Members of the motorsports industry are wondering why the government has adopted a rule virtually eliminating a key constituency – and possibly thousands of jobs – while at the same time developing a nearly trillion-dollar stimulus that supporters say is intended to create and protect employment.
At issue is a new federal regulation of lead that took effect just this month. The policy has virtually shut down the part of the motorsports industry that serves children under 12 who want to ride all-terrain vehicles and motorbikes, because some components of the machines – such as tire valve stems – contain lead.
“You’ve got a lot of kids involved in this,” Don Amador, western representative for the the Blue Ribbon Commission, told WND today. “But ATVs, dirt bikes have batteries  in them, components that use lead inside the valve stems on tires, lead in the electronic wiring, lead on battery terminals.” … More info
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Sixteen hundred square miles of bay and delta waters beckon residents and visitors alike for recreation, livelihood and beauty. This column seeks to inform water lovers about happenings on the bay and noteworthy achievements by the on-the-water community.
Economic news grinds away at spirits like a downpour on a waterlogged hill, but for the 1.3 million or so boaters in the Bay Area – not to mention countless swimmers and boarders – February is working its magic, keeping spirits fresh and hope alive.
America’s Cup hopes
Last week was filled with hope on the water and in the courtroom for locals pursuing the oldest international sporting trophy, the America’s Cup. Our home team is BMW Oracle Racing, headed by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and representing the Golden Gate Yacht Club…. More info
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The VESTAS SAILROCKET team have returned to the Walvis Bay ‘Speed-spot’ in Namibia for a second attempt at the Outright World Speed Sailing Record.
The WSSRC ratified world record attempt will commence on the 20th of February and will run for 28 days. The VESTAS SAILROCKET team are hungry to finish the journey to the top of the speed sailing mountain. As it stands they need to go a little over 3.2 knots (3.7 mph or 5.95 kmh) faster over the 500 meter course than their previous best record setting performance in order to beat the Kite-surfers. The Kite-surfers set the pace last year when Alex Caizergues did a run at 50.57 knots (93.66 kmh) in Luderitz.
The team have made a number of modifications to improve safety and prevent a re-enactment of their last high speed run where the whole 30’ craft took to the air and performed a spectacular half-loop… More info