Originally Posted by
seacow
Ron Hill's newsletter is great and very much appreciated. Its a very valuable news digest.
In his recent transmission, Ron suggests that the decline of boat racing is due to public welfare.
" I feel the reason boating and boat racing is suffering is the fact we have 88 million people on welfare. The working people of this country can't afford a boat because their taxes pay for these 88 million welfare recipients."
In my opinion there are many reasons for the decline of our sport that have very little or nothing to do with welfare. A partial list might include:
No affordable new production factory motors for stock outboard (except for used Yamatos)
No motor manufacturers' or robust APBA advertising campaigns about racing.
Open exhausts now banned on most waters.
Speeds limited on most waters
Environmental restrictions on most waters.
Some racers will not race in salt or rough water.
Racing craft so specialized that most cannot be used for recreation as well.
Many competing sports.
Loss of good water close to populations of spectators
Courses too far away from drivers homes
Recession
Massive job losses
Loopholes in some stock classes that do not level competition where money= winning
Loss of household wealth from real estate crash
Need for modern fiberglass boats that are affordable
Courses do not enhance spectator viewing/excitement: too long & far from viewing areas
Conflict and infighting in APBA, clubs and classes
Too may classes creating boring competition in most classes
Under-representation in the media
Ancient technology: such as no out-drives, use of rope or recoil starting and kneel-down
High cost of racing travel and fees
Feel free to add to this list.
BTW: When I was racing in the 50s/60s in the bay area I personally knew several drivers that were very low income and some were on welfare.
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