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Learn more about powerboat racing
Tune-up day set for May 15
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Recent Bloomfield, Genoa City, Pell Lake
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May 05, 2010 | 08:43 AM
It appears Pell Lake is on its way toward building a reputation as a powerboat racing mecca.
First, the Badger State Outboard Association worked with the Pell Lake Mud Hens and Sportsmen's Club last August to host Walworth County's first "Powerboat Days" races on the lake.
Now, on Saturday, May 15, the same players have organized a "Show & Tell & Tune-up Day" from noon to 6 p.m. near Skip's and the Pell Lake beach.
According to information from the association, the public can meet some of the racers and their families and look at some of the hydroplane and runabout race boats.
Also, association and Marine Race Club members can tune-up and test their boats prior to the season opener. Test day pits will be located at the north boat launch.
But on Friday, Mud Hens President Ted Lightfield said the main benefit to locals is they can learn more about the powerboat races May 15.
"It's basically so people can understand what these guys are all about (and) to educate the public," he said.
Lightfield said as of Friday, five racers committed to attend the event. This will be the second testing day scheduled in the state this month. On May 1, the association and the Marine Race Club organized a similar event in Kaukauna.
The May 15 event takes place prior to the start of the powerboat racing season, which officially begins May 29 in Burlington.
This year, Pell Lake's second annual Powerboat Days races will be July 17 and 18.
Apparently, last year's races measured up to association standards.
"I think on Saturday (last year) it was a really good turnout," Lightfield said. "Sunday was bad. We had bad weather (but overall) the turnout was pretty fair. The reason we're having the races earlier this year is because this year's race is a points-counting race. It will actually count toward (the racers') national standings."
About the association
According to the association's Web site, www.bsoa.net, it was formed in 1942 and exists to provide powerboat racing opportunities.
The association is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association and is located in Region 7, which includes Illinois, Indiana, upper Michigan and Wisconsin.
"BSOA organizes approximately six races per year," the site states. "The season begins in May and runs through September."
Typical race schedules include stock, modified, J-class, pro and antique boat classes.
"This encompasses a wide range of speeds and participant ages," the site states. "As one racer put it, it is not a question of how fast do they go, but rather how fast do you want to go."
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