Why guys win...

[Ron Hill]

I posted this on Hot Boat's web page.Why guys win..
In the thirty five years I've made race props, guys who win are the easiest to deal with. Why??? They don't go to races to race, they go to races to win. As The Real King of K Boats said, they come early and leave late.

Guys who win, treat racing as a business. They give me data about their props...I understand I might make "JUNK" props sometimes, but TELL ME why you think they are junk....The guys that win, tell me how the prop works, they give me RPM's. They give me miles per hour...They don't own a 15 and a 16... The own many props...Winner don't cheat, they do their homework..My dad use to say, "We win races in the garage. We just prove it on the race course."

In 2005, to race SS in the FRONT Pack, you'd better had done your homework already....otherwise, you are working on the 2006 season..

With that thought in mind, I've purchased Rick Hoffman's Formula One Capsule mold..Any FLAT BOTTOM RACER is WELCOME to use the MOLD at NO CHARGE. APBA had a suggest lay up schedule that I have copies of...I love making props and always have....I don't like seeing frineds die in racing...

NASCAR makes changes to save lives.....Flat Bottom people are serious "FREE SPIRITS", but I wish they'd use capsules...I also wish the SS guys would go to roller cams...

Wild Child will have a Ron Jones capsule in their new boat....We crash 140 mile an hour Formula Ones Tunnel Boats all the time....we have not lost a driver since the Arcadian Star, Jimmy Hauenstein, in 1997....

Flat bottoms have lost 5, in three years at Parker...

I will deliver the capsule mold to your glass man...or carbon fiber man...free of charge...



.

[Moneypit]

Ron, I also pasted this, (your post from above) on the thread I started about capsules at HB v drives. It is cool that you feel so strongly about the capsule issue to make this offer. This is the type of thing we, as a sport, need to make the capsule deal happen. So many people offered information, and even some offered help simular to what you have done here. Thank you.....
That said, let me make a note here about what it takes to do what the SS70 boat has done. Quite simply, CUBIC DOLLARS!!!!!!.....The first ones there at the races, no. The last ones to leave, no. The ones that have unlimited time and resourses to test, try, and test some more. Yes. Those "Canary boat" teams have more props, gears, spare engines, spare v drives, etc. And, all those props had to be re purchased when they went to the 7/8 shafts. That right there, the cost of replacing those props, exceeds our teams entire yearly budget to run the PS boat. I would guess that any of the flatbottom race teams could equal their success given the same amount of time and money to throw at winning. Do you know of any high dollar teams that aren't successful? Dollar for dollar, We kicked their butts, with equipment/technology that is over 25 years old, and the same 8 sparkplugs we ran in 1991. (No I don't mean we beat them, quite the contrary, but our success was not based on how much we spent.) Sure they do their homework, they can afford to. Not everyone can blow off work the day after a race to stay late. Not everyone can spend a week at Burley testing, and tuning, and recording the info into the "logs" of the day. We keep records of what worked where, but the majority of the time we don't get any race course testing until 20 minutes prior to the first heat, IF then....And most of us were home trying to earn a living while those that can afford not to, were out "doing their homework". On a dollar to dollar basis, I will match my skill and experience with anyone. I'm sorry, but racing should not be decided by who has the fastest WALLET...Ray

[Ron Hill]

We were never "CUBIC DOLLAR RACERS" but were worked on our stuff 24 seven. We built our motors. We built our boats. We built on props.

We never raced boats as a "HOBBY", it was our life.

As far as the 7/8 shaft deal, I'll go on record right here saying I'm 100% against them. And, I'm not against it only because of the money... How strong or how safe can a 7/8 shaft be, with a 1/4 keyway cut into it??? (7/8 iminus 1/4= duh....875-.250=.625, what we really have is a 5/8 shaft on a 117 MPH boat...

It is not my class, I don't run it and I'm not going to run it, so I won't make waves about requiring 1" shafts......buy my offer on the capsule mold is on the table and will continue to be there until every flatbottom racer in the WORLD has a capsule...When that happens, I'll start fighting for 1" shafts...

NOTE:


The offer is FREE use of the mold and I'll deliver it in SoCal.

ADD: You understand what it takes to put a rig "UP FRONT"...So, think you get ready Friday night go to the races and go ..home...Then, wonde why they didn't do well....and this isn't just Super Stock. My point was guys win becasue they work hard at it....rich or poor...Jaime Escalante called it GANIS...desire.

[John Howe]

There has, is, and always will be, bigger checking account racers, and I`m talking car racing too! Dat`s da way it is! Still, "doin' da homework" is CRUCIAL!!! Having a big checking acount does indeed make the homework a lot easier, but ya still gotta have a lot stuff of between the ears! I`ve seen a lot of "all show, but no go" rich racers come and go over the decades, but I`ve also seen my share of "but for a few more bucks,...I coulda been a contender" unfortunately fade away too.

Maybe,... just maybe, some day the "mass density/ we`ve always done it this way" skulled flat bottom racers will come to their senses and realize a capsule is a whole lot cheaper than a lifetime in a wheel chair,...or a casket. Capsules are mandatory in the K-boat class now for APBA racing. It has also been mandatory in the super quick drag boat classes for well over a decade. The capsule rule in inboards, and other catagories, has indeed lead to the demise of several shallow water race courses, but I don`t care. Capsule racing ain`t perfect, but from what I`ve seen up close and personel, it sure is a whole lot better than the past!

Okay, I`m off the "soap box" now and my e-mail addy is indeed inboard@earthlink.net.

Oh Yeah, there is a big 3 day inboard race in Morgan City Louisiana in mid March, and I`m doing my dang`est to make it out there so`s I can spectate! ALL inboard classes are on the sanction. In early March, there is a "clamp on" race in nearby lake Okeechobee here in south Floriduh, and there ain`t no about a doubt it, I`ll be there!!! I`m thinking about buyin' me a new fancy schmancy digital camera in time for that show!

Keep it fast, and keep it safe!, JH :D

[Moneypit]

Great place, Morgan City. We ran there last Oct. to decide the 2004 Pro Stock High points deal. Their first race in a number of years and they were pumping up the idea for more to follow. City council members walking the pits asking what they could do to make it better and get us "west coast guys" to come back for the next one.
Ron, although we didn't build the '77 Revenge boat, we basicly do everything else ourselves, without any heavy wallets, or big name motors. We have one set of gears, and 2 props that are almost the same. Lowbuck all the way, and we don't run SS, so those guys can do whatever they all want to do. However, it should be noted that the class is nothing near what it was, a stepping stone, an entry level flatbottom class. The rules have changed drasticly over the last few years, and those boats haul the mail. They also put on a great show for the fans, which is good for our sport.
Ron, a 1/4 inch key in a 7/8ths shaft would leave 3/4. 1/8 goes in the prop?? Right??.............Ray

[Moneypit]

I posted this at the V drive.com site after returning from Morgan City. I think I know a little about "Desire"...............Ray



Cajun Crusade post #1

Correction, APBA Pro Stock points.
I previously reported the results for high points in error. Due to slow posting by the APBA, and information supplied to me, I was premature in posting the results. As unfolded in the past 2 weeks, there were more east coast results that were not posted. When I discovered that another boat had ran 6 additional races and passed us in the points chase, this information was still not available in the APBA web site. I was unable to reach Mike Lee, (he was in Cabo for the week), until the afternoon of the 15th. At this time I also had information from Morgan City La. that the new leader was going to run that race also. We decided to make (PS690) Dale Hernandez Jr. work for the high points deal, even if we only had a remote chance to pass him in the points chase. So, off we went to Morgan City. Our remote chance was if we could force him to run hard enough to break. Well, we ran him hard, beating him twice on the water in a tuners nightmare of 98% humidity, 90 degree temperatures, and a course that was red flaged on Saturday due to high winds. It was a hell of a weekend. I traveled over 4000 miles, did some major drivetrain repairs,(the v drive plate was discovered Tuesday morning to be broken in 2 pieces) with Riverracer's (Art Anderson) able help, we were able to fabracate a new plate, build lifting lugs for the boat, (no ramps/crane in only) and tow the 1600+ miles from Bull Head City to Morgan City. Art and I drove it straight through from Mesa Az., with a few "scenic tours" of the south,(lost). The owner/driver, Mike, and the rest of the crew, Gary(e ticket), Chris, and Jim flew in to New Orleanes in the wee hours Saturday morning, and we were ready to rock n roll. Dale Hernandez Jr. worked hard for the title, and deserves our congratulations. (the little ****) He is a great competiter, an asset to the sport, and still a friend.
Let me also take the time to thank Bill and Judy Allen for all their hard work to bring boat racing back to Morgan City after a 15 year span of no racing on a great venue.(ignore the fire ants on land, and the leeches in the water) (Judy kept me informed with up to minute reports from the eastern races that APBA still had not posted.) The whole city is behind our sport, with council members asking the racers what they can do to make future racing better, promising to build ramps and pits, have a boat parade,(ala Burley) and really pumping up the sport. The people were so friendly, southern hospitality at its best, making sure we had what ever we needed to complete the "Cajun Crusade" from the west. I could only imagine the crowd response to 8 Super Stockers roaring into turn 1.. Their response to the few flats that were there was really something to see. Also thanks go to the legendary Duff Daily for his weather station help, as well as the fact he brought 2 boats to make sure we had a class to do this battle in. He is truely a class act, and it was an honor to compete with him...
To sum it up, we're not #1 nationally,(2nd aint bad) but the western points deal we fought with Jeff Wooten allows us to claim the western points title, and look back on a season of great races, with the wonderful people that make up the boat racing family. Next year? I don't know if it can get any better, but we'll be at Bluewater Thanksgiving to start this all over again.
Ray Burnett/Moneypit.....PS89........



__________________
LOUD BOATS SAVE LIVES!!!

[Ron Hill]

Right 1/8...but a 7/8 shaft is still too small...

I'll work with you on some props...I've got 10 one inchers on "LOAN" right now...might as well have you borrow one or two...

Morgan City, is Louie Saracuza's 280 hydro still hangin on the wall in their bar???

Or is that long AGO history??

Drove to Morgan City from New Orleans, one night, it had rained a foot...that day (12")...every town I went through I wanted to stop and buy a beer...but every bar had a fight going on outside...soe, I'd go to the next town....same thing....My rent car wouldn't stop for nothing...thought it was the rain...Next morning, I in the rent car and it won't stop for nothin...Hertz brought me a new one...Not sure how far New Orleans is to Morgan City, but I made it all the way without a beer and without brakes...

[Moneypit]

Thanks for the offer, Ron. It will be some time before we're ready to test anything. I spoke with Mike last night, and the capsule deal is, how shall I say this, not exactly decided.......I really want a capsule on what ever boat we build to race. Period. However, the final decision is the driver's, and if he is going to unretire from the seat, then its his call. Sort of a rock and a hard place, if you know what I mean........He is still under the impression that a capsule for a flattie is mega bucks...OK, they aint cheap, but I don't need to be burying any friends, and I wouldn't let an enemy drive a boat I wrench...So, I told him of your offer, as well as the friend in Salt Lake City that is being schooled on the carbonfiber deal, and willing to help...As I said. it'll be awhile, maybe sitting out this year, I don't know..........Ray

PS, I sure would like to make that Morgan City race, damm, what a time for the boat to be busted up and the motor scattered.......... :(

[Moneypit]

Ron, we were both kinda wrong on the amount of material left after the keyway is cut in a 7/8ths shaft. The keyway is cut on the taper, so the material is far less than either of us stated. Is this the area they are breaking the shafts?? .............Ray

[Ron Hill]

Do you know where to buy K Monel? I'm going to make some splined shaft (Like the outboards use)...I think they should stand up better as the aren't tapered.

Seems to methey were twisting right at the end of the keyway just where the taper ends (In front of the prop)...

I'll keep you posted as I'm making several new wheels and want to spline them, rather than bore the taper.

[Moneypit]

Ron, try Ace Metals in Chino, 909 902 9366 and ask for Clem. A Strawbeery processing (Oxnard) plant maintainance manager here deals with him and says if he doesn't have it, he'll know where to find it.........Are you plaining 7/8ths shafts, splined? .............Ray

[ONCB]

Mr Hilll, with all due respect, you left out the nostalgia boats who win with consistancy and DONT have to work hard all day and night. It's sort of refreshing to get the sound and smell of racing gas and the thrill of competition without all the hard work! And, it's fun! In case you dont know, we bracket race whatever shows up be it hydro or flatbottom. There is also a speed limit that doesnt limit the spectator excitement and close competition. And, its way more affordable.... 'Outlaw Nostalgic Circle Boats' the most fun you can have anywhere, anytime.

[kws]

I must say that even if i dont allways agree with Ron Hill's opinions i take my hat off to him (and anyone ellse for that matter) that is willing to put his money into
other teams for the sake of safety. this is on top of his trying to bring new people in thu his NOD plan.while i have never met the man it seems to me he is putting the future of boat racing first and formost. i know there are others who do to (so if you do please dont feel excluded from this kudos) but many racers new (like me) and old can and should strive to do the same.

[Pop990]

I wondered where in Il you are. I am from Peo area. Been in CA since 83. In my hometown of Canton in the 40's a Joe Gaspar raced kneelers. Ever here of him? Bill Curtis

[Moneypit]

Is this the Same Bill Curtis that helped me with hourly atmospheric reports at Bakersfield last Oct.?? Must be, thanks, Ray.....(PS89).........

[SS19crewGN]

Hey Ray I did not know you ended up in Morgan City, Mike was looking strong in the PS heats him and duff gave it one hella run on sat but you forgot to say who built that power house behind the SS51 ;)

[Moneypit]

OK, I'm lost here, SS19? SS51?.........GN? Help me out here............Ray

[SS19crewGN]

OK, I'm lost here, SS19? SS51?.........GN? Help me out here............Ray
Well the ss19 is the normal boat that I crew for w/ southern thunder
I was in morgan city w/ the ss555 and the PS5551 w/ Showboats
I know mike from runnin decator and hampton
and the gn was just something that I added to get to 10 letters needed for my screen name

[Moneypit]

Are you talking about Oct. 04, or Mar 05.......? Mike Lee has never ran Decanter, or Hampton.......Maybe you're refering to Mike Allen?.....Mike Lee drives the PS 89 boat......we did not go to MC in March of this year........Ray

[SS19crewGN]

My falt I thought that you were talking about march/ mike bower in the ss/ps 51 boat I was just confused sorry