Lava Lamp Regatta this weekend

SOAP LAKE - The second annual Northwest Jet Sports Association Lava Lamp Regatta gets underway this weekend in Soap Lake.

Fans will be treated to two days of action-packed watercross and freestyle racing beginning Saturday morning from some of the top ranked racers in the world.

"We have 40 teams signed up and ready to race," Roger Harnack, race promoter said. "The racers and riders are really looking forward to competing in Soap Lake. It should be a great event."

Watercross racing is similar to motocross competition with high-speed straightaways, hair-pin turns and near-crowd action. But unlike motocross, the course changes on every lap as driver and machine skim the water along the 3/4 mile track.

The freestyle competition will see riders perform a variety of tricks and aerial maneuvers.

Professional ski racers to watch this weekend, Harnack said, include Aaron Newport of Benton City, and Ian Benson of Kennewick. Both are ranked among the top racers in the world.

In women's ski classes, Julie Holmquist is expected to dominate novice competitions, while Lauren Jones of Twin Falls, Idaho, should set the pace in the professional field.

Jen Effrig of East Wenatchee, and Patty Fiske of Lacey should battle it out in the race to the checkered flag in women's runabout competition.

The women's runabout points' leader, Angela Clements of Marysville, is not expected on the start line, which Harnack said, opens the door for Effrig or Fiske to take the season lead.

Several young competitors are expected on the water as well.

Gabe Cooper, 12, of Longview, currently leads the Junior Ski Lites (10-12 year-old class).

Alaina Fiske of Lacey sits atop the point's leader board in the Junior Ski Lites (13-16 year-olds) She's expected to face off with Tyler Effrig of East Wenatchee, who is making her season debut at Soap Lake.

Curtis Pitman of Lake Stevens, Jordyn Jones of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Mark Hintze of Snohomish will be among the top novice competitors in the adult ski classes. Tyler Riibe from Kenmore, and Klete Kinser from Monroe are expected to dominate the expert division.

Modified sport racers will be competing this weekend too, as at least four motos will feature X-2s. The class, one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest, is expected to draw the Top 3 X-2 riders from the region, including Riibe, Dara Harrington of Bellevue, and the 2012 defending champion David Wright of Kirkland, who is currently in third place in the 2013 standings. Other classes racing this weekend include vintage and beginner ski.

"We couldn't put on a race and freestyle show like this without the support of the city, area residents, and the businesses that welcome us to Soap Lake," Harnack said. "I'd particularly like to thank Mayor Raymond Gravelle and the city staff for their efforts, as well as our primary sponsor. Ambulance provider American Medical Response Rescue Diver Archie Dennis of Electric City also deserves our thanks, as does the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce."

The Lava Lamp Regatta is the third and fourth legs of the Northwest Jet Sports 2013 tour. The first two rounds took place in Lincoln City, Ore., in May. Rounds 5 and 6 will be in Pateros July 20-21.

Registration for the weekend event at Soap Lake opens this afternoon and continues Saturday morning. Locals who own a jet ski can compete as well at the regatta.

"If you have a jet ski of any type, we have a classification for it," Harnack said. "The entry fee is $50 for the weekend. Riders must also purchase an IJSBA membership card for $45, which is good for the entire season."

Racing action is scheduled to get under way at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Jet Skiers are expected to be at the Del Red Pub, 311 Main Ave. E., for a meet-and-greet Saturday night.