"Phil,
Thanks for renewing the discussion. I agree with your comments about the improved competition, and I also agree with your comment that "our sport is not growing enough."
I think that the best thing that has happened in the last…"
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Tim Matyn
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what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing
87 Replies
I have tried to start a discussion about the "state of the sport" and what needs to be done to increase its fan base, which will result in greater sponsor interest, more media exposure, more races,…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by John Wiener Apr 15, 2012.
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Tim Matyn commented on Phil Lampman's blog post Well, Whadda' Think About Unlimited Hydroplane Racing lately?Tim Matyn replied to James Ferris's discussion Aluminum First"The boat was owned by Henry Kaiser, who also owned a similar boat called Hot Metal. I think he was owner and/or president of Kaiser Aluminum. (He also started the auto companies which built the Kaiser, Fraser, and the Henry J.) I…"
John Wiener replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"In the last couple of day we have seen more ideas coming in. Keep them coming, it is great to read what other people think about the sport. One day event for sure, but let people come down on Saturday for free to watch…"
Mark A Baldwin replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"We have many people that really have an interest in what the future of hydroplane racing holds.
I would like to see if Dave Williams would hold a forum of all people of this interest could hold a meeting at
the museum to hold an open discussion to…"
Tim Matyn replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"Randall,
I think you are right-on with the idea of a one day event! And with many of the race sites scrambling for funds, it seems like a no brainer to me. The races in Detroit were one day events for many years in the 1950s and 1960s, when…"
Randall E. Roe replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing" I actually liked it better when we only raced on Sunday. Every extra day that the course is open increases the cost of running the race a ton. As far as speeding up the program, the two hour wait until the final is stupid, unless of course you…"
Randall E. Roe replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"I hate the airshows, every time a jet rips over my head while I'm working at a race it pisses me off, I'll watch B-24's and Spitfires any time, jets are just noise pollution to me. And Idon't think the average fan knows…"
James Michael Dickinson replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"With the push toward efficiency, these engine will most certainly be light, likely aluminum, weight costs fuel. With this in mind, ultimate power to weight ratio will be quite consistent with the old aircraft engines. No, I doubt they will be ready…"
Terry Edwards replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"James makes an interesting point about using or adapting large truck engines. I had thought of this many times in connection with diesel engines, especially the Detroit Diesel 12V71 which was a V12 and sounded wonderful in a truck. I did however…"
James Michael Dickinson replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"With the very low cost of natural gas there is going to be a impetus toward LNG powered vehicles. While diesels can be somewhat adapted, in some cases it makes sense to use "gas" engines instead. Due to this there may be some rather large…"
Tim Matyn replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"I'm excited that five different people have joined the discussion in the last 24 hours! It proves that there IS a loyal fan base who care about the future of the sport. That's why I started this discussion two years…"
Mark A Baldwin replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"I agree with John,If the possibility of obtaining or manufacturing Rolls Royce Merlins is not obtainable due to the great costs involved,let's go with automotive powerplants.Back in the day there were a few successful boats with car…"
John Wiener replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"Jim is right on, his point proven with the twin automotive ULIMITEDS of the past. They sounded great and went fast, just not as fast as a turbine or a Rollsroyce V12, they also had problems with reliability in a 15 mile heat. With the tech age this…"
James Michael Dickinson replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"As a veteran of Open Wheel Racing, I disagree that the sound of an properly set automotive powered boat would be annoying. Just go to a dirt track Sprint Car race and watch the crowd, they don't seem to be upset. Now, I do agree that some…"
Tony Sepanski replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing"John, I have to disagree about the show -- the racing the past two years is as close and exciting as I've experienced since the mid-1980's and the early 1970's (what I remember of them -- I was eight when the Bud - Pak duels were…"
John Wiener replied to Tim Matyn's discussion what needs to be done to increase the fan base and popularity of unlimited hydroplane racing" I do not expect nor am I suggesting teams throw out there turbines and start over. The sport will need to have them for now. I have been a fan since. What I have noticed since the turbines took over, is the sport has become boring. When…"
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