UPDATE!!, Smokin' the Sound and Lake Race UPDATE!, 4-2-2014

The Race Producers of Smokin’ the Sound (STS) in Biloxi, MS. and Lake Race (LR) in Lake Ozark, MO. announce they have begun a collaborative effort to make their two races into the start of a future multi-site invitational powerboat racing series. This series is being developed as a “Racer’s Race”. With overwhelming racer acceptance and positive spectator’s comments after Lake Race 2013, the two venues see benefits in joining forces to bring new and outside the box thinking similar to the format used at Lake Race 2013 to powerboat racing. A larger purse, room incentives for teams, live multi-camera network TV and radio coverage of racing are all components appealing to racers, sponsors, and fans.

As a result of detailed discussions, the series would feature a points chase from multiple races with an overall winner receiving an additional cash purse for being the top point champion. All parties involved are currently negotiating for live broadcast coverage of the races. The Open Class debuted at the Lake Race this past summer. It combines a wide scope of canopied boats from normally different classes, running together racing at the same time. By having both Vee bottoms and Catamarans running at the same time for the flag and purse, it makes it possible to field a larger class of boats and a better overall fan experience. Lake Race 2013 showed that even with bigger, faster boats in the field, racing skill and planning can make a difference.

Since Lake Race featured a first ever sanctioned Tri-Toon race, both venues are planning additional elements that will enhance their events in 2014. “We want to invite all (offshore) race teams to these invitational races. Our goal is to host a safe, fun weekend with as many bonuses for the racers we can offer.” said STS Race Producer Woody Bailey. Alvin Heathman, Lake Race Director added, “ We brought the races back to Lake of the Ozarks this past summer and everyone who attended said they really enjoyed the weekend. Being a racer myself, we are trying to make it as easy as possible for the guys and gals to run their boats in a safe and professional environment".

Stay tuned for more news and information as it becomes available.” Smokin’ the Sound is scheduled for April 25-27, 2014 and Lake Race is planned for June 6 - 8, 2014. For additional information, please check out www.smokinthesound.com , www.lakerace.com

Attachment 78238

Lake Race 2013 - Footage of First Pontoon Boat Race


http://youtu.be/VyKd9TUpt1A


Speed, Power and Excitement will return to the Lake of the Ozarks June 1-8 2014.

Lake Race will once again showcase powerboat racing in the shadow of the historic Bagnell Dam. Racing action will happen on Saturday, June 7th and again on Sunday, June 8th. Multiple classes of boats will be vying for not only trophies and plaques, but money will also be on the line.

After a successful debut in 2013, pontoon boats will once again hit the water. Often thought of as a pleasure cruising vessel, these boats pioneered for racing by Playcraft Pontoons will show the crowd what these machines can do as they circle the course at speeds of more than 60 miles an hour.

Smokin’ The Sound is back on the Mississippi Sound!

Smoking’ The Sound offshore powerboat racing will kick-off its new Invitational Powerboat Racing season with the fastest boats in the world in the Mississippi Sound .The colorful, exciting boats will race in various classes with some potentially reaching speeds nearing 200 mph over the race course.

For sponsorship or VIP Package info, please call us at 228-594-3442

Any word on what racers will be attending this race?

Chatting with Alvin a couple days ago and there are still a few items to button up. They expect to be done this weekend with the details. I know both Ryan Beckley with possibly two boats, and Miss Geico were planning on making Biloxi. That will put the peer pressure on Super Stock outboard and Extreme cat to be there to keep pace.

The "Elephant in the Room"
("Elephant in the room" is an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed. The idiomatic expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss.[2] It is based on the idea that an elephant in a room would be impossible to overlook; thus, people in the room who pretend the elephant is not there have chosen to avoid dealing with the looming big issue.)

My take, not to be taken as an actual problem:

OPA joined APBA this year. OSS/The Independent Race Series (Biloxi's Smokin the Sound and LOTO Lake Race) were also APBA sanctioned events through OSS. With 7 APBA OPA races scheduled and 2 APBA OSS/Independent Lake Race events scheduled, what does that do to the Hall of Champions for Offshore events etc. 9 events should be enough races to qualify a racer for the APBA Hall of Champions, but the rules for documentation of the legality of the boats and the race events themselves are elevated above the requirements for non-APBA events. There are also a couple of classes where the rules do not exactly match for the two organizations and there are even some classes that don't exist in both organizations.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the discussions.:)

Stay Tuned!!

Thanks for your response, Paul. Unfortunately after asking this question on several forums, NO racer has answered my question. Based on previous years lack of attendance on the racers part, I believe this year, I along with a lot of family and friends will attend the ISCA world finals in Baton Rouge instead. Thanks again, a former boat racing fan.

Well, I can tell you it's not the fault of the racers. They don't know........

Check here tomorrow for an update hopefully......

We'll get the actual press release up asap!!


OPEN INVITATION TO ALL RACERS
$150,000 PRIZE PURSE*
*Combined total for both races.

These two races bring the largest payouts of the season! Featuring a new Run What You Brung class that has
a $40,000 purse that pays back five places and races for two days with the combined points determining the
finishing order. If you own a Canopy Vee or Cat with 30 plus feet, you are able to compete for the 5 Place payout!
PAYOUTS
1st Place - $18,000
2nd Place - $10,000
3rd Place - $6,000
4th Place - $4,000
5th Place - $2,000
With this tortoise and the hare style racing, you don’t have to be the fastest to win,
you have to be the most reliable for the Saturday and Sunday races!

These races will also include all the OPA Classes and an additional
$35,000 purse based on race class attendance ($1,000 per participating boat).

For additional info: 1-888-808-1188 • www.smokinthesound.com • www.oparacing • www.lakerace.com

That's a really big purse!!! The cool thing is they pay it out on the stage at the awards!!!! (At least they did when I raced there two years ago).

Biloxi's Smokin' the Sound Welcomes OPA Racing
04/02/2014 7:05PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) joining forces with the American Power Boat Association(APBA) last month with the goal of making OPA a stronger force, results are already coming in. OPA Racing is proud to announce the addition of Biloxi's "Smokin the Sound" to its newly formed Divisional series. The race will take place later this month on the pristine Gulf Shores of Biloxi, Mississippi along Casino Row between April 24th through the 27th, 2014.

"We are so pleased to have Biloxi on board with OPA Racing! Yes the amount of time we have to organize has put a strain on things, however, with Woody Bailey and his staff hosting races since 2004, it should be an easy transition to work together. We will be working closely over the next few months to align our schedule in 2015 to better accommodate Biloxi to not have the conflict of our season opening National Race in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, which occurs the following weekend May 2- May 4," said Smitty, President of OPA Racing, when asked about the announcement.

Race teams will start arriving on Thursday, April 24 to start setting up in race village. Along with the Category 5 Shootout on Friday, the Smokin the Sound Poker Run on Saturday, there will be "Meet the Racers" gathering each night at various Casinos along the strip culminating with the offshore race on Sunday.

Winter is officially over, it's time to go racing!!!!!

For more information about Biloxi's Smokin' the Sound OPA Divisional Race, visit the OPA Racing website.

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/w...BiloxiSTS3.jpg

From 2013

http://youtu.be/8wQAfb5B8E4

Smokin' The Sound April 24 – 27, 2014

Schedule of Events for Smokin’ The Sound

(Wristbands required for Premium & VIP viewing areas and Race Village.)
Wednesday, April 23

• Race teams arrive.
Thursday, April 24

• 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Race Village Open. Race Boats on display.
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Meet the Race Teams at the Hard Rock Casino Center Bar.
Friday, April 25

• 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Race Village Open. Meet the racers.
• 12 Noon –5 p.m., Category 5 Shootout (Click on Catagory 5
icon for schedule)
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Sponsor-VIP Race Team Party. Meet the Race Teams at the Coast Nightclub inside Beau Rivage Casino & Resort.
Saturday, April 26
• 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Smokin’ The Sound Poker Run. (Click on
Poker Run icon for schedule)
• 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Race Village Open. Meet the racers.
• 11 a.m.., All premium and VIP viewing areas open.
• 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Qualifying and Testing by all Classes.
• Watch the race teams develop their winning strategies for Sunday’ s race.
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Meet the Race Teams Party, Margaritaville Casino.
Sunday, April 27 – Race Day

• 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Race Village Open.
• 10 a.m., All premium and VIP viewing area gates open.
• Tune into a play-by-play account of the race on 104.9 FM, with SBI announcers.
• 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Smokin' The Sound races. All classes of boats.
• 6 p.m., Awards ceremony at the Golden Nugget Casino including recognition of 9th Annual Randy Linebach Lighthouse Team Sportsmanship Award.

I think we need an updated schedule. I believe it has changed a bit for Saturday and will find out. There was some talk of two days of racing.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thrusday, April 24, 2014
10am-6pm​​​​​​ Race Village Open (E. Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party - Hard Rock Casino Center Bar (77 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)

​Friday, April 25, 2014
10am - 6pm Race Village Open
10am-4:30pm Racer Registration (Golden Nugget-151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party - Coast Nightclub (Beau Rivage Casino-875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)

​Saturday, April 26, 2014
9am-6pm Race Village Open
7:30am Team Physicals (Golden Nugget)
8:30am Medical and Dive team briefing
9am Drivers Meeting (Golden Nugget)
9:00am Race Control Operational
10am-5pm Wet Pits open, Crane lift operational
10am-1pm Race Boat Testing
11am All premium and VIP viewing areas open
2pm-4pm RACE (subject to adjustment)
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party (Margaritaville Casino - 160 5th St, Biloxi, MS)

​Sunday, April 27, 2014
9am-6pm Race Village Open
7:30am Team Physicals (Golden Nugget)
8:30am Medical and Dive team briefing
9am Drivers Meeting (Golden Nugget)
9:00am Race Control Operational
10am-5pm Wet Pits open, Crane lift operational
10am All premium and VIP viewing areas open
12pm RACE 1 (start subject to adjustment)
2pm RACE 2 (start subject to adjustment)
6pm Awards Ceremony - Golden Nugget

​​Crane Area - Golden Nugget
Wet Pits - Golden Nugget
Ramp - Kuhn St Ramp on Beach Blvd (across from dry pits)
Ramp - Biloxi Small Craft Harbor (679 Beach Boulevard)
Wash Down Area - TBA

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/w...Biloxi2014.jpg

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/w...iloxi20141.jpg

Latest Updated Schedule as of 4/17/2012, http://www.oparacing.org/race_8.html


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thrusday, April 24, 2014

10am-6pm​​​​​​ Race Village Open (E. Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party - Hard Rock Casino Center Bar (77 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)


​Friday, April 25, 2014

10am-6pm Race Village Open
10am-4pm​​ Racer Registration (Golden Nugget-151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)
TBD Race Boat Inspections (E. Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)
TBD Swim/Dunker Test - (Inquire at Registration)​​
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party - Coast Nightclub (Beau Rivage Casino-875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS)


​Saturday, April 26, 2014

9am-6pm Race Village Open
7:30am Team Physicals (Golden Nugget) no physicals after 8:30am
8:30am Medical and Dive team briefing
9am Drivers Meeting (Golden Nugget)
9:30am Race Control Operational
10am-5pm Wet Pits open, Crane lift operational
10am-1pm Race Boat Testing
11am All premium and VIP viewing areas open
2pm-4pm RACE (subject to adjustment)
7pm-9pm​ Meet the Racers Party (Margaritaville Casino - 160 5th St, Biloxi, MS)


​Sunday, April 27, 2014

9am-6pm Race Village Open
7:30am Team Physicals (Golden Nugget) no physicals after 8:30am
8:30am Medical and Dive team briefing
9am Drivers Meeting (Golden Nugget)
9am Race Control Operational
10am-5pm Wet Pits open, Crane lift operational
10am All premium and VIP viewing areas open
12pm RACE 1 (start subject to adjustment)
2pm RACE 2 (start subject to adjustment)
6pm Awards Ceremony - Golden Nugget

Super Stock Outboard is expected to have a good contingency of boats. Geico says their boat is repaired from Port Charlotte and they are ready.

Key Times and Events to Not Miss

Thursday, April 24
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Meet the Race Teams at the Hard Rock Casino Center Bar

Friday, April 25
• 12 Noon –5 p.m., Category 5 Shootout
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Sponsor-VIP Race Team Party. Meet the Race Teams at the Coast Nightclub inside Beau Rivage Casino & Resort.

Saturday, April 26
• 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Smokin’ The Sound Poker Run
• 10am-1pm Race Boat Testing
• 2pm-4pm Smokin' The Sound races (subject to adjustment)
• 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Meet the Race Teams Party, Margaritaville Casino - 160 5th St, Biloxi, MS

Sunday, April 27 – Race Day
• 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Smokin' The Sound races (All classes of boats)
• 6 p.m., Awards ceremony at the Golden Nugget Casino including recognition of 9th Annual Randy Linebach Lighthouse Team Sportsmanship Award.

Well, we'll be there. Hope to see a bunch of you at the event.....

Latest Schedule


http://www.oparacing.org/uploads/Rac...iloxi_2014.pdf