Article: OPA's Class Seven in St Clair, The Most Fun Class to Watch

[Serious Offshore]

You can read the entire article at: http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/content.php?r=236-OPA-s-Class-Seven-in-St-Clair-The-Most-Fun-Class-to-Watch

[Serious News]

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From Speed on the Water story about the Fall River Race

The racing action started at noon on Sunday with a huge Class 7 feet of 12 boats. “Right now, you guys are the biggest active class in all of offshore racing” said Ed “Smitty” Smith, the president of OPA, at the drivers meeting.

With 20- to 23-foot, outboard engine-powered boats in its ranks, Class 7 always is fun to watch, but Sunday’s action proved epic. Defending Class 7 national champions Joe and Matt Lauer had the pole on the start in their Goofin’ Around 21 Shadow entry.

The wide sweeping No. 1 and sharp-angle turns No 2 were hectic and challenging with 12 boats having to negotiate them at the start, but NJI Motorsports and Chug It came out on top with Whoa Momma close behind. A small mechanical issue took out Chug It early.

“The boat was running great—we were in the top three—then something happened and I couldn’t get over 53 mph” said Chase Muller, the Chug It team’s throttleman after the race.

https://speedonthewater.com/in-the-news/racing/5508-opa-fall-river-race-sees-tough-competition-in-multiple-classes

[Ratickle]

I don't quite get this however. An exception was made to allow a boat that doesn't fit in the rules?

"Ken Bird and his daughter, Kaleigh, finished in an impressive third place their 23-foot Kryptonite."

OPA Rulebook
Performance Class 7:
a. Boats are limited to 60 MPH as a top speed.
b. OPA reserves the right to inspect all boats competing in the class in order to determine that it is in a condition worthy of the event
c. All registered hulls shall only be "Vee" hull from 20’-22’ in length