It was awesome to have the Evinrude tech support trailer at least in the same county as the MWC tournament at Spring Valley.
We needed some assistance, and for the first time in our MWC careers, there was someone there to help.
It's not so awesome that the MWC has banished the Evinrude tech support to remote sites apart from the rest of the tech support people.
While I appreciate the MWC's loyalty to Mercury and Mercury's position as a longtime sponsor, tech support isn't about who's No. 1. It's about helping anglers, and by my estimate there were 20-30 percent Evinrude and Johnson motors in use at Spring Valley.
Let's be big boys, girls and sponsors about this and get the Evinrude trailer where it belongs -- with the other tech support people.

Doug Newhoff

Great post Doug.
As usual, I didn't need Evinrude's support services at SV, but I did get a chance to visit with John (I hope the name is correct) when we were surprized to run into the Evinrude trailor all the way down in Hennepin. I do know of one team I talked to at the rules meeting that could have used Evinrude's Tech support, but had no idea where the trailor was. I understand that the MWC's long standing affiliation with Merc may cause some diffaculty with the Evinrude trailor being on site, but it is also my understanding that it is common to have the Merc trailor show up at other tournaments (RCL?) where Merc isn't a sponsor. This should be all about supporting the anglers. After all, we are your market.
Rick Stange

Hello Doug,

It's also about space, especially at Spring Valley. One can't park ten vehicles when only five spaces exist. Then there's the problem of having enough electrical hookups for the vehicles. However, sponsorship is the criteria. A company purchases a sponsorship to out focus their competition and have priority at the tournament sites. Sponsorships are what drives the MWC financially, because the MWC doesn't derive any operational monies from the tournaments themselves. Non-circuit sponsors are not allowed to setup at the tournament sites, but that doesn't prevent them from setting-up elsewhere in the area. Thanks for supporting the MWC.........."Kaz"

Kaz:
I appreciate your position and your response, but I continue to believe the issue is how to best serve the anglers who spend thousands of dollars in support of the MWC.
Sponsorship is one thing and tech support is another.
How about a compromise? At Big Stone there are some logistical options that would at least put Evinrude within sight of the primary launch. At least we would know where it is and how to find it. When I asked around at Spring Valley, nobody knew. And when I called Kristine, who granted was ill, it took two days before somebody called me back on the water during the tournament!
Newhoff

Hey Doug,

I spoke with the Evinrude tech. rep. at Spring Valley and he fully understands the sponsorship relationship. He will be at all of the MWC tournaments and I gave him some ideas as to where he might setup. He will spread the word as to where he decides to setup at future tournaments. He should inform the respective tournament directors as well. And you're correct about Kristine. She was ill and laid-up in her room for two days................"Kaz"

Thanks, Kaz.

If I remember right the merc tech was only at one tournament last year so if they do the same thing this year there shouldn't be any conflict to worry about.