I sure wish this race would come back -- we live 5 minutes from the shore where this race took place. Listen to the full video and the commentator's remarks about the severe water conditions that caused two sinkings (probably stuffs) and massive equipment failures, and the officials were forced to shorten the race for the safety of the competitors. The Great Lakes dish up waves that will tear up just about any watercraft of any size -- the kind of waves that are unique to these waters. I've witnessed Lake MI conditions far worse than what happened at this race (they sank Edmund Fitzgerald and other big ships) -- it's really scary just to watch from shore. The idea of "offshore racing" is to test the boats in severe conditions at high speeds, along with the skill (and luck) of the drivers, throttle men and navigators. I lost interest in the sport when most of the races took place in waters that a 21ft recreational boat could comfortably cruise in, with all the boats going pretty much flat out. I think there would be mass appeal (and spectator turnout) for a west coast Lake Michigan race -- I think that MI still has the most boat registrations of any state, and tons of Chicago and Detroit folks now frequent the Michigan "west coast" throughout the summer. In July and most of August the prevailing winds are light and from the south, so I'm guessing that the conditions at the Michigan City IN super boat race in early August are not too challenging for these big boats. I love to see boats flying across the water at 150+ but that's not what I fondly recall as "offshore racing" (remember 1960 Miami-Nassau race with Moppie/Bertram and Jim Wynne's 23ft v-bottom). I know that economics have become a major driver, so venues are chosen to maximize "spectator capacity" and exposure, which means running close to shore at high speeds to create noise and excitement for the masses. I guess I'm just old school . . . . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7tq_ioo2gw

That was a rough race, too rough probably. Good to see all the competitors showing respect to each other.

Thats racing.

Offshore Powerboat Racing! Love those Apache Powerboats!

I was at those races, those where great days. Rough ride up from holland in my 21 well craft. Carl still has War Hawk and she is faster then ever.

I have to say that racing was more fun to watch than todays event... open cockpits, standup bolsters, and competition OFFSHORE!

Used to go every year also when I was crew on the Peppers / Exide Cat. Man those were the days'

Awesome video. How about those average speeds for the different classes? How about the spectator line shot! Better have your sea legs on!

That video should be a lesson for those guys making noise about a vee bottom vs, cat race on Lake Michigan. Also, how about those average speeds yet we have guys on here claiming they run far higher speeds in those conditions frequently.
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I remember that day!
Nykamp needs to get Allez Vite back in the water and give Carl another spanking.