Cal-Ore Junior River Racer's
Embedded Files
Cal-Ore Junior Program Mission Statement
Our objective is to teach the next generation of racers safety and sportsmanship. This will be achieved through simple, clear rules. General Safety Rules will apply unless there is a more restrictive Cal-Ore Rule. Races will be structured similarly to the hydroplanes to train racers.
Get Involved
Parents interested in getting their kids involved can contact the Cal-Ore River Racers on facebook for more information.
Safety/Education
Safety is our top priority, followed by ensuring the drivers have fun. Junior drivers use the same safety gear as the hydro racers, including cut suits, helmets, and lifejackets. Each driver is trained in proper driving techniques, and rookie drivers receive coaching and support from experienced hydro drivers. They have practice at griffin park to ensure they are ready for close competition.
Practice
The Boats
Our boats are designed and built in Grants Pass, weighing less than 300 lbs and capable of speeds of 40 mph. There is one hull design. The motors used are Kawasaki 650s and 750s, chosen for their reliability and availability. Drivers are responsible for the care and maintenance of the hulls, allowing them to become familiar with marine mechanics.
History
The Cal-Ore Junior program began in 2016 with small hydroplanes powered by 15hp Johnson outboards. These were raced for two years before being retired. The experience gained from initial testing and racing led to the current iteration of our boats. The current boats provide a secure cockpit and a good vantage point for the driver. They feature aluminum hulls that can accommodate an additional passenger for on-the-water coaching.
A significant change from the initial design is the use of jet drives instead of lower units, which proved vulnerable to damage from rocks. This switch to jets has improved both safety and cost-effectiveness. Despite heavy use, the hulls have required no major repairs and have been in service for five years, demonstrating the economic feasibility of this racing class.
Looking to the future, we plan to have longer courses with more boats running simultaneously. To ensure fairness, the Cal-Ore Junior committee tests and tunes the boats to have similar speed and handling characteristics. As new boats are introduced to the club, we work with their owners to ensure compliance with our engine and safety rules.
Google Sites
Report abuse