Race numbers & names...

[Sharp shooter]

Isn't that generally the case with most "limited engine mod" racing? The guys restricted need to learn the finite ways of making power. And the unlimited guys just buy the best off the shelf parts and expect to make big power. Plus there is a lot of power to be made up in rotating weight of everything. Maybe the SS guys have a better handle on this idea.

My humble view concerning the SS vs PS debate is multi faceted.

First, the popularity of the ss class brought in some big money teams in the late 90's. The competition was on a heightened level. The top 3 or 4 teams would spare no expense and experiment with a wide variety of rigging, hull and propeller technologies that hadn't been explored before. Because of this (and some great drivers) the boats and the class excelled.

At the same time, ps became the step child class. I'd even venture to say that ps was a better starter class than ss at one time (before the 80mph nostalgia class took hold). With the less restrictive rules, the performance potential is higher in ps but rarely would you see a boat in that class utilizing every means available to push the limits of the class and driver skill also plays a huge part.

IMO, if Gordon Jennings and David Rankin were to focus as much effort on a PS boat as they do on SS-80 it would never loose to a Super Stock boat unless the drivers were unparalleled.

[WESTERNAERO]

My humble view concerning the SS vs PS debate is multi faceted.

First, the popularity of the ss class brought in some big money teams in the late 90's. The competition was on a heightened level. The top 3 or 4 teams would spare no expense and experiment with a wide variety of rigging, hull and propeller technologies that hadn't been explored before. Because of this (and some great drivers) the boats and the class excelled.

At the same time, ps became the step child class. I'd even venture to say that ps was a better starter class than ss at one time (before the 80mph nostalgia class took hold). With the less restrictive rules, the performance potential is higher in ps but rarely would you see a boat in that class utilizing every means available to push the limits of the class and driver skill also plays a huge part.

IMO, if Gordon Jennings and David Rankin were to focus as much effort on a PS boat as they do on SS-80 it would never loose to a Super Stock boat unless the drivers were unparalleled.

That's interesting, I didn't know there was an ongoing debate about this. I go to long beach every year to watch and that's about all I know about the circle boats.
However, what Bob was saying reminds me of almost all roundy-round racing. And to your point, I think a lot of racers enjoy the more limited classes because of the competitive nature of it. I would guess the SS boats have 20 times the money, time and experience invested than the PS.

[rivergames]

Hey Bob, I beleive the "P" stand for Pacifc

[rivergames]

Pacific One Hull Design

POHD was another class that was similar to crackers but with sponsons

Crackerbox hull developed and raced with the POHD

POHD faded out and crackerbox class came about. Crackerboxs had the "P" designation from that beginning.