Boat racing a family affair in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - When Bryce McLain was just 4-years-old, his grandfather made a promise when he was old enough, he would have a chance to start racing hydros. That promise has been kept this year.

Bryce, now 10, comes from a family of racers. His grandfather, Don Stephens, and mother, Heather Stephens, both race inboard hydroplanes. Heather was the 2010 National Rookie of the Year.

This weekend was Bryce's turn, racing in the J-stock class at the outboard hydroplane races in the hometown of Soap Lake. He also participated in the outboard races in June in Soap Lake.

"That first race with him made Papa proud," Don Stephens said. "It was a promise I made to him when he was 4-years-old and now he's doing it."

Bryce had some problems with his motor in Saturday's races but like a veteran racer, he refused to give up.

"It seemed to stop quite a lot but I didn't want to give up until it actually just stopped on me," he said.

Race organizer Terry Anderson said about 11 children were out racing over the weekend in the J-stock class. Bryce's boat, "The Green Machine," can reach speeds up to 40 mph.

"He's tenacious out there," Anderson said. "He stays on it. He had a hard time getting the boat up on plane but he didn't give up and fought right through it."

Bryce seemed to enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing, but did admit he was scared his first time out in June.

Don Stephens, of Ephrata, started racing when Bryce was just a few weeks old. He said Anderson, a family friend, spiked his interest in racing.

"It's become a hobby," he said. "We're a racing family."

The family said they were happy to see hydroplane races return to Soap Lake.

"It's good that we can travel and have races but we can also stay here and race," Bryce said.

Heather Stephens, who's stepdaughter Cameron Hein, 12, also races in the J-stock class, said the events are not only great for their family but the community as well.

"The races are huge for the economy," she said, adding many of the racers who travel to Soap Lake make sure to eat and shop in the small town.

Bryce's boat for the weekend was provided by Anderson, who said providing the boat and motor gives kids the opportunity to try out racing without having to buy a boat.

"It really is a family thing," Anderson said.

While Bryce raced in Anderson's boat this weekend, Don Stephens said the next thing to do is get Bryce his own boat to continue the family tradition.