Written by PAM EGGEMEIER
SAUKVALLEY.COM
ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls River Chase made waves with its return last year, and the event’s promoter is trying to maximize its potential.
Terry Hicks, who lives near the river in Rock Falls, worked to bring back the stock outboard boat racing event to Seward Park after an 8-year hiatus. The River Chase had made an 18-year run in Rock Falls.
Surprisingly, Hicks isn’t a racer – his passion for the sport developed while growing up in Sterling.
“I remember riding my bike over there as a kid to watch the races, and I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to bring it back,” Hicks said.
The Illinois Marine Racing Club conducts the races that are sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association.
The sport is not for the faint of heart. The boats are small – about 125 pounds – and they hit speeds of up to 80 mph while the driver crouches, barely over the water with competitors only inches away.
Racers use two basic types of boats: runabouts and hydroplanes. They compete in several categories according to distinctions based on age, boat weight, and motor type. The race course on the Rock River will be about a half-mile.
Hicks said there is no prize money; the drivers compete for points in their chase for a championship.
