APBA J:
Family fun for junior racers

Fathers and sons and daughters wait for the three minute gun of an APBA J Hydro flight during a race near Seattle.

As you will see, in addition to the lessons that competition can teach a youngster, there are other intangibles that these young racers learn in the process.

While the hydro division of APBA J is the most popular in most regions, there is also a runabout class, which is normally run in divisional and national championship events.

This class has been mandated by the APBA executive committee as a way to encourage racing among the kids of the sport in all divisions as well as other youngsters who might be drawn to the sport.

The APBA has endeavored to develop a set or rules which will keep the playing field as even as possible. One of the first things that the APBA rule makers did was to require a standard propeller be used at all major events like divisionals, national championships, and on record courses. This was to keep costs down and again attempt to insure that all racers could be competitive.

This class uses the OMC 13.2 cubic inch two cylinder fishing engine that is mounted on a short tower housing and uses a racing gear case. It is the same engine that is used in the A classes of APBA stock racing, but with a restrictor plate behind the carburetor to slow the kids down to a more tepid 40-plus mph. One of the things that makes the restrictor plate philosophy so attractive is that young racers can grow up with this engine and when they are ready to switch to the faster A class, all they need to do is remove the restrictor plate and they are ready to go.

(Webmaster's note:  Since the time this article was originally posted, APBA has approved a new engine made by Mercury Marine for the J class.  For information on the motor and pricing, please click here.)

APBA J racing is a great way for a family to spend time together. The youngster can race and mom and dad can be pit crew or mom and dad can choose to race in the A class if they so desire.

While this class is relatively inexpensive, about $3000 to get started for an entire outfit, plus safety equipment, it is not the kind of purchase that a rookie should make without having the help of a veteran racer.
There are specific rules for this class, and failure to follow them could mean disqualification, so it is wise to get a copy of the rules from the APBA and a listing of a local club in your area before going too far. APBA national headquarters can be reached at (810) 773-9700 or by e-mailing the WebMaster  a question about APBA J.