Jessica Giard
Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun
Patience paid off for race teams and spectators at the first day of Pepsi Racing Power Cup Challenge on Saturday, June 16.
The fourth running of the hydroplane boat races in Chamberlain/Oacoma was hampered by wind on Saturday and ultimately canceled at Noon on Sunday. On Saturday, race organizers waited out the wind and, for the first time in the history of the American Power Boat Association, hit the water at 6 pm for three hours of unprecedented racing.
“They dubbed it twilight racing,” said Tom Davis, chair of the River City Racin' board who plans the event. “They were happy to put the show on.”
Davis explained that most APBA-sanctioned race sites are not allowed to race after 5:30 pm due to noise restrictions in the community. In fact, APBA rules state boats have to be off the water by sunset. On Saturday, the last boat was off the water at 9:15 pm with the official National Weather Service sunset at 9:17 pm.
Racers and fans at the site hosted at American Creek Campground were granted a near perfect evening on Saturday. Winds decreased from gusts up to 23 mph early afternoon to nearly non-existent by 7 pm with comfortable temps in the upper 70s.
However, the wind returned Sunday morning with sustained speeds around 20mph and gusts up to 30 mph. It was enough to call the event done for the day with only three heat races in.
“Mother Nature is intent on making us work this event,” said Davis. APBA officials, though, reminded him that every sanctioned site is affected by weather, from fog, lightning and even tides. In 2011 and 2010, the site was affected by flooding.
“Overall, the attitude was positive from the fans,” said Davis. River City Racin' estimates around 3,000 spectators attended the event, which feature 22 boats in four classes. “I think people seemed to be impressed. We did everything we could.”
Davis said the APBA, the sanctioning body of American boat racing, supports returning for an event in 2013. River City Racin' is optimistic and looks forward to growing the event with support from the Chamberlain/Oacoma community.
“River City Racin' is willing to continue on as well,” he said. He looks forward to hearing feedback from the community and, especially, from the businesses.
FOR UNOFFICIAL RESULTS CLICK HERE*
*results are made official once they are received at APBA Headquarters from the race's official scorer