Got an old 550 hull taking up space in the garage and you're thinking about taking it to the dumps? You might want to re-think that plan...
Thanks to the suggestion of FAST Stand racer Robby Myer, a few other "old school guys" and my watching way too many episodes of "pinks all out" on the speed channel - here comes an idea that will either work, or not work, but at least we'll be able to say we gave it a shot.
The DJSA "550's All Out open exhibition class"
The only common denominator is the ski must be an original 550 hull and pump. Everything else - is fair game. I've been told that 550's are extremely difficult to ride, or at least ride well, so it will be interesting to see just how creative people get.
If the ski clinic drops a 350 chevy into the hull and makes it fit - cool.
If Ian Roberts crams an 1100 into the hull - sweet.
If Matt Saale drops his snowmobile engine into the hull - stand back.
and If someone comes out with an old school stock or modified 550 and rips it - so be it... Its
your money on the line.
Oh did somebody say money?
This is how the game will play out depending on interest.
If you are a djsa series racer running a regular class, there will be no "entry fee" for the 550 all out open x class, however the "buy in" to be on the line will be $40 (don't get all bent - it's 100 percent payback to you guys!)
The startline will be expanded up to 15 skis for this class only.
If 15 racers enter - $600 will be sitting in the can one of the scorekeepers will be holding. (or guarding)
3 heat format.
Heat 1-15 skis start.
the last 3 skis across the line are eliminated and placed on stand-by.
The remaining 12 guys on the line add a minimum of $5 each to the can, but if everyone decides on more so be it (but what one person does, everyone has to do.) Lets say the 12 guys on the line each add $10 to the can. Nicole is now holding a can with $720 in it.
Heat 2 - 12 skis start
the last 3 skis across the line are eliminated and placed on stand-by.
The remaining 9 guys on the line add a minimum of $5 each to the can but in this example, lets say everyone in this group is feeling pretty good about their ski and they each throw in a $20 bill making the pot $900 !!!
Heat 3 - 9 skis start.
1st place $450 (at 50 percent)
2nd place $270 (at 30 percent)
3rd place $180 (at 20 percent)
Moto style scoring will not be used for the x-class.
The key will be making it through the rounds to race 3 for the $$$.
DJSA race rules will be in effect at all times.
(one ski length safe zone)
(100 ft yield rule)
If a ski in race 2 or 3 is unable to start - one of the previously eliminated standby skis 1 will be given the invite to take a place on the startline.
Non djsa series racers running only the exhibition class will be asked to pay a $25 entry fee in addition to the "buy in" and complete a liability waiver as if running any djsa race event.
Skis must be a 550 hull and pump with no structural modifications
Any other mods are unlimited
Skis must be safe and seaworthy
Skis in the 550 class MUST HAVE a safety lanyard and kill switch
X-class skis will be subject to tech inspection
The only other thing we'll ask - is that you race it ALL OUT!
If interest in this takes off, we will work on getting those rider based "cash cans" supplemented by sponsored interest and contributions.
Last year we ran freestyle competition inbetween regular rounds of racing.
Some days the interest was there, some days it wasn't.
As it stands right now, this year we will be running an 11 race series.
Again, based on interest, it is my plan to run the 550's all out open exhibition class on odd number race days and open freestyle competition on even numbered race days.
race 1 -550 x
race 2 -freestyle
race 3 -550 x
race 4- freestyle
and so on...
We had talked about 1st overall taking the entire pot, and such things as the old school "claim rule" where someone could claim any ski on the line for a pre-determined amount of cash, but to keep things simple and fair (at least while seeing how much interest there will be) we'll go with the format described above - and spread the luv amongst the top 3 of each race.
Some of the guys who brainstormed this idea have built up 2 or 3 skis that are ready to go. I have no problem with guys having 550's on display for sale at any of our races - all I ask is that you let me know in advance.
Personally? I think this idea has excellent potential to be a serious attraction at our point series races and there will definately not be any shortage of fun with this class! When I was at the WF hall of fame ceremony I spent a lot of time looking at all those pictures from the 90's of all those trick painted 550's on the beach. There were hundreds of them!
What do you say old school standup people... any takers???
Let me know if you're interested.
jim
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