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

[JRB]

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