Parker 336 Review

**KAP** · 10-29-2013, 08:12 AM

Parker 336 Review:

Well my customary post wrap up of an event. I like doing a review of events I attend even more so if they are positive:

Preface: I know in the beginning there was a lot of anxiety about this event and even more so in the days leading up to the actual event. Change is hard for the old guard but let's face it they had their chance. As things would have it the new crew picked up the torch and were off and running. You guys did a great job putting on the event for your first try. They did manage to upset a lot of important people but all is not lost as inclusion is better than excluding those that desire to participate. On that topic I will simply say there is always next year.

It seems most of the racing crowd was on the fence but the die hard racers and enduro fans showed up with their best efforts.

Saturday:

Note:The event began on Friday with qualifying for each class. What I understood about qualifying is... the teams ran and set their respective lap times and boundaries to prevent sandbagging. This is somewhat suspect but I understand the intent. Note: This aspect needs polishing and transparency so it is clear to all about what is expected in each class. On this topic someone else should comment. I am certainly not qualified to comment on the desire and intent behind the qualifying rules and why they were adopted in such a fashion.

I did not know what to expect upon arrival at the Bluewater Casino in Parker Arizona on Saturday. However, once I parked I soon discovered the pits were buzzing with race preparations and everyone was hyped and ready to race. The purpose of my trip was to see what was going on and to talk with teams about their entry's and rationales from each team. In addition, I was gathering intel. to determine if I would be interested in either driving a leg or become part of an existing team or come up with my own vision. [I definitely have some ideas for Division 7.]

Boats:

Although most of the people I talked to told me back in the day there were double if not triple the amount of boats participating in previous races. However, they were complimentary of those that showed up to run the best they possibly could. In my opinion and shared by many attending...winning the Parker Enduro is the goal of every team.

I really believe that most racers were on the sideline with a "wait and see" approach....namely if these guys [promoter/organizers] have some game they will be back next year and put their number in the hat to race. I would prophesize that the number of boats will double for next years Parker 336.

The teams that did show up did so in full force they were ready and not playing games they came to win their respective classes and or vie for the overall win. I commend and applaud all the racers. They spent time, money and put their differences aside to support and stand behind a race no one thought would be as successful. I would like to see a greater variety of boats participating. The jet boats for one need to increase their presence as well as the GN boats. Nothing is set in stone the difficulties faced in this race now have an entire year to be ironed out. It is my hope the powers that be will be inclusive and not obstructionist in opening the door for a variety of entries.

Race:

The race was well organized. I went up to the APBA booth and did some clandestine observations and they were very detail oriented and completely committed to safety of the racers including time of start and procedures. This impressed me and I was not able to review how the course and scope of tech inspections were carried out on Friday. The title sponsors were awesome. We all know without their financial contributions the race simply would not happen. The sponsors all get a big five star rating from me for not only providing financial sponsorship but they put boats in the water as well.

Note, Worthy Race Observations:

The start of the race from the shoreline...le man style start was awesome. I really enjoyed that aspect of the race. They had three classes or groups boats and the lone Div. 7 the [1350 Nordic which had a HUGE handicap] starting together. I was watching the lone Nordic boat wondering if they were ever going to start racing and no I am not joking. They were handicapped so bad I thought some mobsters took out some knee caps the night before. The boat did start and was impressive in all areas of acceleration to just flat out hauling the mail...power was a Mercury 1350 w/six drive.

I thought the course was really long and thus waiting for boats to loop around was not fun. On the flip side if you have more entries. The longer course would stretch the distance between boats. As a spectator I would have liked a shorter course...to see more side by side racing rather than long stretches of waiting for boats to come down the course usually solo.

On the topic of a red flag when the course is closed. I was wondering why everyone was coming in and restarting. They should have lap counters or telemetry to determine where each boat is on the course and restart according to the time interval and position on the course. This part was really confusing as to the what, why and rationale.

I also noticed the absence of any twin engine boats namely outboards?

Lastly, I think some things need to be polished as this is the first one [Parker 336] and I am sure the little stuff will get worked out. I really enjoyed going to the race and meeting the participating teams. The teams I spoke with and visited were nice, professional and friendly and that is saying a lot about the character of the teams who came out to race. This reminds me of a latin term "Victori Spolia" to the victor go the spoils. It says simply that the winners of war enjoy the spoils i.e. the property of the losers. To those that raced I commend you for your efforts.

Congratulations to all the teams and I hope everyone put's this event on their calendar for next year.

KAP

P.S. I did not get a chance to go to Pirates as I heard that was also a spot to view the race.

Footnote: I know a lot of interest in this event was generated in the last thread so I hope people enjoy my review.

**RogerThat99** · 10-29-2013, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the unbiased write up KAP. It was great to see you out there. I look forward to seeing you in the race next year.

**gn7** · 10-29-2013, 08:40 AM

Well there you have it folks, the race was a complete success because a first time spectator said it was, and thats want determines what is or is not a successful event. Lets hope that ALL 26 starters feel the same way so that ALL 26 of them return next year to make it another great success.
By the way, there was NOTHING first time about any of it. Only the guys pocketing the money are different.

GRADS · 10-29-2013, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the write up, but quite frankly I was hoping for a little more bold print.

Best wishes,

GRADS

**Milkmoney** · 10-29-2013, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by gn7

Well there you have it folks, the race was a complete success because a first time spectator said it was, and thats want determines what is or is not a successful event. Lets hope that ALL 26 starters feel the same way so that ALL 26 of them return next year to make it another great success.
By the way, there was NOTHING first time about any of it. Only the guys pocketing the money are different.

I have no opinion of you based on the fact i have never met you, other than what you post. I am wondering what you are really like in person. ??????

U jus seem like u hate the world.

or maybe jus one person or event.

**gn7** · 10-29-2013, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by lurker

I have no opinion of you based on the fact i have never met you, other than what you post. I am wondering what you are really like in person. ??????

U jus seem like u hate the world.

or maybe jus one person or event.

Well you keep working on it Sherlock

Wendi · 10-29-2013, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by gn7

Well there you have it folks, the race was a complete success because a first time spectator said it was, and thats want determines what is or is not a successful event. Lets hope that ALL 26 starters feel the same way so that ALL 26 of them return next year to make it another great success.
By the way, there was NOTHING first time about any of it. Only the guys pocketing the money are different.

Negative Nelly. You will never have anything good to say about this race, so best keep the rest of your opinions to yourself. None of us want to here it anymore, you've burned us out.

**gn7** · 10-29-2013, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by Wendi

Negative Nelly. You will never have anything good to say about this race, so best keep the rest of your opinions to yourself. None of us want to here it anymore, you've burned us out.

You saw that as a negative post. What was negative verses FACT! Is it the negative FACTS that bother everybody?
26 boats equals success verses 35 worst prior year equals failure so lets take the race over from those that are failing?
What was the entry number for the very FIRST 300? I think it was more than 26 starters.

If the spectator count doubles next year, but the boat count is half, is it twice the success

Wendi · 10-29-2013, 09:28 AM

Kap very well said and thank you for your review. We really appreciate the feedback. I, as a spectator, felt the longer course would have benefited with more participants. It got boring towards the end. Other than that we had a great time, wish you would have gotten WMC's PM so you could have come over to Mitch's dock and enjoyed WMC's tacos.