Al Copeland Memorial Race

Pete B · 07-03-2008, 10:50 AM

AL COPELAND FOUNDATION

BRINGS POWERBOAT RACES BACK TO NEW ORLEANS AREA

Kenner, La., July 3, 2008 – Al Copeland passed away this past Easter Sunday but his family it not going to let Big Al’s passion for Offshore Racing die with him. The Copeland family and race producer, Lou Anne Campbell have invited The Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association to make Kenner LA the fourth stop on the OSS 2008 National Tour. The Al Copeland Memorial Powerboat Race will be held on August 1-3 at Laketown Park in Kenner, LA. The memorial race weekend is made possible through a donation to the Al Copeland Foundation by AFC Enterprises Inc., parent company of Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken.

Al Copeland loved offshore racing and excelled in the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s. A six-time National Champion, he popularized the sport by partnering with actor Chuck Norris in their Popeye’s/Diet Coke race boat. His family started the foundation which will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the race weekend. Its mission is to fund research for merkel cell carcinoma from which Copeland died this past Spring.

The foundation is also hosting The Al Copeland Memorial Boat Race Party the evening of Friday, August 1. With several bands, food from the various Copeland restaurants; the party promises to rival the legendary Copeland parties from “back in the day.”

Thanks to the Air National Guard and all the people that have helped the Copeland family make this race a reality. Please visit www.offshoresuperseries.com to see the current team standings and who will be vying for the points lead and the cash purse in Kenner.

For details about the race and a course map visit www.alcopelandrace.com

BY U BOY · 07-03-2008, 11:36 AM

I am trying my hardest to make this one

Croozin2 · 07-03-2008, 12:09 PM

Can't wait Pete. Naturally, there will be a strong contingent from South Louisiana there. Still haven't decided if we are coming by boat or car but we will be there.

Ron P · 07-03-2008, 12:50 PM

I'm sure we could use more volunteer boats if anyone's interested in having the best seat in the house for the weekend.

JLAY · 07-03-2008, 12:53 PM

Ron is it possible to have p class racing there?

Croozin2 · 07-03-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron P

I'm sure we could use more volunteer boats if anyone's interested in having the best seat in the house for the weekend.

I'm definitely taking that under consideration Ron. If that is a workable situation I will let you know ASAP.

BY U BOY · 07-03-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron P

I'm sure we could use more volunteer boats if anyone's interested in having the best seat in the house for the weekend.

Ron, If I am not in Saudi i would like to be a volunteer. I'll be in touch soon.

X-Rated30 · 07-03-2008, 02:09 PM

I am in and I plan on bringing my boat. Ron - I dunno what you need for a volunteer boat, but let me know. If I can help, I will.

Also, If anyone wants to do a post race party in the Quarter, I have a gated courtyard and an apt with balcony halfway between Bourbon and Decatur on Toulouse. I just need enough interest to reserve the courtyard.

jmeng · 07-03-2008, 02:53 PM

I had planned on volunteering but don't want to have to spend all day, both days out there. Have a trip planned to Madisonville for lunch that Sat, might head over to New Orleans afterwards if it will be in time to see some racing.

Ron P · 07-03-2008, 03:27 PM

Thanks for your interest in helping out with this race. Since it's a first time event, gathering a volunteer fleet is alwasy somewhat difficult. We need four big turn boats and a dozen or so smaller boats to keep a line for the spectators to stay behind.

It's my understanding that volunteers will be provided tickets to the HUGE Copeland bash on Friday night. You won't want to miss this.

Lou Anne Campbell (thepilotswifemd11@comcast.net) is the promoter for this race, please send her an email if your interested in helping either on land or sea. We need boats on the water both Saturday and Sunday. More on Sunday.

If you'd like to join the OSS email list, send me an email at
rpolli@offshoresuperseries.com and you'll get all the info about hotel disounts, schedules and such for every race.

Thanks for your help. Can't wait to get to Kenner!