and I cut inside him. A boat that handles well in the turns lets you concentrate on race strategy rather than on keeping your boat on the water in a race.

Driving skill and a balanced boat are what win races. You only get the former by actually racing. Is that unfair? Does that mean the experienced racers have an advantage? Heck yes it does - just like in every other form of motorized racing on earth. You think that NASCAR is any different? If you want to race don't whine about it, get out and race like everyone else. It's fun!!! :D



.

[properchopper]

Re :

Ahmen !! :)

[ReddyWatts]

There is a difference in whining and learning. Sometimes you just have to keep digging to get the answer. I am trying to make it easier for anyone to make the jump from sport to race, but the only thing holding me back are the expensive parts (Neu, Hydra and Lipo's). Someday I will be competitive.

Your explanation on concentrating on the boat handling, not speed is invaluable. Thanks!