Racing Returns to the Lake of the Ozarks
Racing Returns to the Lake of the OzarksAfter a couple of year’s hiatus, the roar of Offshore Powerboats will return to this central Missouri Boating Mecca June 7 – 9, 2013. Lake of the Ozarks will host “Lake Race 2013” and will be the place to be to see some of the biggest and fastest race boats in the country. This invitational event will be open to all race teams from all organizations and will also feature some local talent. Several of the lake regulars are expected to compete in various ProAM classes. The location of the course has been moved to the waters of mile markers 00 to 03. “Lake Race will be a great opportunity for racers from all over to experience the best of Lake of the Ozarks. The chosen course will require skill and allow spectators unprecedented viewing opportunities. I am proud to be a part of this great event." said Dave Scott, Honorary Race Chairman and Champion Racer.
The Bagnell Dam Strip Association (BDSA), a not for profit organization is the organizing entity for this charitable event, and Beavers at the Dam Bar & Grill is the host facility-located on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip at the 0mm. You will find amazing views of the entire race area from several points around the lake including from the road on top of the dam. MODOT is scheduled to close the roadway to vehicle traffic so that spectators can have a great view the races. Lake Race Co Chairman, Michael Shepherd said, “On behalf of the Lake Race steering committee, we are extremely proud to welcome OSS back to Lake of the Ozarks. This unique powerboat racing event will be the most spectator-friendly event the lake has ever seen. With racer safety as our priority, the friendly hospitality of Lake of the Ozarks residents and businesses will welcome visitors from all over to our beautiful venue to watch some of the most powerful and fast racing in the U.S. See you at the Finish Line.”
The public is welcome to see firsthand and up close, the power and excitement of these magnificent boats. The Race Pits will be on the docks at Beavers, the Racer Village and Vendor Village will be located on the Bagnell Dam Strip. The entire strip area will be electrified with excitement for race weekend and we invite you to join in the fun. For more information please visit www.lakerace.com
Remembering Jimmy Welsh
On December 23rd Jimmy Welsh left us to spend Christmas in heaven. He was most certainly warmly received by many fellow racing friends gone before him. Jimmy was a joy to everyone. He loved people, he loved life and he loved boat racing.
Born 73 years ago in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Jimmy fell in love with offshore racing, never missing the week-long Jersey Shore event featuring so many legends of the late 1970’s like Betty Cook and Benihana’s Rocky Aoki.
Best friend to Randy ‘Mad Dog’ Schleuss, Jimmy joined the Typhoon team in 1998, vowing to do “whatever you guys need me to do”. Following the initial shock of the list the guys needed done, Jimmy stepped up and never let his team down. In Randy’s opinion, Jimmy set the bar on the definition of a great friend. He will never forget the best friend he loved so much.
Jimmy hauled the Typhoon rig to Lake Havasu, to Canada, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Texas, Florida and anywhere else the boat needed to be. He was the constant in the team and the reason Team Typhoon was able to continue in the sport. Jim lived in the motor home at the races as well as while traveling to them, never asking for a hotel room. He always thought of others before himself and just plain loved people.
In 14 years Team Typhoon was blessed with over 200 starts in offshore racing. Jimmy only missed two of those races. Donning his signature skirt, Jimmy regularly appeared on stage to collect his team’s trophies, earning his affectionate nickname and becoming known throughout the offshore racing community as ‘Trophy Bitch’.
Jimmy was loyal, trustworthy, honest and faithful. He was kind, thoughtful, happy, fun-loving and sincere. There is no end to the positive adjectives that can describe Jimmy. There is no end to the lives he touched, the friends he had and the memories he made.
He rarely spoke ill of others, yet often was too hard on himself. He was selfless, tireless and dedicated in everything he did and everyone he helped with anything… which was many people and constantly. He was always very good about watching out for the ladies. He also made sure that if any of them wanted to dance, they got a dance.
Jimmy is dancing with angels now and spreading the love he shared with us. Godspeed, dear friend. Oh, and please put in a good word for Randy. (Typhoon Video at Cumberland, Dedicated to Jimmy)
OSS Names New Medical and Safety Director
The Offshore Super Series (OSS) announces that Samuel Jackson of Orange Beach AL. will be the series new Safety and Medical Director. Mr. Jackson accepted the position replacing the former Director, David DiPetrillo. DiPetrillo had been with the series since was it formed and served in the Director position since 2005. “We would like to thank David for his dedication and professionalism to OSS and the sport. We wish him all the best in the future.” said OSS Board Chairman, Mike Mares.
Jackson, who first joined OSS in 2004, has a long history of providing medical and rescue services in the sport of offshore racing and has served as Medical/Safety Director for the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association’s Race, “Thunder on the Gulf”. He currently works for the City of Orange Beach Fire and Rescue Department, is a certified rescue diver and has been a Nationally Certified and Licensed Paramedic for over 20 years. “After taking a couple of seasons off,” Jackson said, “I’m honored and glad to be back with OSS. I have a renewed passion and I’m looking forward to a long and safe future.”
Over the off season Jackson, the OSS Board and Executive Management will review all current OSS and APBA (American Power Boat Association) safety rules and procedures, making recommendations to the APBA Offshore Commission insuring they are up to date with the sport’s present requirements as we go forward. John Brunner, OSS Director of Operations stated, “On behalf of the OSS Board of Directors and Staff, we are pleased to welcome Sam back into the OSS family and look forward to working with him.”
OSS Results for the Crystal Coast Grand Prix
The Offshore Super Series (OSS)races with Powerboat P1 USA, under the sanction of the American Power Boat Association (APBA), at the September 14 – 16, 2012 Morehead City North Carolina event.
This was the 7th year for the Crystal Coast Grand Prix (CCGP) that is held in the Old Town Waterfront District of the port town of Morehead City. Race Village will be located just south of US Highway 70 at 6th Street. Fans can view the races from either Jack’s Waterfront Bar or at a special VIP viewing area setup on the property of the Port of Morehead City.
As in previous years, both Friday and Saturday nights featured a Sponsor / Racer Appreciation Dinner with complimentary food and beverage each evening. These meet and greet events was held at Jack’s Waterfront Bar on Evans St.
Returning again this year, the Crystal Coast Car and Bike show was on Saturday; the 15th showcasing some the best classic cars, hotrods and custom bikes in the area.
OSS JOEY GRATTON LEGENDS AWARD
On behalf of the Offshore Super Series and in memory of it's long time member and friend, Joey Gratton, the Joey Gratton Legends Award has been established in his honor. Each year OSS will present this award to a member of the offshore racing community past or present, who has given of themselves or by their accomplishments to the sport of offshore racing. The 2012 award will be presented to the Gratton Family and this award will be presented at the last race of the season. Future recipients will be voted on by the Gratton family and the OSS Board of Directors.
SMOKIN' THE SOUND THRILLS FANS AT THE OFFSHORE SUPER SERIES HOMETOWN RACES!
Smokin' the Sound (STS) Race Producers Woody Bailey, Rusty David and Asher Travis welcomed the Offshore Super Series (OSS) and other American Power Boat Association (APBA) teams back home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for an incredible weekend of APBA sanctioned racing with friends and families. The weather was perfect for setting up the three race courses that challenged contenders to go for the win. The Powerboat P1 USA (P1) heats started on Saturday, April 28 and wrapped up on Sunday with a total of four heats. OSS/APBA Chief Starter Jim Koert and course set up crews spent the early morning hours making sure the P1, OSS and Kilo Run courses were dialed in for safe and competitive racing. Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and APBA Time Trial Representative, Fred Hauenstein coordinated the officially sanctioned Kilo Run. The results are being confirmed and will be released soon. There were possibly seven new world records achieved during the Kilos.
ABPA Executive Director Dan Wiener and Communications Director Ryan Berlin were on site to greet the crews. Wiener said, "The weekend went off without a hitch. The event was run professionally and safely with the fans in Biloxi getting two great days of racing. The APBA is looking forward to more successful races like STS and other locations on the Gulf Coast".
It was a tight schedule with testing, P1 racing and the Kilo Run on Saturday. Blue skies greeted fans as the races started on Sunday. The hotels, casinos, restaurants and other area businesses saw the positive economic impact that this incredible event brings to the area.
The coveted Annual Randy Linebach Lighthouse Award for team sportsmanship was presented by "Forever 24" family members to Kyler Talbot of Talbot Excavating at the Sunday awards ceremony.
OSS/APBA Chief Referee Mike Tomlinson has released the results:
PX: Jack's: Jeff McCann and Jason Morton
Pro AM 4:
1st: Simmon's Racing, Gene Palumbo and Kyle Dietzen
2nd: Dare Devil Racing; Scott Rutherford and Graham Howes
3rd: Team Unleashed: Shannon Simon and Vincent Simon
Pro AM 5:
Pier 57; Eric Treadwell and Jason Rosech
Super Vee Lite:
1st Pirate Racing; David and Travis Denham
2nd: Buccaneer Pawn; William Ros and Larry Fontecha
3rd: Typhoon Racing; Randy Schleuss and Louis Giancontieri
Cat Lite:
1st Stihl; Robert Noble Jr. and Grant Bruggermann
2nd: Peppers; George and Michael Stancombe
Super Stock:
1st DuceRods.com; Rob Numzieto and Dan Lawrence
2nd: Talbot Excavating; Kyler Talbot and Jay Muller
3rd: Mary Mahoney-Fluid Sealing Products.com; Ryan Beckley and Ryan Slater
P1;
1st Livorsi,
2nd Pier 57
3rd MYCO
Click Here to Download the Full Results PDF
Smokin’ $50,000.00 Purse and Tow Incentives
Smokin’ the Sound (STS) Race Producer, Woody Bailey, announced that STS 2012 will feature a $50,000.00 purse and will offer a tow incentive of $1,000.00 to each of the first thirty teams that sign up for OSS / APBA National Class Races. “This makes the purse twenty five percent higher than the last couple of years and the tow monies come just in time to make it easier for more boats to come to
2012 Smokin the Sound
The Offshore Super Series (OSS) will kick off its season in Biloxi MS. onthe weekend of April 27-29, 2012. Smokin’ the Sound (STS) is the first announced race on the OSS 2012 schedule. This year, the STS Race Producers are looking into hosting an American Power Boat Association (APBA)) sanctioned Kilo Run. This would be the first Offshore Division Certified Kilo in almost a decade. The APBA is recognized by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the international governing body of power boating, making winners eligible to hold a true world record in their class if they break the current class speed. The Kilo would be open to any and all offshore teams that wish to compete.
The STS Poker Run will also return this year with some new additions. Currently, the Race Producers are hoping to be able to open up the Kilo Run to the poker runners. All that complete the run would get an APBA Certificate of Speed. Details are still in the planning stage and will be announced later in the year.
The OSS Board of Directors will be addressing the 2012 fee structure and any possible rule changes in the next couple of weeks. Also the rest of the 2012 season will be forthcoming soon. Please stay tuned, any changes or news
OSS to Dedicate 2012 Season to the Memory of Joey Gratton
Join Our Energy this Year - 2012 Race with Spirit – OSS
It is with honor the Offshore Super Series (OSS) National Staff and Board of Directors announce the dedication of their 2012 season to the memory of founding member, champion racer and friend, Joey Gratton. Joey was taken from us after a racing accident this past November in Key West.
In a unanimous decision, up to $1,000.00 from each of the race site proceeds will be donated to the memorial fund that has been established in Joey's name. The Joey Gratton Foundation was formed tohelp provide the opportunity and the means by which children can actively participate in an organized sport that values personal integrity, team and leadership skills, in a fun and healthy learning environment.
This is accomplished through donations of equipment and scholarships. Joey Gratton loved kids and loved sports, so what better way to celebrate his life than to create a foundation that links the two together. The Joey Gratton Foundation will focus on creating opportunity for those who may not have the chance. In a statement Priscilla Gratton, Joey’s wife said, “I must say this is a beautiful gesture to Joey. Brock, Blake and I are extremely proud and thankful for this honor to Joey. He is proud!”
For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.JoeyGratton.com.
Joey Gratton
It is with a heavy heart that I come to you today with the news that we have lost another friend and 
family member. Joey Gratton passed away shortly after 1:00 AM November 11, 2011 after the crash yesterday in Key West. Steve Page is still in the hospital recovering from injuries and was kept last night for observation.
Our condolences and sympathy goes out to Pricilla ,Blake & Brock and to the whole Page Racing Team. We wish Steve a speedy recovery and a healing heart to all of us that lost a loved family member.
Mike Mares
OSS
Tragic Loss In Key West
Veteran racer and owner of Big Thunder Marine boat, Robert (Bob) Morgan and his driver Jeffery (JT) Tillman lost their lives today after a violent accident at the SBI Key West Worlds. Their boat was coming into the harbor turn when the bow started to raise and flipped over landing upside down.
The OSS Board Chairman issued the following statement, "On behalf of the Teams, National Staff and Board of Directors of the Offshore Super Series, we would like to send our condolences to the families and crew of the Big Thunder Team, who lost Bob Morgan and Jeffery Tillman today in Key West. Both men will be missed and were true gentlemen and legends in the offshore fraternity. On a personal note, Bob's passing greatly distresses myself, Ruth, Dennis, Monica, Charlie and Leah as we raced with my brother-in-law, Randy Linebach, Bob and his wife Sue for 3 years under the Airborne/Big Thunder colors. Bob and Jeff will truly be missed."
Offshore Super Series
Forever 24 and Forever 100
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