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BOAT
RACES TO HIT BELOIT’S ROCK RIVER
Beloit,
WI – The Beloit Jaycees and the Badger State Outboard Association
are bringing the American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) races
to Beloit’s Rock River on August 21 and 22. This is the first
year the Jaycees have been involved in the races, and they plan
on serving food and refreshments for the spectators. The races will
run from 11am to 6pm on both days, and will offer 3 different categories
of racing boats. Spectators can view the races from Riverside Park.
Two
Beloit men, Brock Schwebke and Andy Anderson, will be participating
in the race. The two are also involved in the Beloit Jaycees and
thought the event would be a great fundraiser for the group. “I
think the boat races can be huge for Beloit” said Schwebke,
“years ago they used to bring in large crowds of people, now
with the Jaycees involved I think the races can be that way again.”
Beloit is one of only two places in Wisconsin that host the
power boat races.
The
races, which have been held in Beloit for many years, will feature
three categories of racing boats: stock outboards, modified outboards
and professional tunnel boats. Both Schwebke and Anderson race the
stock outboards, which can travel at speeds up to 80 mph and weigh
only 125 pounds. All of the Stock Outboards that race have the same
motor and horsepower, so one small error or body movement can give
a competitor the advantage.
Modified
outboard boats are similar to the stock outboard with the exception
of their modified engines. In the stock outboard category, the driver’s
skill is the most important aspect. In modified outboard the engine
builder’s skill is just as important and can determine who
wins or loses the race.
New
to the races this year are the professional tunnel boats, which
are highly modified boats where the driver is enclosed in a capsule.
The boats can reach speeds in excess of 120 mph, and are sure to
put on a great show.
Greg
Quigley, Assistant Director of the Beloit Convention & Visitors
Bureau says he is very excited about this year’s races and
hopes everyone takes advantage of them. “Beloit is very lucky
to have the races,” said Quigley “we get calls from all
over Wisconsin and Illinois requesting more information on them.”
Quigley said the bureau is working hard to help promote the races
this year and is happy to see the Jaycees involved. “With the
Jaycees selling concessions the races will take on more of an event
atmosphere, which should bring more people out to watch,” said
Quigley.
Anyone
interested in learning more about the boat races can call the Beloit
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 608-365-4838, or check out APBA’s
web site at www.apba-boatracing.com.
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