APBA Kilo Records Biloxi 2012

[Ratickle]

The Saturday Kilo records were a little disappointing at the outset due to the #4 engine on Phenomenon being burned up, so they couldn't take a run at the overall speed record for a propellor driven boat.

But, once they got under way, the other guys really put on a contest in some of the classes. Seven tentative records were set that day. Incredible to be there and be rooting for them to be bumped up. One of the obvious things, how close the boats were in the classes.

[Ratickle]

For P1 Panthers, no record had ever been set. They went out and pushed it hard, the record is now 66.286 set by Livorsi.

The Livorsi boat was the cream in Biloxi for the Panthers. Not only did it set the Kilo record, it won the shoot out for the pole position, and then proceeded to win all 4 heats.

[Ratickle]

In P5, the only boat to run the record was the Pier 57 Panther. It set the P5 record at 65.516. I'm guessing some of the other P5 boats wish they had come....

[Ratickle]

In P4, Simmons boat went out to try and set the record with Gene and Jim. Interestingly enough, the P class records are really tight on the rules. You are recorded on a two way average as to the record speed but, just like in the race, you cannot break out at anytime during the runs either.

They set the record at 83.925 on an 85 mph max. They tried a couple more times to up it, but could not...

[Ratickle]

In SVL, Bucanneer Pawn went out first and went a two-way average at, I believe 90.2 one direction and 93.4, or something close to that, the other way for something like a new record of 91.8 or so.

[Ratickle]

So, after they set the record, Pirate went out after it in earnest. It took them a few attempts, but on the last run they did it. They set the new record at 91.850 I believe.

[Ratickle]

In Super STock Outboard, Ryan started and went out, but broke a reed so was through for the day.

Kyler went out in his Talbot Excavating boat and ran a few times, he set the record at 105.763.

[Ratickle]

Jacks went after the Kilo Record in SPX. The boat really looked good, and seemed to run really well. The record set is 123.131.

[Ratickle]

Cat Lite was quite the battle. Stihl and Peppers were within about 1 mph the entire time. When it was over, the Cat Lite record is now 124.964 set by Stihl. I think Peppers was about 1/2mph slower. Mike was just a tad bit frustrated, he really wanted it...

[Ratickle]

Nice try guys... It was fun to watch.

[Ratickle]

Of course, there has to be at least one issue per event. In the Kilo's, it was Typhoon. Typhoon was another of the SVL's that went out to try and set a record. It was also the first time the boat had been in the water since working on it all winter, including taking the engine out and redoing the engine compartment. SO, Bob abd Louie go out to see what they can do. The boat seems okay, but then they had an issue with it bogging out. They get it going again, but then it acts a little sluggish. They turn around down at the far end of the course to return, the boat will not come up on plane. So, climb out, open the engine hatch, and we hear on the radio, "This is Typhoon, we are taking on water but under power."

So, we start making sure everyone knows the boat is coming in the best they can and let's have the crane ready. We cannot see them anywhere. I call Terri down at the Beau Rivage, she cannot see them anywhere either. I get out the binocs, still no sign of them. Finall they come out from behind a pier half-way down the course, and do make it back. The boat was filled to the crank pully in front, but they got the pumps workling. What was the issue ? During re-rig, one hose, for the high pressure pop-off, was left off the boat. So, under anything except wide open, no problems. Wide open, big problems.....

Fun, fun.....

[Ratickle]

Seven world records set in one day. I'm not sure how soon they will become official, but the last I knew, that was mostly a formality to check every i dotted and t crossed.


Congrats to all who participated. It was certainly another aspect of the Biloxi Smokin event that just added to the overall quality of the venue.

[old377guy]

that must have been spooky!

[rschap1]

AWESOME coverage

THANKS ! ! !

[Bobcat]

Looks like the weather was good for the Kilo runs.

[Pete B]

Conditions were NOT ideal, a strong cross wind, plus the heat of the day. Better numbers may have come if they were run earlier in the day.

[RACESDAD]

cat lite was decided by 2/10th of a mile an hour.... thats tight !