SBI Michigan City Grand Prix, 2014 - Pics and Review

[Ratickle]

Michigan City was a bit disappointing this year for a couple reasons. First, only 13 boats decided to make an appearance even though the race was for double points. Second, the water was about as flat as Lake Michigan can possibly get.

However, even though those two negatives occurred, those who showed up all ran two heats on Sunday, making their double points earned, (especially when you consider most of the boats are based out of Florida). In addition, the weather was absolutely beautiful for spectators on the beaches, even if the waves was not conducive to making good action shots.

There were four of the Super Cats. All four started the first heat.

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On this particular day, Broadco was the cream of the big cats. Taking the lead in both the first and second races, they never relinquished it even though Stihl was pushing them hard throughout both events. Congrats to Broadco on their big win in the double points race, it certainly tightens things up a bit in the National Title points race.....

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As I said, the weather was about perfect for a day at the beach. This shot is from the beach on the north turn looking south towards the main park access area and the lighthouse. The straight was 2.5 miles long and the beach was well populated with spectators even this far away. The white tents way down by the pier are the VIP viewing area tents, and the pier is where Shoot 2 Thrill was shooting the first race from. Freezeframe was around the main tent area shooting his photos. I have no idea what the attendance on the beach was, but there were definitely more than 300 boats on the outside straight viewing area.

[Ratickle]

Some pre-race entertainment. I cannot figure out what the plane is. What WWII plane would have had fixed landing gear like that?

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Race safety ready to go...

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Only one of the Superboat Vee's showed up to race. Absolutely Not took home the double points for first place which takes him from fourth place to first place in the National Championship point race I believe. The boat sure looks good on the course.

[redhotsommer]

I was bummed about the boat count as well...maybe the racers were scared of the Big Pond? It was CRAZY how calm it was...we beat feet back to East Chicago after the second race, and barely were barely on the trailer before a nice little popup storm hit. Ran 65-70 all the way back.

[drpete3]

We watched the first race then headed out. Pretty long trip home pulling the boat. Weather wise this was the best summer boating day for us for the year. I do agree that it made racing less exciting but still a fun fun time

[Ratickle]

There were a couple guys running around between the two races way out there. Causing problems, making noise, trying to find a wave to make their offshore boats look like offshore boats.....

Recognize them???? They were about a mile away, so not good shots.....

[Ratickle]

Another boat whose trip to Michigan City worked out as a big bonus with the double points had to be Lucas Oil. In Superboat Unlimited, Lucas was in second place in the National Points standings, but only 107 points behind Miss Geico. Now, they should have about a 900 point lead being the only boat in the class to show up to race. Unless they miss a race, that should pretty well wrap up the national championship.

[Serious News]

Some unknown on the lifeguard stand blocking the view for the live broadcast of the second race....



Rumor has it there is an all points bulletin trying to locate whoever that is, every tip can be used. We don't know if a reward has been posted yet but will do our best to keep everyone informed when we find out......

http://new.livestream.com/sbi/michigancity2014

[Bobcat]

Some pre-race entertainment. I cannot figure out what the plane is. What WWII plane would have had fixed landing gear like that?

Looks like a modified T-6 Texan trainer. They used these as fake Zero's during all of those WWII movies.

[Serious News]

Lucas Oil did come away with 1020 points for their first place finish with bonus points. That would move them from second to first in the National Points standings and give them a commanding 913 point lead over Miss Geico with only three races to go.

Absolutely Not received 1000 points and now has 2117 points, skipping past the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place boats into 1st place with a 580 point lead over the now 2nd place SunPrint boat.

In the Superboat class it not only tightened up, but Broadco passed Stihl into first place with a total of 2567 points for the season versus 2428 total YTD for Stihl. WHM is in third place at 2231 points and all three would still have a shot at the championship with three races remaining. Racing for Cancer is solidly in 4th with 1771 points and would need a major fail by one of the three boats ahead of them to have a podium Championship finish.