Well the nice thing about the mod class is they welcome you to run your stock boat with the mods. This does not mean the boats are of equal abilities. Like most racers, I’ve won a few and lost a few more. I too have placed in the top three…in a few nationals and world championships with a stock boat in a few mod classes. Over the years, when I have been beaten in a class, my solution for the next race isn’t “maybe my stock boat will get them next time” it sounds more like “where can get a Nova Rossi with a Cooper pipe, can we spike that Otto hot and to hell with how long the motor lives”.
For those of you reading here to get accurate information that might make them a better racer, please understand that in a group of good competition, well running mod (tune pipes) set ups are usually going to mop the floor with the best stock boats (can mufflers). I do like the idea of having a stock (can muffler set up) class and a separate mod class where you can run your tune pipe or can muffler. A can muffler (stock) class gives the average or beginning racer a better chance at being competitive. It also allows one to focus on the most important thing in racing, “propeller, propeller, propeller” as quoted by Grim Racer. Looking at 40 stock/Outlaw, the speed difference between the fastest to the slowest boat is much closer, and as state before, much more reliable when it counts at the race. For instance, my Outlaw boat has an extremely broad needle (Can Nelson) while my mod 40 (Pipe Nelson) has a very critical needle and set up. Mod 40 (pipe motors) are faster than a can muffler motor, but it is so much more critical to have the correct pipe length, propeller and needle setting. Having a stock/Outlaw/can muffler (call it what you will) would give the average or beginning racer a much better chance at being competitive with a chance at winning. It is more likely to finish the race. If you look at gas and electric, there is a reason why the classes are growing and it isn’t because of the cost, it’s the fact that the boat is a ready to run at the point of purchase. A beginning racer, new to the hobby can buy the right boat, motor and propeller (many options and combinations), sign up for the next race and run. He or she can purchase competitive, race-ready set-up to go out and play with the best just from purchasing the right equipment. On the other hand, a beginning racer in Nitro usually does not have the luxury of purchasing race-ready or the best equipment and then going to a race where he or she can be competitive. The OS has really helped establish the 21 class because the average, beginning racer can buy a motor, a few boat options, and have a set-up that works and can be raced. The 40 tunnel could have easily been a better class for the beginning racer with a can muffler. The 20 stock class is great, however, the boats are little. Having a 40 stock class would allow for bigger boats with the ability to get through rougher water. Personally, I think having a stock and mod class would grow the class as a whole. The key to nitro’s survival is having classes that the average beginner getting in to the hobby can easily race in. This means the access to the right equipment with easy set up and race ready.
Jay H
For those of you reading here to get accurate information that might make them a better racer, please understand that in a group of good competition, well running mod (tune pipes) set ups are usually going to mop the floor with the best stock boats (can mufflers). I do like the idea of having a stock (can muffler set up) class and a separate mod class where you can run your tune pipe or can muffler. A can muffler (stock) class gives the average or beginning racer a better chance at being competitive. It also allows one to focus on the most important thing in racing, “propeller, propeller, propeller” as quoted by Grim Racer. Looking at 40 stock/Outlaw, the speed difference between the fastest to the slowest boat is much closer, and as state before, much more reliable when it counts at the race. For instance, my Outlaw boat has an extremely broad needle (Can Nelson) while my mod 40 (Pipe Nelson) has a very critical needle and set up. Mod 40 (pipe motors) are faster than a can muffler motor, but it is so much more critical to have the correct pipe length, propeller and needle setting. Having a stock/Outlaw/can muffler (call it what you will) would give the average or beginning racer a much better chance at being competitive with a chance at winning. It is more likely to finish the race. If you look at gas and electric, there is a reason why the classes are growing and it isn’t because of the cost, it’s the fact that the boat is a ready to run at the point of purchase. A beginning racer, new to the hobby can buy the right boat, motor and propeller (many options and combinations), sign up for the next race and run. He or she can purchase competitive, race-ready set-up to go out and play with the best just from purchasing the right equipment. On the other hand, a beginning racer in Nitro usually does not have the luxury of purchasing race-ready or the best equipment and then going to a race where he or she can be competitive. The OS has really helped establish the 21 class because the average, beginning racer can buy a motor, a few boat options, and have a set-up that works and can be raced. The 40 tunnel could have easily been a better class for the beginning racer with a can muffler. The 20 stock class is great, however, the boats are little. Having a 40 stock class would allow for bigger boats with the ability to get through rougher water. Personally, I think having a stock and mod class would grow the class as a whole. The key to nitro’s survival is having classes that the average beginner getting in to the hobby can easily race in. This means the access to the right equipment with easy set up and race ready.
Jay H
