I would like to thank everyone for all the support you have shown me as District Director these past few months, and I would like to announce the appointment of John Porter from Duluth, Georgia as my Assistant District Director. John has been racing boats for approximately 20 years starting in 1974 with his first boat the “Swamp Buggy,” and moving later into the hydro class with his first Crapshooter. He took a break from boat racing in 1977, and returned in 1986 racing mono hulls. But don’t be surprised when you see him toting a gas hull after running in the 2003 Gas Internats in Atlanta. I’m looking forward to working with John as he will be a great asset to the District 13 team.

The weather has really been excellent lately and our boating season is in high gear starting with Valdosta Georgia’s first heat race ever in January, moving on to the
Grand Prix Series in Sycamore, Georgia in February, then to Ogeechee, Georgia for the first High Point Series race. Then we were off to Atlanta, Georgia for the next race in our High Point Series in April and back in May for the IMPBA 2003 Gas Internats. We finish up May with another High Point Series race in Jacksonville, Florida and go back to Ogeechee, Georgia for a Grand Prix Series race in June. So as you can see, we are keeping very busy and enjoying every bit of it. Make sure to check out our race results and pictures at our website “impba13.com” and for upcoming events and race dates and flyers to download.

At this writing, the Gas Nats have not yet been held, but I can tell you the Atlanta club has done a wonderful job fixing up the site with new steps into the pit area and to the drivers stand, including handicap access. Thanks to Larry Kent and his crew, the site has never looked better. I would also like to thank all the hosting clubs for a job well done on all the races thus far.

Everyone has really enjoyed themselves and the camaraderie of fellow racers from all over the country. That’s what its all about. Good friends, excellent racing, and a safe area to run our boats.

In this issue of the Roostertail, please pay special attention to the pit safety rules and the new responsibilities of the Pit Boss as voted upon at the April board meeting.
Remember, safety is our number one concern for you, your family and the spectators.

Enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events.

Karla J. Dicks