Dear IMPBA Members,
Damned if I say something here and damned if I don't, so here goes...
I have talked to both the tech guys over the past couple of days. I misunderstood what they told me at the race. I do remember stating that I didn't want to disqualify an engine if we weren't completely certain. I took my tech inspectors "questionable" ruling to mean there was a shadow of doubt as to whether there was a problem. It was never a question of whether the particular racer would "have his feeling hurt". I must take the blame for missing what they were trying to explain to me about there being a difference in the measurement from the top of the piston to the bottom (a relieved piston modification). I took it as them stating there were wear marks at the top of the piston. (NO EXCUSE..but I was very tired and not as clear headed as I needed to be.)
THE BLAME FOR THIS BAD CALL REST SOLELY ON MY SHOULDERS. The tech guys did their job!!!!!!
THE FIRST PLACE WINNER IN CRACKERBOX, RANDY RAPEDIUS, HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND DISQUALIFIED DUE TO AN ENGINE MODIFICATION. As we did not tech the other engines I am not awarding a first place in this class. I know this is unusual, but since it's too late to inspect the second place boat I don't see an alternative. I'm gonna lose someone's respect either way I go here.
I REFUSE TO GO SO FAR AS TO ACCUSE A RACER OF PURPOSEFULLY CHEATING ON A PUBLIC FORUM. That is going too far. The Crackerbox rules only changed this season after a trial rule. Let's give a member the benefit of the doubt here that he grabbed an engine from previous years and didn't think about relieved pistons which does not give any advantage, but simply keeps an engine from siezing. It is now however, illegal by today's rules of no modifications.
As far as the multitude of other allegations made on this forum... I requested that I be called to resolve this instead of there being a bunch of here say and allegations thrown around on this platform. AT NO TIME HAVE I RECEIVED THAT CALL FROM ANYONE to discuss this matter in order to resolve it. I let the Crackerbox winner know days ago that there was a problem with my call and we were looking into it. I have no problem listening to facts and addressing an issue, I simply felt this showed poor sportsmanship to call people out publicly. That is NOT "constructive criticism"...did I miss the part where solutions were offered to avoid these bad calls happening again and again? And especially when others jump in claiming to have facts that I am not aware of. It is bad for the hobby. It is difficult to get people to CD events and if they are going to be subject to comments such as "worst officiating at a race I've seen in a long time", I bet even fewer will step up to try. How is this any different from arguing a call or harassing a CD at an event? I don't feel it is. Perhaps we need to expand our already extensive (and outdated in many areas) rule book to include social media arguing as poor sportsmanship as I keep seeing it happen over and over. Civil discussions are one thing. Accusations, name calling and second guessing are another.
On another note. As you know the club race director and president resigned from the club 6 weeks before the race. In retrospect, I should have cancelled it, but I kept the race as scheduled, because I didn't want to disappoint the racers who had enthusiastically signed up. I knew I would have to man the CD tower but not as much as I did. I and others pretty much scratched our boats so you guys could run yours. The club did a great job on getting the site ready. Having a good time running our toy boats was my main concern. Most did have a good time and we got the race done. I apologize to the guys that did not enjoy the race for whatever reason.
I am resigning as the Gas Director.
Since the event is over for this year and I have something lined up for the future, this is a good time for me to step aside.
I have been running the Gas Nationals for the past 7 years and worked very hard to build this event up in order for the growing body of Gas modelers to have a platform for a National event as we were not welcome into the Internats. I had to beg clubs to take this on in the first few years and now I have clubs lined up for 2 years in advance. I do not want my involvement to be the reason the next one is not successful. I simply cannot be at an event and function as 3 individuals: the CD, the Gas Director, and the President. Kind of hard to get different opinions for a final decision if you are all the same person. That let's me know my plate is too full.
I will be happy to assist whoever steps up to take this position get things finalized for next season's event. As it takes all year to work on the next seasons event, I hope to see several volunteers sending their name and qualifications to:
[email protected] as soon as possible so the board can approve someone at the upcoming July 14 Annual Board Meeting in Rochester.