Weekend hydroplane races in Soap Lake
Rooster tails jet up as Jesse Robertson from Arizona (left), and Kevin Eacret from Edmonds compete in the 2013 Grand Prix event at the Del Red Hydroplane Regatta in Soap Lake. This year's event is approaching this weekend.
SOAP LAKE - Father's Day weekend brings high speeds and rooster tails for the Del Red Pub Soap Lake Hydroplane Regatta.
The two-day event near Smokiam Park, formerly East Beach Park, features all day racing with some of the world's fastest hydroplanes and flat bottom boats, capable of reaching speeds of more than 150 mph. Boat classes will include vintage boats, inboard and inboard endurance, and junior classes. Racing kicks off Saturday and Sunday morning following racers meetings at 9 a.m.
The one and two-third mile course, which was modified from last year's race, was approved as a record course.
The event was held last year in Soap Lake for the first time in 30 years, drawing more than 50 race teams to the mineral waters, according to event organizer Terry Anderson, who is expecting an even better turnout for this weekend's races.
A special ceremony will kick off racing Saturday morning, paying tribute to 60 years of Don Kelson Hydros and featuring five Don Kelson designed hydros driven by four generations of the Kelson family. Two parade laps are planned prior to the regatta.
The regatta is sanctioned by the American Motorboat Association and presented by the Seattle Drag and Ski Sprint Boat Association. The event is free to attend.