LAKEPORT >> The boat races return to the Lakeport Speedway on Saturday and will join the Taco Bell bombers and the jammers on the night’s racing card. Jalopies will run on their figure-eight course in the middle of the track while the Pro Drifters also will be in action.
The boat races create their own brand of chaos. After the asphalt quarter-mile oval is wet down, cars tow the boats behind them in a type of demolition derby. Fans vote for their favorite surviving car at race’s end.
Jalopies, which are low-budget cars that race on the infield, are free to bang into each other in their quest for first place. Unless there is safety concern, pretty much anything goes.
For the bomber and jammer drivers, it is business as normal. They will be on the asphalt track racing for awards and points. After racing April 16 in the season opener at Lakeport, these drivers have had a week off to fine-tune their cars.
One of the highlights of the night should be the Pro Drifters. Drifting is a high-skill motorsport that calls for drivers to control a high-horsepower car while it slides sideways at high speeds. This is a sport where drivers are judged on style and execution rather than who finishes with the fastest time.
“Part of what I love about promoting racing is bringing exciting, fun, family friendly events to Lake and Mendocino counties,” race promoter David Furia said. “Hearing the fans cheer and seeing the ear-to-ear grins on the drivers’ faces as they talk about their races … you can feel the excitement in the air and I love knowing that people are having a great time at the track.
“Racing is in my blood. My family has been involved in racing in one way or another for over 25 years. I love having the opportunity to share the excitement with the Lake County racing fans,” Furia added.
On Sunday morning, the action turns indoors as the second race of the 2016 Nor Cal Short Track Season takes place. A 98-rider field is expected to compete.
Check out the schedule at www.lakeportspeedway.com or search for Lakeport Speedway on Facebook for more information on the Lakeport Speedway.
