Oroville Boat Races - Power boat racing features local politicians

The power boat races being held at the Thermalito South Forebay on June 15-17 will feature a treat for spectators with a race between local politicians. Butte County District 1 Supervisor Bill Connelly will be challenging Oroville's Mayor Steve Jernigan, Councilmember Mike Howard and President of the Chamber of Commerce, Marc Miller in a hydroplane race where they will drive racing hydroplanes this weekend.
The "Mayor's - Supervisor's Cup Race" is set to be 'shot out' at precisely 'high noon' on Saturday, June 16.

The media event will take place on the Thermalito South Forebay. All area and community members are encouraged to attend to cheer on their politician driver. They will race in two separate heat races, each lasting approximately five minutes.

Supervisor Connelly is from a racing family, his father Donald F. Connelly raced hydroplanes and runabouts in the 40s and 50s.

"I've never driven a power boat before, but it was something I've always wanted to do," Connelly said. "I've been in motorcross but never had the opportunity to drive a boat."
Connelly said the American Power Boat Association is working hard to revive the sport and having some local celebrity-types involved will help bring more people out to the event.

The boats will be handicapped so that all should run the same, but Connelly figures Howard might have an advantage because he is the smallest of the competitors.
"But I'm not nervous. I'm looking forward to giving it everything I've got," Connelly said. "And everything the boat's got."

For Howard, the opportunity to be involved and drive a power boat fell into his lap.
"I was walking down the street and was asked if I'd like to drive a boat," Howard said.

Howard knew about the boat races and had been to races before, but he wasn't able to pass up the chance to get behind the controls of one for himself.

"I love to sail and water-ski. I have been on the water a lot," Howard said.
After watching previous races, Howard said he'd considered buying his own boat because it looked like a lot of fun and was a good family-oriented event.

Now he has the chance to take on fellow politicians in a whole new political race that will benefit the community.

"It's great to see an event like this come to Oroville," Howard said. "It's good to actually break ground with some of these projects that have been talked about for so long."

Miller said one of the goals he had when becoming part of the Chamber of Commerce was to find ways to bring events like the power boat racing to the Oroville community.
"These types of events are a huge draw and can bring a number of people into our community," he said.

Miller admits to being something of an adrenaline junkie and thinks that getting crazy out on the water with Connelly, Howard and Jernigan will be a good draw for local spectators.
"It's all in fun, but I'm going to win," he said.

Jernigan said he thinks the event will be a lot of fun and even though he's only ever driven a ski boat, he hopes to do well.

"I think it will come down to who gets the best start," Jernigan said. "I just hope I make that first turn."

The American Power Boat Association is sanctioning this event. The Northern California Outboard Association (NCOA) and the East Bay Boat Club (EBBC) in conjunction with Oroville merchant groups will be conducting this "2007 Western Divisional Championship Outboard Hydroplane Regatta."

Drivers and race crews from five western states will be in fierce competition for the championship win, which then guarantees their spot as a qualifier in next month's split National Championships in Ohio and Washington.

This highly anticipated race is becoming "the race to attend and win" on the west coast in 2007.

Some 100 entries are expected in the competition, and some fields are so full they will likely need elimination heats just to get to the 12 finalist for the official championship race.
Spectators are encouraged to bring lightweight lawn chairs and sun protection. Food vending and personal facilities are on site.

From Oroville, take Grand Avenue west off of Highway 70 and go three miles to the end of the road. Turn right into the access gate and proceed 200 yards to the race course.

Entry and parking are free for this event only. Details and map available at: www.orovilleboatraces.com.

© 2007, Oroville Mercury-Register. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc.