By GREG GLUCK
The sixth and final race for the Grand National Racing Association’s 2012 season is the Blue Water Resort and Casino 300 Enduro, in Parker, Ariz., on Oct. 27.
Unlike the usual 10 and 20 lap races during the GN season, this is a 50 lap race on a six mile course. Racers will drive 300 total miles on the Colorado river. With seven divisions of Inboard and Outboard classes, this event is the longest and most challenging boat race of its kind in the country. A variety of v-drivers, stern drives, jets and Outboards with various hull configurations will all be running on the same course.
The Grand National class has a rich history of racing long distance marathons, dating back to the 1960’s and 70s. During the earlier years the class designation was KM, standing for K Marathon; it was later changed to GN in the late 70s.
This is the type of competition that GN boats were initially designed for and this was the original intent of the Inboard Endurance category. Therefore, it is great to have this 300 mile Enduro as part of the GNRA series. Since this is the season finale, both the National Championship and Hall of Champions will be on the line.
The GN-7 “Rusher Air” driven by Bill Wheeler goes into this year’s Enduro with the lead in the GN High Points chase, with several other GN teams in close proximity to his mark. As it was in last year’s Enduro, the checkered flag of this race will determine the 2012 High Point Championship for the GN class.
Last year’s Enduro was won overall by GN-113 “Nightmare,” a 20’ Raysoncraft driven by Greg Gluck and Mike Noble. The duo covered the 300 miles in four hours and one minute, with two mandatory 10 minute pit stops.
An expected field of at least eight GNs are currently preparing for this ultimate test of endurance for the race boats and drivers. If there is a flaw or weak link in the engine, running gear or hull, the Enduro will find it and ruin any dreams of victory.
This is the eight year for the Blue Water 300 Enduro, put on by RPM Racing Enterprises and headed by Ross Wallach. Wallach revived this classic event from the historic Parker Nine Hour Enduro from many decades ago. More info on this event can be found at www.enduro300.com
Don't miss this year's Blue Water Enduro in Parker, Ariz., on Oct. 27th. THis is an old school marathon boat race that you won't experience anywhere else on the planet.