Grand Lake Michigan Boat Race in the Works

ROGERS CITY — A power boat racing event may be coming to Grand Lake this summer.

Presque Isle County commissioners agreed to send a letter of support to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources so a permit can be obtained for the event.

Jim Budnik, a Presque Isle County resident, told commissioners he races boats and is trying to get a race going in the Grand Lake area. He said they are hoping to hold the race on the lake in front of the Fireside Inn, which is located on the southeast end of the lake at 18730 Fireside Highway in Presque Isle.

Budnik told commissioners the event would be similar to the event held in Indian River, which typically has around 100 entries.

Grand Lake’s event would be sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, he said, and would consist of a short race and a marathon race. The races would take place over a two-day period.

“Even though this would be the first race we’ve ever done up here, we’ve been hearing a lot of support from the racers, so we’re just guessing we’re going to start at about 100 boats,” he said. “So there would be a lot of camping and food and all that.”

Budnik told commissioners Kauffman Bay would be blocked off both days for the short race, although they wouldn’t block access to the lake for residents who live on the lakefront and want to use their boats.

Additionally, a portion of Grand Lake would be blocked for 30 to 45 minutes during the marathon race. Racers would start near the Fireside Inn, race down to the Harbor Beach Association beach house, go around Grand Island, and return to the Fireside Inn. Drivers need to complete three laps to finish the marathon.

Budnik said there would be no liability for the county because the event is sanctioned by APBA. The permit from the DNR is needed so the event can be held on the water. He told commissioners that, while power boats can be loud, they are no louder than a jet ski.

Crystal Nelson can be reached at 989-358-5687 or cnelson@thealpenanews.com.

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