PROPWASH
16
October 2011
Insane Boats Visit the Marines
By Stacy Thomas
Insane Boats
For the first time, Insane Boats attended the “Annual Safety Fair” for our
Oceanside, California Camp Pendleton Marines. Our own District 19 boater, Sgt. Gny
Jeff Kittle, was in charge of putting on the event. Jeff extended an invitation for us to
come and support the hobby to develop an interest with the military along with
discussing model boating safety.
In attendance were Jeff Michaud, Steve Lopez, John Michaud, and Stacy Thomas.
Directly next to our display area were Lake O’Neil representatives who are very
interested in hosting an event for us to race our boats.
As we approach the ten year anniversary of 9/11, it only seems appropriate to
honor and remember our service men and women who are defending our country and
our freedom.
Stacy hangs out with the female marines
Steve Lopez, Jeff Kittle, John Michaud, and Jeff Michaud
Rio Grande Racers Race For Autism
By Jay Stone
Rio Grand Racers Model Boat Club
2011 marked 15 years since the last model boat took the course at Ascarate Lake in
El Paso, Texas. Thanks to the determination of Henry Keller, the Rio Grande Racers
Model Boat Club was re-formed and access to Ascarate Lake was granted once again.
Rosemary Neill, the EP County Director of Family and Community Services was
integral in helping us get back on to the water. Without her help and support we would
still be driving to Carlsbad, New Mexico to run boats.
Soon our club jumped from six active NAMBA members to twelve. As of
April 1, 2011, we had no retrieval boat, no drivers stand, and no public address system.
We were planning on having a District Seven race in June and figured we had plenty
of time. That all changed when the April 30 – May 1 weekend opened up due to
drought conditions in San Antonio. Our club decided to team up with the Autism
Society of El Paso to help spread Autism Awareness. On April 30 the Autism Society
was holding its Annual Walk/Run event at Ascarate Lake. It only seemed appropriate
that we take the open date of April 30 – May 1 and hold the 1st Annual West Texas
Shootout for Autism Awareness.
In just under 30 days, we secured a retrieval boat, purchased a public address
system and built an awesome drivers stand from a cotton trailer that was donated by a
local famer. Our goal for the race was to raise money to be donated to the Autism
Society. We sold sponsorships for
classes with a portion being donated and
the rest
used to purchase trophies for the
event. We were able to get all of the
classes sponsored and donated $1,000 to
the Autism Society of El Paso.
The race was a huge success consid-
ering the short time span we had to get
everything done. We had racers from
Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and
Arizona in attendance. We can’t thank
our class sponsors and raffle donors
enough! The Rio Grande Racers are
already preparing for our 2012 event
which is tentatively set for April 28-29,
2012. We hope that you will consider
joining us for a great event that
contributes to a great cause! More info is
available at www.riograndracers.com