December 30, 2007

Hello People,

Just want to keep you informed about the NJBA


Proposed changes mailed to NJBA members – return before January 6, 2008

Class Structure
Consider greater alignment with the rest of dragboat racing:  Institute sportsman eliminator classes such as pro (8.00), top (9.00), modified (10.00), and stock (11.00), and eventually eliminate ˝ second brackets with insufficient boat count.  For any bracket or class, we would require a minimum of 5 boats in each field (3 rounds).

Once the new timing system is in place:
•   Consider creation of a “super-eliminator” sportsman class, in which each participant “dials-in”, or “calls” the E.T. they intend to run.  This type of racing is quickly gaining in popularity because each participant has a chance to win, and it is really fun to participate in.  The sportsman racer would utilize this class as a “step up”, with the ability to run both the bracket and super-eliminator classes each race weekend. 
•   Ultimately, we could move to 1-second breaks in sportsman classes, and eliminate the half-second indexes. This could be implemented the following year, allowing all participants time to prepare.
•   In the event a pro category does not have sufficient participation (5 boats), the category could be moved into a “pro comp eliminator” or PCE category.
•   In addition, we could institute a “second chance” class for competitors eliminated during the first round of competition.  This would be “dial in” competition, as described above.
•   River Racer and Exhibition classes would remain as-is


These changes were mailed to NJBA members and are currently voting on them.

I will keep you in loop

Willis