HPBCANADA.COM

T group have ourselves to blame. The original T rules were straight forward, 160 compression , UIM specs for all motors. UIM had the SST60 specs, but not the two 56 fishing motors. No porting, motors were stock, you changed the head only.. ALL the motors were competitive and we were seeing different 1,2 and 3 place finishers every heat. At the Boat Show meeting the following winter the group decided to allow porting on the fishing bridge port block up to the SST60 spec. We thought this change would allow racers to be little creative with the fishing motor and still stay within the reduced horsepower level [due to the lower compression head] of the SST60.
Several of the racers got into a competition to produce the best 56 mod fishing motor. Initially there were many motor failures. Trial and error got them to where their motors were stronger and better suited for a T boat than the normal full compression SST60 motor. Now any racer without a similar motor had to build a new 56 power head provided they had and wanted to spend the money or go illegal with their current motor and go to a higher compression head only to be DQ. The class became dominated by 56 OMC motors. Before the change T850 boats ran 67 to 69 mph on the race oval. 2014 the top boats ran 72-73 mph, 2015 we saw 76 mph on the oval and in 2016 one ran 81 mph in testing.

Let's start by having everyone show up with motors that can pass our tech inspection:

[1] Visual check
- correct flywheel for the model and year of the motor
- correct carbs for the model, block and year of the motor

[2] Compression test
- 160 lbs is max.

Then we can discuss as a group off this site what we need to do.

wow 81!!!! who put down those numbers!?

Todd's oval port. He never raced that powerhead. He built the motor because there were a few oval ports racing. Jake and Top Gun were both running oval port motors.

90 hp Yamaha Rapid Craft Drag boat
http://www.dragtimes.com/video-viewer.p ... Kc&feature

So how do we go about moving this class forward!?

It has to start with a firm commitment from people with T boats that they will drag race. Initially I would think a minimum of SIX boats. Eight would be better. Then those racers work with the other drag racers to put on a race.

I was asked if it would be better to race a smaller hull in the T drags compared to our 13 foot minimum T boat boat length.

I am NOT a drag guy, so I will offer only an opinion.

I noticed in the states they are trying to get young teens into drag racing with the ideal of running approximately 30 hp motors on 10 and 11 foot boats. I know drags run on calm water and there are also tiller classes, there is good reason for these boats. T classes are not tiller classes and yes you can buy the older 2 seater 10 and 11 foot fiberglass hulls for good prices, but a 13 foot T hull can outperform that style smaller boat with same power and the T boat can handle larger motors.

Everything changes with the tiller boats. I know there is interest here in them. Why not look at getting a NEW Drag tiller class started Then move that class into a circle race class as well once there is a good boat count.

Let T750 and T850 race under their current rules.

Just some input here from a hopeful Drag guy....

T style boats in drag would be amazing!!
Some real cool setups in this class and the competition would be tight.
2 or 3 classes would be easy to set up providing the boat count is there.

Tiller drag boats. also very cool. This would be a fairly inexpensive way to experience drag racing.
And it would be a blast to watch!!

Junior drags has been happening in the Us for a while now.
One way I have seen them run is with a qualified passenger (normally Dad!!)
Junior does all the driving and passenger is the coach/in-boat safety crew.
Great way to get them started.
Could even be a shortened track (660 over 800) to provide quicker cycle times.

All good conversation to grow the sport.
Keep it up folks!!

With the 40 hp maximum restriction for young teens I think it would wise to have the class set at 40 hp maximum. None of the just changing the decals or jetting to make a 60 hp look like a 40 hp. The class could be called T40......tiller, 40 hp, 40 cubic inch maximum. The are lots of 2 and 3 cylinder short shaft tiller models that fit. The class also eliminates ALL of the T750 motors which are larger than 40 cubic inch. There are both old motors and new high tec motors that fit under T40. Small light motors and boats make it possible to use the same boat and/or motor to run a number of different classes. MORE RACER OPTIONS. MORE CLASSES RACING.
MORE FUN. LOW COST RACING.

Rule ideas
40 hp
40 cubic inch maximum
Aluminum prop
500 lb minimum weight [boat, motor, driver]

Pre-stage buoy
Buoy is 10 yards prior to start line.
Racers stop at the buoy with motors in neutral.
On starters command they creep up to the start line.
Extra buoy makes it easier for beginners .

Here are their 2017 rules

2017 AOF EAST RULES for 660 DRAGS
AOF East rules.

30 mod
Any 30hp and under motor any mod and any fuel other then alcohol on mono or tunnel style runabout boat.

40 mod
Any motor 60 ci and under yes that includes the 70 Yamaha any mods any fuel other then alcohol. Fuel additives are legal. All boats must be mono hull or tunnel runabout style boats.

90 mod.
This is a new class this year this will be any motor 90hp and under from the factory. Any fuel other then alcohol fuel additives are legal boat must be mono hull tunnel or runabout style boat.

Outlaw.
Any motor 3cyl from the factory with any mods nitrous and alcohol and any additive is legal. Boat must be mono hull tunnel or runabout style boat.

All racing will be from idle -7 mph start 660 feet

Safety
Long sleeves and pants with close toe shoes be worn in the boat.
Dot approved helmet (NO dirt bike helmets !!!!)
Good life jacket preferably with neck support and leg straps. (((By next year we will require a life line or equivalent vest so now is a good time to start looking)))
Kill switch must be in working condition.
Fire extinguisher mounted in the boat.
All fuel cells and gas tanks nitrous bottles must be mounted or strapped in the boat.

New !!!
All drivers need some kind of communication in the boat with someone in their pit crew.

Very few rules!!
no minimum weighs
no minimum boat length
unlimited choice for boat material[s]