UMPBA Opens Drag Race Season on Pelican Lake

[MercuryRacing]

A very competitive field of 42 race entries filled the field for the first drag race of the season hosted by the Upper Midwest Power Boat Association (UMPBA) on June 10 at Gerrit’s Lakeview Inn on Pelican Lake, Wis. 

Unlike any other organization, UMPBA brackets are determined by boat speed rather than engine displacement, boat or propulsion type. Staying true to their grassroots drag racing club but also making strides forward, UMPBA has implemented the use of a LiveTime Transponder System to better enforce speed break out rules. 

The 65-mph class started the day off with Marc Gajdos racing his 1974 UFO powered by a 200hp Mercury outboard to first place, with Josh Baker in a 2021 Vampire coming in second. Jerry Leonard dusted G.W. Invader, also known as “The Mullet,” to join in on the action. 

Photo Credit: Aaron GalinskyWind speed began to pick up as the 75-mph class hit the water. Marc Gajdos came in third place, securing his points. Ryan Pease, piloting a Hydrostream Valero with Mercury outboard power, and Mark K. were ready to battle for first place but with increasing winds producing white caps on Pelican Lake, race officials had to cancel the competition class's final pass, with the safety of drivers and volunteers paramount.

UMPBA is committed to the safety of all involved in each event and will have Ryan and Mark finish their battle by kicking off our next race in Stevens Point, Wis., on July 8th. 

There are three more events in the 2023 UMPBA season with races on July 8 and August 19 in Stevens Point, Wis, and September 9 in Fremont, Wis.