OSS NEWS
OSS ANNOUNCES RULE MODIFICATION FOR 2012
The Board of Directors has approved the following rule changes for the 2012 season. These have been sent to APBA also and we are recommending that they adopt these changes also. This will be discussed and confirmed during the APBA Meeting later this month in Chicago.
Super Cat Lite - Page 105
New Rule:
13. Approved Drive Ratio - Super Cat Lites using the Mercury Racing Dry Sump SSM VI drives shall be allowed to use any standard or split gear ratio offered by Mercury Racing specifically manufactured for the Dry Sump SSM VI as long as the final drive ratio does not exceed 1.69:1.
Super Vee Lite is still trying to come up with changes to class tech rules. As of this date, no solid draft has been presented. I am positive changes will be forthcoming as Randy Schleuss and Jim Simmons are working very hard to come up with something a majority of the SVL owners can agree on.
OSS OFFSHORE EVENT SAFETY RULES
Changes are noted in Red: Reason is Obvious
RULE 2 - REQUIRED SAFETY FACILITIES
A. In General –It shall be the Race Producer’s responsibility to perform all safety functions and secure all necessary safety facilities in accordance with these rules and the Sanction Agreement.
B. Requirements - Each Race Producer shall be required to provide the following:
1. Safety Check-off Sheet - Complete and return the APBA Offshore Pre-Race Safety Check-off Sheet to the Chair of the APBA ORC 30 days prior to the event.
2. Required Personnel -
a. Race Medical Director – An emergency medical technician (EMT), or local equivalent, shall serve as the Race Medical Director. (Note: This is a minimum standard.)
b. Emergency Rescue Personnel - A minimum of 8 (eight) certified underwater dive/rescue personnel, experienced and trained in extrication of competitors from race boats, appropriately equipped for course placement at the direction of the event chief referee.
c. Emergency Medical Personnel - A minimum of six (6) EMT’s and/or RN’s and/or Paramedics assigned for the Pre-Race Morning Physicals. All personnel are required to report to the posted location 30 minutes prior to the posted time of the physicals.
3. Required Facilities -
a. Ambulances - A minimum of (2) properly staffed and equipped State Licensed Advanced Life Support (A.L.S.) ambulances for transporting injured APBA racers/crew to a designated hospital/trauma center. The exact number of ALS ambulances to be determined by the Medical and Safety Director in concert with the local race physician and local EMS.
b. Helicopters – A minimum of one (1) helicopter for Medical Rescue shall be required at all APBA sanctioned offshore races with race courses of 6 statute miles or less. Two (2) helicopters shall be required for courses in excess of 6 statute miles. Helicopter(s) is/are to be staffed by the Medical and Safety Director or his appointee and two (2) properly equipped and experienced paramedic rescue divers experienced in helicopter jumps/rescue. Note: Helicopters are for APBA official use only and may not be used for any type of media, photography or VIP rides.
b. Medical Rescue Boats - A minimum of six (6) Medical/Rescue boats on the racecourse at all times or more if conditions warrant as determined by the Medical and Safety Director, 4 of which are A.L.S. equipped and staffed . The true number of Medical Rescue Boats required at each race site shall be determined by drawing thirty (30) second response circles on the course map. No segment of the course shall be more that 30 seconds away by medical and rescue boat. Final approval shall be determined by the Chief Medical and Safety Director. Two thirds (2/3) of the required number of medical rescue boats must be ALS staffed and equipped.
c. Patrol and Tow Boats – A minimum of ten (10) Patrol and Tow boats on the racecourse at all times or more if conditions warrant as determined by the APBA Offshore Chief Medical and Safety Director.
NEW OSS BOARD MEMBER
The Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS) is proud to announce the newest board member, Jim Simmons, owner and operator of Simmons Marine and www.SimmonsRacing.com. and also the recipient in 2011 of the Randy Linebach Lighthouse award. Jim has been involved with offshore racing since the mid-90's and has been a team and equipment owner since 2003. This year Jim campaigned a second offshore boat and he now trailers and races both boats. He has several national and world championships, with the top honor of being a trifecta winner in 2010.
The OSS Board Of Directors would like to thank motorsports leader Bill Reitenour for his time and contributions while serving for the crews. Board chairman Mike Mares said, "We feel that Jim will be a positive asset as he brings his experience as both an owner and racer to help the organization move forward. OSS has always been known as the safest offshore group to be affiliated with and we will continue with that mission."
Jim stated "I am looking forward to working with OSS. I would like to get more teams involved with our association and work with other offshore organizations to make the boat count larger while limiting the amount of classes. We should work towards making this an affordable sport and get more outside involvement from sponsorships. As a person involved with other associations I am hoping to encourage other racers to ask questions, make suggestions, and become more active with OSS APBA National and international associations.
Randy Linebach Lighthouse Award Presented This Year to Jim Simmons
June 9, 2011, The annual prestigious Randy Linebach Lighthouse award was presented this year to Jim Simmons of Simmons Racing. The recipient of this perpetual sportsmanship award is selected by vote of the OSS membership for the racer in any class demonstrating exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The award is given each year by the Smokin' The Sound Race Producers and presented by the members of Team Airborne who are currently on the OSS staff.
Simmons said " It was quite a surprise and I had no words for this incredible honor; I am still speechless and will always continue to work with the offshore spirit. I plan to represent the award and work with my peers to help each other. I also believe in what OSS, APBA and P1 are working on for the future of performance racing."
Smokin' the Sound 2011
It was a perfect day for racing; the race producers prayer for decent weather was more than answered. Fans gathered from far and wide, joining the loyal local fans anxious to get the race season started. The city shoreline was alive with roaring engines on the water. This was the first race under the united APBA/OSS banner, bringing some of the best OSS offshore powerboat racers "home" to Biloxi to kick off the 2011 season. While economy
woes prevented some regular teams from getting to the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, our dedicated racers put on a spectacular show of speed and thrills. From the beaches to the casinos fans got an added bonus as each team interviewed with announcer, Martin Sanborne throughout Sunday's race day.
Read More Smokin the Sound 2011 Race Weekend Recap, Pictures and Results!
Offshore Super Series to join American Power Boat Association
The Offshore Super Series (OSS) said today that it has joined the Offshore Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA). Michael E. “Mike” Mares, OSS Board Chairman said, “We are proud to announce our membership with APBA. This new association will take our organization to a new level of credibility and will offer us greater opportunities. We will remain as
Smokin' the Sound 2011March 3, 2011After a winter of severe weather, record breaking snow falls and freezing temperatures, it's time to get ready for boat racing! Time to start thinking about the warm, sun kissed beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the start of the 2011 Offshore Super Series (OSS) season. As in past years "Smokin' the Sound" (STS) May 12 - 15, will once again kick off this year's racing schedule. This Biloxi event has become a favorite site for racers and fans alike. Featuring boat racing by day and casino action nightlife, this event draws an international attendance. "Our staff has been working on this year's event since the teams left last May. We have a lot of exciting activities planned to keep everyone entertained and our welcome mat will definitely be out." said STS' Executive Director, Woody Bailey. "In addition to the races, we brought back our poker run last year. This year, with the help of Stu Jones and the Florida Powerboat Club, we hope this will become a premier event on the poker run circuit." Bailey continued.Teams are encouraged to be in town by Thursday evening in order to attend the STS' Sponsor Appreciation Party hosted by the Beau Rivage. Other evening events are planned at the Hard Rock, the Imperial Palace (IP) and the Isle of Capri. Racing will be featured on both Saturday and Sunday. A complete schedule of events will be released in the near future. This year will see OSS, Powerboats P1 USA (P1) and Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (POPRA) all racing together under the sanction of the Offshore Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA). Martin Sanborn, North American Director for P1, said "We are thrilled to be a part of "Smokin' the Sound in Biloxi as we build Powerboat P1 racing in North America. The debut event for the new Super Stock series represents an opportunity to focus on the ground up approach to the sport. We anticipate having a number of the new boats making the start, as well as on display in the race village." |
OSS WRAPS UP 2010 IN CLEARWATER
The Offshore Super Series (OSS) wrapped up the 2010 season with their National Championship Races in
The harder fought battles were in the OSS Cat Lite, OSS Cat Outboard, OSS Vee Lite and OSS Super Vee Unlimited Classes. OSS Cat Lite teams Amsoil and Popeyes raced deck to deck swapping first place wins all season. Although Amsoil was the victor in
In OSS Cat Outboard, the battle started in
OSS Vee Lites, the largest class for 2010, saw hard action and a lot of "smack talk" throughout the year, but when the wakes settled down it would be Pirate Racing taking home the National title over the new entry Watch Your Back and Sunprint Management.
OSS Super Vee Unlimited saw Voo Doo Ride / Global Warmer and Team Instigator, two Fountains, duke it out as the season went on with Voo Doo Ride / Global Warmer clinching the win in Clearwater and the National Title by a mere 10 points. In OSS Pro Am 1 Voo Doo Ride / Global Warmer and in OSS Pro Am 4 Simmons Racing both secured their National Championships.
2010
OSS
OSS Adds New Pro Cat Class and Updated ProAM Rules
Indianapolis, Indiana 3/20/2010 - The Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS) announced today the formation of a new Pro Cat Class (OSSPC). read more...
Joint Racing with OSS and SBI
Super Boats International (SBI), Offshore Super Series (OSS) Combine Upcoming Race Venues In 2010
Following recent negotiations with Super Boats International (SBI), Offshore Super Series (OSS) is pleased to announce an agreement to combine some of each of their upcoming race venues for an exciting 2010 season. SBI will join OSS in Biloxi, MS. May 20-23, 2010 for Smokin' the Sound. John Carbonell of SBI said, "This will be a SBI point’s race for our members". Furthermore, OSS will be joining SBI at the following race events ... Read More ...
