OPA Offshore Racing on TV this SUNDAY!

[Ron P]

VERSUS TO BROADCAST WORLD-CLASS OFFSHORE RACING SERIES
PRESENTED BY GEICO—A TAMPA DIGITAL PRODUCTION
Offshore Powerboat Association [OPA] Offshore Racing Series
airs during November and December 2010 on sports cable network

TAMPA, FL—November 11, 2010—Tampa Digital, a visual communications company, today announced that its production of the 2010 OPA Offshore Racing Series will be broadcast on consecutive Sundays during November 2010 and December 2010 on VERSUS. The racing series presented by GEICO will air at 4PM ET, November 14, and continue to run through December 19, 2010, on the sports cable network.

The 2010 OPA Offshore Racing Series broadcast schedule on VERSUS is as follows:
• 4PM ET, November 14: Ocean City, MD
• 4PM ET, November 21: Sunny Isles Beach, FL
• 4PM ET, November 28: St. Clair, MI
• 4PM ET, December 5: Atlantic City, NJ
• 4PM ET, December 12: Solomon Islands, MD [National Championships]
• 4PM ET, December 19: Orange Beach, AL [World Championships]

Tampa Digital shot the entire racing series in high definition and focused production efforts on the racing action, powerboat technology, high-end equipment, charismatic and colorful personalities of the racers, and clandestine drama associated with elite offshore competitions. Jim Kopcik of Tampa Digital served as broadcast producer for the OPA Offshore Racing Series.

“We are privileged by the strong distinction of producing a national broadcast showcasing probably one of the largest, most dangerous, and most powerful racing machines of all time,” Kopcik said.

Tampa Digital, Offshore Racing Series organizers such as OPA, and powerboat racers are highly grateful to John Haggin, team owner of the World Champion AMF/Miss GEICO Racing Team. Haggin, AMF and GEICO have worked tirelessly to help secure the future of the Offshore Racing Series by bringing the sport to national television.

Each Offshore Racing Series episode produced by Tampa Digital will ideally center around the on and off water contests as the world’s top powerboat racers battle for the coveted title of World Champion. The first episode will feature a complete overview of the sport and allow viewers to experience the first race from Ocean City, MD. The final episode culminates with the World Championships from Orange Beach, AL.

“We are excited about having continued providing VERSUS with an offshore racing television package that delivers an unrivaled television and bystander experience,” said Mike McKown, vice president, broadcast management.

For more information about the OPA Offshore Racing Series, please visit online: oparacingtour.com and amfoffshoreracing.com.

[AugiePensa]

Now we're gonna see some Movie Stars!

[Ron P]

ttt

[Phantom1]

Very well done. If you enjoyed the show, e-mail Versus and tell them so. I plan to.

feedback@versus.com

[rschap1]

It was AWESOME to see on TV!!!!!
GREAT job all around!

[redhotsommer]

It was nice seeing on TV...but would it kill them to announce what models of boats were racing and what power each had? Also...how fast were they going? And what defines each Class? I know most of these things, but to the average, everyday viewer happening across this on TV...these are questions I would most likely have... Otherwise, I liked it. I liked it a lot.

[poncho]

Liked it very much, made me want to have spring/summer back!!!!!!!

[Ron P]

Thanks, that's good input for next year. This season's shows are complete, other than Orange Beach.

I hear the next show from Sunny Isles Beach is even better!!!

[poncho]

Very well done. If you enjoyed the show, e-mail Versus and tell them so. I plan to.

feedback@versus.com

This is a good idea and if enough people do it--we can show them how many fans are in TV land!!!!!!

[appsyscons]

Ron,

When you all promised TV, I have to admit, based on a lifetime of involvement in the sport, and half a lifetime in a race boat, I was skeptical. I can not tell you how many times TV was "in the bag", "in the can", "ready to go" and we got no TV.

Well you all promised TV and DELVIERED TV!

I watched the first show, and I generally liked what I saw. The shots, shot composition, framing, post editing, and 'story line' looked and felt like some of the drag race stuff. It was good.

Frank Fasulo

[Ron P]

Thanks Frank. It's nice to make a promise and then actually deliver. But don't thank me or OPA. This home run belongs to Haggin/AMF/Geico. They made it happen for us.

Bravo Haggin!

[appsyscons]

Thanks Frank. It's nice to make a promise and then actually deliver. But don't thank me or OPA. This home run belongs to Haggin/AMF/Geico. They made it happen for us.

Bravo Haggin!

Yep!

Thats why I said "you all". Mr. Haggin is a true team player, and I know what he has done for OPA, and many of the teams.

[Donskihp]

Since Haggin is leaving, I guess this tv coverage of OPA is a 1 time shot this year?

[Ron P]

Since Haggin is leaving, I guess this tv coverage of OPA is a 1 time shot this year?

Not true... The TV deal is already in the works for 2011.

Haggin is going to spend more time with his first love - race horses.

Geico remains a sponsor of the Team AMF, Haggin just won't be at the helm anymore. Scotty B, Scott Colton and Big Gary will be calling the shots.

Basically, things remain the same for Miss Geico, they'll just have smaller parties.

[DriverofDonzi]

Thank you Mr Haggin for making this to happen! Thank you to OPA committee! :) :)

Chris

[Donskihp]

Thanks Ron, thats really good news! I cought the first showing last sunday, and look forward to the rest of the eposides. Don

[Ron P]

Don't miss the race from Sunny Isles Beach, FL this Sunday.

[Ron P]

Racing from St Clair today.

[Ron P]

This week is the race that didn't happen in Atlantic City NJ. It should be a recap show featuring more of the bracket class boats.

Hopefully they got a camera in a chopper for a few minutes to film the ocean. It was WILD.

[poncho]

Still worth watching even though it was more of recap episode! Looked rough from the heli shots. Still just a little comical that "offshore" boats didn't race because of the ocean conditions!!!! Logic does have me going that it wouldn't have been safe though................

[SVL66]

Still worth watching even though it was more of recap episode! Looked rough from the heli shots. Still just a little comical that "offshore" boats didn't race because of the ocean conditions!!!! Logic does have me going that it wouldn't have been safe though................

the waves were breaking a mile + offshore. plus any boats that broke down would probably not make it back into the inlet under tow. they would get swamped, and most likely sink.

i think most, if not all the teams were psyched for big big water.

[poncho]

the waves were breaking a mile + offshore. plus any boats that broke down would probably not make it back into the inlet under tow. they would get swamped, and most likely sink.

i think most, if not all the teams were psyhed for big big water.

It wouldn't have been safe to race--but still would be cool to see boats running in big big water!!!!

[Donskihp]

I was in Moorehead NC (SBI Crystal Coast Grand Prix) the same weekend. They also had rough conditions, but nowhere comparable to Atlantic City. Most of the boats running broke down because of bad conditions.

[Ryan Beckley]

???? We raced on the intercoastal in Morehead City, it was not rough at all????

[Donskihp]

I was under the impression that was the reason for all the break downs

[SVL66]

???? We raced on the intercoastal in Morehead City, it was not rough at all????

I'll bet if the race was in the ocean, it would have been cancelled as well. The seas down there were bigger than AC.

[poncho]

I forget who and exactly how they said it on the show, it was something like: "the offshore racer in me wants to go out" Than they said why AC was canceled for safety reason's...................... Overall the show has become my favorite hour of television! Its cool that this forum has a lot of people involved with racing--bet though us fans on here are but a hand full of whats is out in the world.

I've been thinking after watching Ice Road Truckers, that a reality show behind the scenes would be a good watch as well! I'm sure others have thought about this and hope someone who can do it, does!!!!!

[Whoz Your Daddy]

All I can say is I didnt pay a dime towards any of the TV time and have seen my fat head in 2 interviews and my boat on tv about 10 times. We dont have any real sponsers but I can imagine if I told a buisness they would be on TV for x amount of time for X amount of $$$ and it didnt happen I would be a little upset also. But over all I think the entire show on Versus is a plus for OPA and Offshore racing.

Mike O
531 WHOZ YOUR DADDY

[Big Time]

Missed it yesterday, but have it DVR'd. Gonna' catch up with it tonight.

[Dirty Pearl]

Who at Versus choose to put boat racing on after the T.O. show? I can't think of a weirder choice than that.

[38fountainSC]

Poncho I'm with you on the reality show. I think thats will be the only way to get none boaters or cruiser boaters to want to watch.

[tmitchell]

Caught the A.C. show. Although no racing still a good show. Looking forward to this Sunday.

[Ron P]

Don't forget to watch OPA Racing from Soloman's Island MD this Sunday at 4pm EST.

[WATCHUS]

I was there with two divers ready to go out when they canceled, I was concerned about engine trouble in the inlet and with a fountain and the following sea It could come right in over the transon. The divers were dispointed and wanted to go out and see but that never happened. We had a great weekend with a lot of great people and looking foward to next season.
Rich

[Ratickle]

I was there with two divers ready to go out when they canceled, I was concerned about engine trouble in the inlet and with a fountain and the following sea It could come right in over the transon. The divers were dispointed and wanted to go out and see but that never happened. We had a great weekend with a lot of great people and looking foward to next season.
Rich

It was a tad bit rough.......

Mikey and Teague went out in the CaveMan cig. Bob said it was "Raceable", but there was no way to tow a boat in that broke down. And the Coast Guard said there wass no way to assist a boat that would have had an issue inside where the waves were breaking in the shallower water.

In other words, an upside down boat with a canopy would almost have been left to fend for themselves if they went over within a half mile of shore or so.....

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2619.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2604.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2612.jpg

[endeavor1]

That guy in that Donzi is awesome. Good Shots

[northernoffshore]

All I can say is I didnt pay a dime towards any of the TV time and have seen my fat head in 2 interviews and my boat on tv about 10 times. We dont have any real sponsers but I can imagine if I told a buisness they would be on TV for x amount of time for X amount of $$$ and it didnt happen I would be a little upset also. But over all I think the entire show on Versus is a plus for OPA and Offshore racing.

Mike O
531 WHOZ YOUR DADDY

your boat looked good running.

[DrGaryDC]

What do I need to do to get air time with my apache and the sponsorship. It seems likes it's the same boats each week. Do I need to go out a buy a super cat or super vee to get coverage?

[skaterdave]

What do I need to do to get air time with my apache and the sponsorship. It seems likes it's the same boats each week. Do I need to go out a buy a super cat or super vee to get coverage?

yup, want did you think? class 5 gets coverage by default, since their the only class with more than a hand of of boats and actually have great racing.

[Pete B]

What do I need to do to get air time with my apache and the sponsorship. It seems likes it's the same boats each week. Do I need to go out a buy a super cat or super vee to get coverage?



Guess you didnt pay the Vig to Augie:rofl:

[sbracing]

As a boat owner in the bracket classes, I personally would not expect to get any coverage. I'm happy when we do, but I don't expect it.

The benefit to us bracket guys is the sponsors OPA can get to support the series, not individual teams. There are too many boats for the helicopter to
cover to guarantee coverage of everyone. And they have to show boat to boat racing to build some excitement. Nobody wants to watch a parade.

If OPA can bring in series sponsors based on the TV coverage we will all benefit.

Rich 611

[AugiePensa]

Guess you didnt pay the Vig to Augie:rofl:

No Pete, he didn't:leaving:

[Dirty Pearl]

The race from MD was by far the best one I 've seen yet. The mix of the smaller boats and the big boats was very good. I think they should show the best racing no matter which class it comes from. I understand they must show case the prime sponsors, but it was great to see some of the other classes get covered. I think Versus is on the right track now!

[DrGaryDC]

Ok, thanks for the info

[rschap1]

Whole family has been enjoying watching this with me on the weekends!
The build up of Wazz Up versus Strictly Business is beginning to get a bit "played"...
but not as bad as American Chopper or anything.
If it was the only one episode it wouldn't be bad. But with as many stories as could be told, the same one each week ...?
That is as fine a nit picking point as I can scrounge up.
Otherwise for myself, my wife, my near 12 year old son and my 2 and a 1/2 year old daughter to be entertained by one form of motorsports is an accomplishment. Daughter knows "race-boat" now. Son and wife have always liked the sport, but replacing Spongue BOB, Real Wives (or who knows what BS the wife watches), and MTV2's cribs (son), ...Gotta hand to you guys!!!!
I hope hope hope it keeps coming!!

[Whoz Your Daddy]

your boat looked good running.

Thanks

[Slandrew]

It was a tad bit rough.......

Mikey and Teague went out in the CaveMan cig. Bob said it was "Raceable", but there was no way to tow a boat in that broke down. And the Coast Guard said there wass no way to assist a boat that would have had an issue inside where the waves were breaking in the shallower water.

In other words, an upside down boat with a canopy would almost have been left to fend for themselves if they went over within a half mile of shore or so.....

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2619.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2604.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/Atlantic%20City%202010/IMG_2612.jpg:huh:He's missing a few screws in that picture and not on the Donzi:rofl:

[1waterboy1]

As a boat owner in the bracket classes, I personally would not expect to get any coverage. I'm happy when we do, but I don't expect it.

The benefit to us bracket guys is the sponsors OPA can get to support the series, not individual teams. There are too many boats for the helicopter to
cover to guarantee coverage of everyone. And they have to show boat to boat racing to build some excitement. Nobody wants to watch a parade.

If OPA can bring in series sponsors based on the TV coverage we will all benefit.

Rich 611

I agree with you Rich.Tampa Digital has done a nice job with the production of the shows, and I think that OPA really has something to offer companies interested in sponsoring the series.Thanks again to GEICO and OPA for putting this together.

[Ron P]

Today's show from Orange Beach was clearly the best show with all classes getting airtime.

Hope you all enjoyed the shows.

For next year, what time slot would you prefer? For me, 10pm on Sunday night would be great.

[p-f-e]

Yes they did a nice job but they need to cover all the classes more best show so far.
class 5 and 6 really got left out svl really got covered .
Im not complaining just making a point for the teams that use tv as a way to get sponsorship we would not look good to our sponsors.

In the lower p classes our racing was as good and as tight as the big guns .
Needs a little tweeking on a good point i recieved a lot phone calls that liked the show they just wanted to know how come we werent covered since they watched the live internet coverage when it was on.

[ApachePete]

Just watched the Orange Beach show.

What absolute CRAP coverage!

The announcers do not have a clue.

Very sad.

The lowest ever.

[AugiePensa]

Sorry you didn't enjoy it Pete, I guess we'll have to try harder next year.

[rschap1]

Whole family gather around to watch it again yesterday.
Imagine...
My 2 and a half year old daughter waking from a nap, sitting on Daddy's lap for an hour long program that wasn't animated characters (loosely speaking, and by definition only)
She picks up on little things the announcer say, and quotes the racers to her older brother.
"See Brody, set up for rougher water...." We all got some big smiles and really ENJOYED watching again.
Saw the "farewell" to John Haggin. Told my son that we will keep our fingers crossed that we get to watch next year.

Great job and THANKS to all involved for providing the awesome entertainment and show!!!!!!

[Dirty Pearl]

The Shows are getting better every week. Glad they came on after a mortorsport based show. I think the people at Versus are listening to the feedback and making some changes for the better.

[AugiePensa]

Whole family gather around to watch it again yesterday.
Imagine...
My 2 and a half year old daughter waking from a nap, sitting on Daddy's lap for an hour long program that wasn't animated characters (loosely speaking, and by definition only)
She picks up on little things the announcer say, and quotes the racers to her older brother.
"See Brody, set up for rougher water...." We all got some big smiles and really ENJOYED watching again.
Saw the "farewell" to John Haggin. Told my son that we will keep our fingers crossed that we get to watch next year.

Great job and THANKS to all involved for providing the awesome entertainment and show!!!!!!

Thank You, glad your Family enjoyed the show. We are working hard to bring Verses back to Offshore Powerboat Racing in 2011 for The OPA/JERSEY BOYZ SERIES. Again, Thank You for your comments. Augie

[38fountainSC]

First I want to say I like the show watch it every week, this week I really liked the ride around the course with the announcers. I think that helped the average guy get a feel for what it feels like to ride in our type of boats.

I would like to see more coverage of the smaller classes, the boats like the ones you and I have or could actually own and run, and more behind the scene of every team not just the same four every week. That is why nascar is so popular people can relate the race cars to ones that are acually sitting in there driveway. Not many none go fast boaters let alone none boaters can relate to what there watching so they'll get bored and turn the channel. For sake of keeping it on the air and getting more sponsors involved. you have to get more viewers then us hard core guys. More ratings will eventually bring more sponsors that want to get involved. Reality t.v. is big right now. Look at Jerseyshores dumb show but everyone in America knows who those people are and they do nothing more then get drunk and fight every show. Same with Pawn stars, and Pickers.

[Donskihp]

I enjoyed watching all of the aired races. I hope next years races will be aired as planned. Airing times really don't make much difference to me because I DVR the shows.