Racers heating up a chilly Lake Jacksonville

By Cody Bozarth

When Richard Baze hits the road with his trailer pulling three kneel-down hydro boats, he turns heads.

“It’s awesome. Going down the highway and people pulling up next to you, they freak out, trying to figure out what it is,” he said. “At gas stations people are like, ‘What is that?’”

His boats will be a few among dozens as racers hit Lake Jacksonville today for the second WJIL/WJVO and Heart of Jacksonville Outboard Power Boat Races — free admission at noon today and Sunday.

The squat boats, roughly 11-feet long, glide over the water on a cushion of air while traveling up to 100 miles per hour. You can’t buy them from dealers and hobbyists customize their own outboard motors, so it’s easy to say that each one is unique.

Baze has boats that are 24- 15- and 8-years-old, showing something of an evolution in design since his early days in the National Boat Racing Association’s Quincy-based group, the Outboard Driver’s Association.

The Outboard Driver’s Association is organizing the event, which will feature hydro boats and runabouts competing in numerous classes. At 3 p.m. the Holiday Shores Ski Club of Edwardsville will be putting on a show between Point 3 and Point 6. Food vendors, beer tent, post-race party, live music and prize drawings will also be featured.

Race referee Jeff Lake said the group was glad to be back in Jacksonville and grateful for the work of Tom Winner, of The Heart of Jacksonville, for his efforts in welcoming racers to the city. He also said that the group is always welcoming new members and said most all of the racers would we glad to talk about the hobby and show off their boats.

NBRA racers from all over the country will be attending, and while the waters of Lake Jacksonville might be a bit chilly, racer Dave Mason said it’ll at least help the motors stay cooler and perform better. Despite the chilly conditions, he was looking forward to being at the race.

“The thing that separates this sport from other sports is probably that it’s the most family-oriented racing sport you’ll ever see,” Mason said. “Everyone will loan anyone anything they have. … On the race course we’re serious but on the bank we’ll give you a hug or shake your hand for beating me out there.”

“There’s a motto,” Lake said. “Competition for three laps, friendship forever.”