The St. Clair River Classic is rated as one of the top offshore racing sites in the United States. The race begins at noon on Sunday with viewing available from Palmer Park in downtown St. Clair.
"The venue is ideal for both racers and spectators. Everything is within walking distance," Blue Water Offshore Racing Association President Ed Smith of St. Clair said.
The OPA Sanctioned event attracts over 30,000 spectators to the city. It is the highlight of a weekend of events that will include concerts in the park and a fair in town.
Blue Water Offshore Racing Association President Steve Brunner is hoping for 40 to 60 boats this year. Race boats show up as early as today and can be viewed around town in the dry pit areas.
"There will potentially be 11 classes. Classes 1-6 are speed and size regulated, after that there is Super Vee, Super Cat Lite, Super Cat and Extreme. All are regulated by engine size and hull configuration. The extreme class will have at least one turbine boat, Miss Geico, capable of speeds in excess of 175 mph. We are in hopes of having several boats in that class," Brunner said.
The 2010 race course will follow the shorter route established in 2009. The slower boats will debut at noon while the more powerful classes will race later in the afternoon.
The BWORA and OPA volunteers have fine tuned race logistics making it manageable for race teams unfamiliar with the area. While the venue is unique, for many competitors the freshwater is an added bonus.
"There's a lot less clean up compared to salt water racing, " Brunner said. "Teams from all over the country comment on our blue water, the Jersey Boyz team asks who added the 'Tidy Bowl'. The friendly people of St. Clair make it more enjoyable for the racers. There are racers who have been here so often they have made permanent friends in the community."
It's not all about boats, though as River Fest has added culture free concerts beginning Friday with top entertainers. Candlebox takes the stage at 10:15 p.m., Friday. Great White known for its 1987 double platinum album "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," won't make the baby boomers feel too out of place. Great White will be on stage at 10:15 p.m., Saturday.
You will pay a premium for parking but free parking is available on city streets. Street vendors will offer food throughout the event.
Longtime St. Clair businessman Dale Carney considers the offshore race a first class event.
"We (my family and I) love race weekend. The kids always enjoyed the carnival but this year there are other activities for them to enjoy," Carney said. "As a business owner I think it's great."
