Hi Brian and Nitro...
I am not sure why I am the only committee member trying to answer this stuff, as previous I can only offer my understanding and is not strictly the agreed opinion of the committee, so while I am happy to try to clarify dont think in anyway that all is just my ideas and work...
Brian, We started off with just the basic pertol hydro classes, ie P1,P2 and now P3 which covered all hull types but just seperated them into a power range. As petrol classes developed, and mimicked overseas classes, then via several years of AGMs then further classes were introduced, ie Sport petrol, Thunderboat and Outrigger. These additional classes ALL revolved within the P2 power category. So yes things blew out. Now we find ourselves where Petrol Outrigger, since its inception has NEVER once at ANY event reached the minimum entry level to form an event, so this time round we have left it out as they can still run in P2 hydro
( where they belonged in the first place IMHO) and Open Oval. We looked at "trimming" Sport Petrol and T2 boats too, but many guys have both boats and so this would have been rejected by the membership, so we are stuck with it for now...
We have "merged" some events ie petrol marathon, rather made them Open, as we do not have time to run multiple heats of each class. Some nitro events have merged classes simply to try and make sure they have an opportunity to run as individually they are likely to all fail. If thats the case, then you would not see me or several others at the event, which is a known negative outcome.
As far as the stock classes are concerned, T1 is a huge success, and given the growing commercial nature of what we are doing, then it is gradually becoming a scenario like so many other motor sports where the biggest chq book ultimately wins, I have personally overheard several conversations where different guys have indicated continuous spending of anything upto $1000 per month on hot motor replacements and rebuilds. The stock class is to create a "control" class as per T1 where those with lesser budgets can compete on a level playing feild.We have to try and offer something for all, which is no easy assignment, so if you have any ideas please let the committee know ! Always think about the BIG picture, not just focus on what you are personally set up for !
Nitro, Yes you are correct about the committee making decisions and implimenting change. The special general meeting endorsed this, the "general" feeling was that the membership voted the committee in to lead and make change where necessary on behalf of the membership, that is why they are put there and are trusted to carry this out in the best interests of the membership, previously the committee were by and large toothless administrators, we also know how various things have been "railroaded" at AGMs, and in that regard AGMs have become a meeting that many avoid due to the remit process taking all night ( and the arguments and ill feeling it can cause), so already were giving away their right to have a say and leaving it to the small group that did remain to sort things, so in practical terms whats the difference ?
Yes the rule book as usual needs work, it is a "living" document, If you are aware of issues within it, please forward this to committee so it can be looked at.
Hope this helps, in the mean time I gotta get back to rebuilding 2 shattered outriggers and trying to finish the twin ! At this rate I wont be ready for the Nats myself !!
Cheers, TUI.
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Re: 2014 Nationals