Hi Jason:

As I suggested, being able to selcect from a wider cast of crew through the season raises the possibility of sustaining a consistent effort over the season.

Raising the crew weight limit 1100#s enables this wider selection of crew people over the season. And that can positively effect participation over the season. Participation also exposes more peole to E27 and subsequebntly there are more3 potential oweners over the long term.

I don't race fleet series for two reasons, first, the 880# weight limit is a hassle that raises my hurdle for sustaining a crew all season long. Second, lacking a sustainable crew boat handling suffers. So, I focus on the Fun Series.

There you have it. I don't race the primary fleet series becuase the 880# weight limit limits my ability to get a sustainable crew over the length of that series. As I believe it also does for others Others please chime in.

mb .

:: RE.."I'd open the fleet to all drivers."
::
:: Our fleet is already open to any and all drivers. The
:: only limitations on non-owner driver is for nationals
:: and that is only for one trophy. There is a specific
:: trophy for the best placed owner who also drives. This
:: leaves the door wide open for any "rock-stars" that want
:: to come in and drive. How many years has Dave Hodges
:: been driving boats without being an owner.
::
:: RE..." I don't think raising the weight limit 100# will
:: really increase or decrease participation".
::
:: I completely agree and until we hear from owners that
:: say they are not racing because the weight limit is to
:: low, it is only speculation.
::
:: Any more thoughts specific to increasing fleet
:: participation?