The City of Owensboro announced Wednesday that hydroplane racing will return to town for a weekend of action in August.
The Owensboro Hydrofair races are set for Aug. 14-16 on the downtown riverfront. This is a free community event on the riverfront and at Smothers Park.
SCHEDULE
AUG. 14
Hydroplane testing from 1 – 5 p.m.
AUG. 15 & AUG. 16
Races begin at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The last time Owensboro residents saw hydroplane racing was in the 1960s, according to city officials.
Randy Lientz, race director of American Hydroplane Events (AHE), said the world is quite different today and so is hydroplane.
“We promise nonstop racing action,” Lientz said.
The City of Owensboro is partnering with AHE to produce the races.
“Hydroplane racing are like short sprints,” Lientz said. “It will be a little bit like a hundred-yard dash versus running a marathon. You can’t mess up.”
Lientz promises approximately 50 teams from across the states including some competitors from Canada as well as boats in seven different classes.
Racers will go four laps in circles between English Park and the Blue Bridge.
Officials said die-hard fans can purchase tickets for viewing areas at English Park where they can get a behind-the-scenes look of the pit area.
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson said the event will benefit the community the most by hopefully attracting visitors and sponsorship.
