UMPBA drag racing takes place on an 800-foot course, organized in brackets based on a break-out speed. With the help of LiveTime and its new transponder system, UMPBA is able to enforce break-out speeds for each class. If a racer exceeds the break-out speed for that class, they receive a loss. Racing is open to boats powered by outboards, inboards, and jet drives.
The first class up was Lake Racer for boats running up to 65 mph. The two-racer field featured first-time racer Logan Rittenhouse, a new member of UMPBA piloting his Mercury-powered ‘86 Laser. Ultimately, Marc Gajdos, secured his third victory, coming in 1st with his Mercury powered 1974 “UFO”.
Six boats entered Lake Racer 1 (66 to 75 mph) and Jack Stanaszek raced his way to first place driving his Hydrostream Vector powered by a Mercury 175. Mark K. finished second, followed by Ryan Pease in a Mercury Powered Hydrostream Valero.
Lake Racer 2 (76-85 mph) featured a field of 19 boats, Nick Peterson guided his Mercury-powered 2000 STV Mod VP to first place. Kristian Kozan finished second driving his 1983 Sterling Tunnel, and Matt Rittenhouse secured third piloting a Mercury Racing-Powered STV.
After a quick intermission, 11 boats formed up to compete in the Lake Racer 3 class (86-95 mph). Chris Daniels defended his title and won in his 2016 Allison Drag powered by a 280 Mer. Mercury Racing outboards also powered Jerry Leonard in a Quarter Master and Brad Rittenhouse in his STV to spots on the podium.
The fast boats came out for Lake Racer 4 (96-105 MPH). Brad Rittenhouse of Michigan led the seven-boat field and took first in a Mercury Powered QuarterMaster, followed by UMPBA President Brett Seubert with his 2023 Asylum boat project. Dan Bulger, in a Mirage QuarterMaster, finished third.
Five boats entered into the Unlimited class. Rounding up the day, Nick Winski brought home first place in his Mercury Drag-powered Mod VP. Jason Fandre driving a 1998 Tom Papp Edge Stealth came back to defend his title but ended up taking second place. Brett Seubert, driving his 2023 Asylum boat, followed in third.
UMPBA partnered with Bullhead’s Bar and Grill and was proud to raise funds once again for the Dewey Volunteer Fire Department. The Upper Midwest Powerboat Association will be hosting its last race of the season in Fremont, Wis., on September 9.
