The Owensboro HydroFair is now an even more high-profile event after being designated to host the North American Championships for the American Powerboat Association. Officials expect a huge turnout, with more than 60 teams from the United State and Canada competing for the 2021 titles in seven race classes.
The HydroFair is set for Aug. 20-22, with practice runs the first day and races on the final two. The course is a 1.25-mile loop that starts and ends in front of the Owensboro Convention Center.
City of Owensboro Public Events Director Tim Ross said the NAC designation is a big deal in terms of drawing bigger crowds than expected to the community.
“Obviously if you can imagine being on one of the race teams and you get a chance to go compete for the North American Championships, it has a little more stature to it and a little bit more competitive spirit,” he said.
Ross said the Grand Prix event — which features the boats that create 1,600 horsepower and have the ability to reach 160 mph — is especially promising and one that teams are already looking forward to.
“Those race teams are kind of seeing this as an East vs. West competition for the North American Championships,” Ross said. “We’ve got a really unique opportunity. We’re anticipating having the largest boat count for the Grand Prix racing of anybody on the APBA circuit in more than 25 years.”
Though the event is free to attend, there are tickets available for those who want reserved seating at the Convention Center — though at this time tickets can only be sold in groups of six.
Reserved seating tickets are located in several different areas along the riverfront and have several price points for spectators to choose the level of amenity they would like, including: food and drinks, banquet tables, shade, access to indoor restrooms.
For more information on tickets or to purchase, click here.
During a news conference Thursday, event organizers also announced a partnership with Owensboro-based Valor Oil — specifically, the Renegade Race Fuel division operating out of Bowling Green.
Renegade will be providing all the fueling needs from the event — including for the racing boats as well as all rescue, safety and officiating vessels.
“We started this division to be an advocate for grassroots racing,” said Renegade founder Toby Baptiste. “What I love about this race series is that this really fits our core values and where we are at as a company and where we’re going to go forward. We look forward to doing an excellent job and making this as successful and significant as possible.”
More information for the 2021 Owensboro HydroFair presented by Jagoe Homes can be found on the HydroFair website.
