Go to the OPA website and pull up the racers packet. It will tell you everything you need to know. Saturday all of us racers are told to use the rules of the road for testing as the river is still open to normal boat traffic but the course is still set up with the turn bouys. On Sunday the coast guard shuts the river down around 10ish and you will not be able to get through unless there is a break to let a freighter though. If that is the case they usually let the river traffic idle through the course to get through. Usually the last race of the day is done around 5ish and the river is open to normal traffic again.

Good way to keep attendance up

You could always put some numbers on your boat, make a partial lap WFO, then just continue on down the river....I'd love to hear the commentator cover that!
DISCLAIMER- I'm being facetious, DO NOT try this manuever.

ST. CLAIR RIVER PLEASURE CRAFT TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
The United States Coast Guard, Sector Detroit, Waterways Management Division has issued a Marine Event Permit. There
will be a Special Local Regulation issued by the Coast Guard establishing a restricted area and other controls. which also
establishes a local safety zone, and slow no-wake area during any testing and active racing.
Course area is roughly from north of the St. Clair Shoal upper limits (Light 54) south to an area just below the Pine River
(Light 48).
Mariners are advised to listen to the regular marine information broadcasts on their VHF-FM marine radio; and for further
information can contact U.S.C.G. Patrol Commander by contacting Coast Guard Station Port Huron, or on event days, contact
the Coast Guard Patrol Commander on VHF-FM Channel 16
River closure for Saturday, July 25, 2015 - Testing
 This closure applies to ALL non-commercial vessel traffic (pleasure and fishing craft)
 Coast Guard PATCOM can begin enforcing the established safety zone at 11:00 AM
 River closures may be in place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time
 Pine River traffic will be restricted during active testing operations
River closure for Sunday, July 26, 2015 - Racing
 This closure applies to ALL non-commercial vessel traffic (pleasure and fishing craft)
 Coast Guard PATCOM will begin enforcing the established safety zone at 11:00 AM
 River closures will be in place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time
 At the decision of Coast Guard PATCOM, traffic may be allowed between races
 Pine River traffic will be restricted during active racing operations
Golf

I love this idea....kids would have a blast.....until Dad gets arrested!

Looking to attend for the first time, what is the spectator area like on shore?

While I havent been to the races myself, St Clair has a very large municipal park area right on the river. I would imagine there isnt a "Bad seat in the house" so to speak.

Thank you, bparsel