Record boat entry will roar at Webb's Slough opener

A record entry of 33 boats are expected to be in action Saturday in the season’s opening race at Webb’s Slough in St. John. The entry is approximately 10 boats higher than the norm for the start of the season, according to Amanda Webb.

Five boats have been entered from Idaho and one from Montana. The Canadians from British Columbia are expected to bring down eight boats for the big day of competition.

Webb said they expect a strong field in the unlimited class.

The Webbs are hosting the races Saturday under a new format. They have formed the North American Sprint Boats Association and the change has apparently appealed to more race teams.

The new organization is independent of the former American Sprint Boat Racing Association.

Webb noted at least three race teams will be out of the lineup for the opener Saturday because they were not able to finish up work on their boats in time. Most are waiting for parts which are sometimes slow in coming in the world of specialized boat racing engines.

The racing will follow the same format, with practices set to start at 9 a.m. Saturday. Teams in the three classes will make four qualifying runs with the eight fastest boats in each class advancing to the finals.

The large entry list figures to make for a long day of racing before the winners emerge at the end of the day.

Webb said plans are in the works to top off the Saturday show with a fireworks display.

On Thursday at 10 a.m., the slough will be open for campers to arrive for the event, which can stretch over four days.

A golf scramble is set for the St. John course Friday, and the show and shine event for the boats and teams will be in downtown St. John from 4 to 7 p.m. The event gives race fans the opportunity to meet the teams and look over the equipment.

St. John Fire Department volunteers plan to have a pancake feed at the slough campground on Saturday morning, beginning at 6 a.m.

The second round of races at the slough this year is scheduled for Aug. 24.