Mic
This is 50% of the reason for the proposal. We need to find a way to get some of those "retired" boaters back to the pond as well as a good variety of motor choices for the new guys. It is still possible to win with a K&B. Just a note, I have tried every brand of 7.5 outboard on my SAW boat, and the K&B has been the fastest @ 74.99mph so far. I am working on a new boat. My goal is 100 mph. By the way, the majority over my records were set with stock motors . I have mixed and matched parts and the peformance gain was minimal.
I feel what Bob is doing is more to make it easier to keep some motors competing rather than having to buy the latest model complete. In all the Internats and "national" races I have been to in the last few years I have never seen a complete teardown or even bore & stroke measured. Florida pretty much by mutual agreement runs IMPBA rules in a Namba district. Eliminating chicken crap protests for things that only create hard feelings and spill over here, yet have no real bearing on a racing advantage is a plus in my mind. Post race inspections just are not a reality as the few who do all the work barely have time to add up scores and hand out awards now. A true "stock" class with no mandatory inspection at every event? Visual on carb & pipe makes it simple. The B/sport class is alive and well and not going to be affected with these changes.
We have run a 40 outboard can muffler class here in the SE for some time and many have tried various combinations of "high dollar" motors, yet the old K&B's are as fast as any. The can muffler is the restrictor and levels the field. Over the years I find paying attention to worn bearings all the way down to the PTO and proper head clearance beat most carved up motors that are not reliable. Whether your do it or pay to have it done, attention to detail, props and setup time win races.
We all want to "win" and some are just better at it than others. I'll quit the day we stop keeping score and hand out participation ribbons. Loosing happens to all but one and your choice is to "pout" or learn why and accept your limitations and do your homework. Or just have fun in the chase.
Mic