Elizabeth City article
 

Posted on Fri, Sep. 23, 2005

River Rampage brings powerboat racing back to Elizabeth City

By Lauren King, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Sep. 23--ELIZABETH CITY - The Pasquotank River will be roaring with activity this weekend when River Rampage celebrates the return of powerboat racing to the area.

The 26-foot to 50-foot superboats can reach speeds of more than 100 mph and will come in stark contrast to last weekend's relatively quiet classic moth boat regatta.

"The noise and the spray, I think that will be one of the draws," said Russ Haddad, president of the Elizabeth City Jaycees, the primary event sponsor.

This weekend's divisional race is one of the final qualifiers for the world championships, scheduled for Nov. 13-20 in Key West, Fla. Starting today at noon, several streets will be closed to traffic for the weekend racing events. Water Street between Shepard and Main streets, Ehringhaus Street between McMorrine and Water streets, and Church Street between McMorrine and Water streets, will be closed until 7 p.m. Sunday.

The three-day event will kick off with activities at Waterfront Park from 2-6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.

The Janitors are scheduled to perform tonight at Waterfront Park and tickets cost $5.

Along the waterfront, there will be vintage power boats on display, remote-controlled boat races and vendors. Live music performances will be offered throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, the focus will shift to the Pasquotank River, where the racers will compete in speed runs and time trials from noon until 4 p.m. The main event is scheduled for Sunday when the racers will compete in the Elizabeth City Jaycees Offshore Gran Prix.

Haddad said he's expecting anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 people this weekend. The races will be the first in 30 years for Elizabeth City, he said. And he's hoping that a successful weekend will draw a national race next year that could draw more competitors and spectators to the region.

In addition to the waterfront viewing, there are several spectator boat areas that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those areas will be marked in the water and include Riverwind Health & Racquet Club, the Elizabeth City Shrine Club and an area near the Pelican Pointe subdivision and U.S. Coast Guard base. The spectator boat areas may be accessed at public docks throughout Pasquotank and Camden counties.