Selecting A Race Site
After struggling with trying to identify the first topic to launch The Boat Book, it occurred to me after some research that we can have all the boats, sponsors, money, TV coverage and boat babes we want, but if we don’t have a place to play, it will all be for not. Thinking along those lines, it makes perfect sense to start our conversation with identifying the characteristics of the perfect race site.
The first decision to make in considering the profile of the perfect (or of course, at least acceptable) site should start with comparing the relative merits of a river and a lake. Is a river the logical choice? Should a lake be the target? Both can be long, wide bodies of water, but let’s take a closer look.
Navigable Waters
Rivers are generally considered “navigable waters” and carry a considerable amount of regulations with the moniker. To make a river act like the long, wide body of water that is a lake, it is usually part of a dam system. The dams of course hold back the river water to create a wide, deep lake.
When a dam is involved though, it then brings the Army Corps of Engineers into the picture. That isn’t a problem, but I would suspect that is calls into play a litany of Federal regulations. For now, let’s assume that to be the case and save that to explore as another topic for another day. That list could be extensive and it would be best to consider it separately. I’m a “path of least resistance guy,” so it will be interesting to see if the Unlimited Hydroplane community believes this is a worthwhile consideration. More on that later.
Coast Guard Oversight
We just touched on the aspect of navigable waters. One additional element of that designation is if the waterway is further specified as “commercially navigable.” When that is the case, it appears the U.S. Coast Guard would become involved due to the movement of commercial vessels.
Again, Federal involvement can and probably will add complexity. (And we haven’t even addressed the environmental impact issues.) One such addition to the complexity equation is having Coast Guard Command presence in the Officials’ Tower at the start/finish line. If there’s a crash, clean-up, injury delay, or any other reason the schedule might change, it is the Coast Guard representative that has the last word.
If significant scheduling changes become necessary, the Coast Guard must balance that as a request with the extensive pre-race planning that took place with the shipping companies. Barges and other commercial river traffic plan their movement based on the schedule published when the permits were let. As a result, stacking up barges on the river isn’t popular with the Coast Guard if the race schedule changes.
Barges and Buoys and Lines, Oh My!
The race course is lined with buoys, held in place by mooring lines. On a river, when barges or other vessels must pass through (see Coast Guard above), the buoys can be moved, lines can be damaged and a complete course reset could be necessary before the next race heat. What was originally a small delay that required the barge to pass by before the end of the race schedule, now can cause a significant delay getting the course back in order.
Debris
The flow of a river frequently moves debris from upriver, down. Examples are common, like the past delays in Madison, on the Ohio River. Delays like this can be frustrating, but they are very necessary – I know I wouldn’t want to hit a deadhead log, or a refrigerator, at 160 mph!
A Lot to Like About a Lake
Don’t get me wrong. Boating on a river is a fun recreational activity and with spring slow to get started in many parts of the country, a day on the river sounds quite appealing right now.
However, the arguments made here don’t necessarily support a river as the best location for an Unlimited Hydroplane Race. But a lake on the other hand, offers a number of reasons why it might be the type of venue to consider, and here’s why:
- A lake can be plenty long enough
- A lake can be plenty deep enough
- A natural lake (no dam) is self contained and as a result, carries lighter environmental impact demands
- A lake is generally under municipal, county, or state jurisdiction and can carry fewer constraints than the Federal example above
But can a lake really support a race?
Lakes can be a great location for a race. They’re scenic, they can have the necessary terrain to support pit and spectator areas, and can be easier to “permit.” But lakes, especially the natural variety, are often somewhat remote from population centers and infrastructure, making crowd accommodations to cover race expenses a bit more challenging. Some of the research I mentioned earlier introduced me to a wonderful web site on Hydroplane History from Leslie Field. (Look for a detailed review of that site here in the near future!)
An interesting part of history I found there is about a race called the Oregon Emerald Cup that took place at Dexter Lake, near Eugene, Oregon in 1971. This is a 1,000 acre lake that supported Seattle’s Billy Schumacher’s win in his Pride of Pay ‘n Pak. 2.5 miles worth of race course and $15,000 in prize money later, one could argue this lake was great! You can read more about this lake race on Leslie Field’s site.
Yes, over 40 years ago, the boats were powered by pistons. Today, they are turned by turbines. But if a 1,000 acre lake can handle pistons, I would argue that a 3,000 acre lake, something like Lake Columbia in Magnolia, Arkansas could handle today’s turbines.
Open For Discussion
Now is when we get to debate. Based on my own rookie logic, and a bit of research, I suggest the first choice for identifying a venue for a new Unlimited Hydroplane Racing site be a lake. Given it is large enough, has room for pits and spectators, and is far away from barges and debris, we might just have a winner.
What do you think? Are there positive traits of a river that I’ve missed. Are there drawbacks to a lake that I’m overlooking? Once the debate concludes, I’ll summarize our discussion and make that the first chapter of The Boat Book. Then, we’ll tear into the next topic.
Back to The Boat Book Table of Contents
You rock. My thanks for doing such a good job. I will check again to see what’s new and tell my acquaintenances about your posting.
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I just scheduled a meeting with the manager of Lake Dardanell for weekend after next. I could sense the excitement and enthusiasm in his voice on the phone. I think this will be the perfect place for all concerned. This is odd that I have made a full swing back to Dardanell after four months. I also contacted several manufacturers about the feasibility of a floating grandstand. They are going to put their engineers and a pencil to the task, and get back to me. I’ll get back with more news after the meeting.
Thanks everyone for your support and advice. It won’t be long until I will be able to send everyone VIP tickets to our first race, and meet all of you.
Frantz
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Hi everyone. I have some great news. I visited with the Commissioner of the Corps of Engineers, the State Parks Commissioner and a host of other people Friday morning at Lake DeGray in central Arkansas. They are excited (my jaw dropped) and the Corps said they want this race after showing them H1’s promo video!
I was so excited. They all sat there after the video with their mouths open. We did come to the conclusion after a lot of debate and brain racking, that DeGray will not work, but another lake that was thought of months ago will. That lake is Dardanelle in the northwest part of the state. I have their info and will be contacting them this week.
There is so much to do, I am really doubting if this can be pulled off in a year. If not, then it will be on for 2014. A lot of people are going to think this ideal is crazy but it came up in this meeting. All parties involved thinks that my idea of floating grandstands is workable and would be an answer for other places with the water needed for a race, but have the issue of places to put people, witch I have had. They gave me contacts for possible builders for them also. So who knows, maybe a new business starting up here. Got to go for now to schedule more meetings.
Frantz
Congratulations, Frantz! We all knew you would hit on the right combination eventually. A lesser man would have given up, but you stuck to it. The great state of Arkansas will be better for your efforts!
Hi everyone. I spoke with the Governor’s office last week. What a wealth of info these people had. After about an hour, I had a very important list of names to contact. Their suggestion was to make an appointment with the head of the Corps of Engineers, the GM of Lake Ouachita, and the GM of DeGray Lake to have a sit down and try to come up with a working plan to make this race happen. I put a call in to one of the GMs with the game plan, and he is going to try and arrange a meeting.
There are so many issues, it’s mind boggling.
The state parks say they can do this and can’t do that. The state tourism: same issues. Who owns the property? Who has the say so? So forth and so on. I have to convince whatever parties, that the only way to bring Unlimited here is to make room for the people. If things are not convenient for the people, and they can’t see much of the race, this thing will be a bust.
The Corps just don’t give a flip. If it were up to them, there wouldn’t even be any parks or campsites, etc. It seems to just be a thorn in their sides to have to mess with any of it. Everyone is claiming to be broke with no funds. It is becoming very frustrating for me, that people that I pay taxes to, so that they have an income, can come up with more reasons for this not to happen, than to come up with ways for it to happen.
I am not discouraged, it just makes me mad. I don’t like excuses, I like results. I especially don’t want to hear any excuses from people who I pay to provide me with answers and working solutions. Hopefully the sit down with those who can make the positive decision I want to hear will be scheduled soon. I’m ready to get the ball rolling on this race, and at this point, I’m at a stand still.
Till later, Frantz
Frantz,
Your determination should be an inspiration for all of us. Keep on fighting the good fight. This might be like the story of a band who played for years in little clubs to make it big and be called “an overnight sensation.” Your work will pay off when one day it will all come together. You’ll be the next “overnight sensation!”
Hang in there.
Dave
ARKANSAS UPDATE!
Hi everyone. Boy have I put some miles down in the last two weeks. It made me remember just how much I dislike driving any more. When I used to fly everywhere, I got spoiled.
I have met with two managers of two resorts on Lake Ouachita. Mountain Harbor was out because of not enough shoreline for people. Same results for Brady Mountain. Both places were really excited at the possibility.
An appointment was scheduled this weekend to meet with the GM of Iron Mountain on DeGray Lake which is a 13,000 acre containment. This lake just might work. The GM had a computer program that allowed us to lay out the course on a scale map of the lake, and it did fit.
Next issue was for people, like it has been elsewhere. He lent me a boat and a map to go a view the shoreline. If I can get the State Parks to get on board, and make some slight changes on the shoreline for a permanent race site, then bada bing, we have a place to have our Razorback Regatta!
Everyone is seeing the potential of this event coming here. Everyone I have met have opened the doors with help, excitement, their time, and have tried to accommodate. To spend the kind of money it’s going to require for a race, everything has got to fall into place. My biggest hurdle is room for people. The sanction told me the other day, until I get in my hands an approval from the Corps, State Parks, or whoever is involved with an OK on a site, they will not move forward with anything. I can understand that. For all they know, I’m just blowing smoke.
Time to get on the phone again this week and plea with the State Parks Commission to see if they can do what it will take to fit more people in at this location.
Till later; Frantz
Frantz,
You are making great progress. I like the fact that each time you take a step, you seem to be refining your search and getting closer to a site that will work. Your persistence is inspiring.
Keep up the good work!
Dave
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I applaud Frantz’s efforts! He’s taken many more steps than most would, given the gauntlet of requirements just to begin the consideration of a new race venue. So, nothing I’m going to say here is meant to discourage or dissuade Frantz or anyone else looking to expand the sport.
Given current economic realities, even the seasoned historical sites in the sport struggle without a title corporate sponsor. That increases the importance of gate receipts to help cover event costs. My suggestion to Frantz in his next steps, and to others starting the process, is to give careful consideration to the access and potential control over fan viewing areas when looking for a race site. Access is two edged sword. A race almost certainly requires convenient access from some relatively major population center. Madison, IN is the only current exception to that rule, but there have been a handful of others in the past. Madison draws from throughout the region, including Louisville and Cincinnatti. And the Madison race is steeped in history, with virtually the entire town somehow involved with “Regatta”.
Convenient access from a population center can play in Frantz’s favor, if he can get local governments such as the Mayor who left the “open door” interested. These people can usually see the potential economic benefits of a race in terms of visitor revenue and simply providing entertainment in the public interest. And here’s where that can help with at least one hurdle Frantz has already encountered. It’s going to be difficult, although not impossible to find a suitable body of water that isn’t under the jurisdiction of the Corps. But, by charter they are pretty much required to assist local municipal and state government agencies. If a city, county, or state government gets behind a race effort early on, you can bet the Corps will bend to make it happen.
Control is equally important, because the only way to assure gate receipts is to be able to sell the best viewing. That requires local cooperation, because after all, you’re asking to sell access to space the public already owns. The most successful venues in the sport today have two factors that contribute greatly to that success. They have large, controllable fan areas that are city parks on the shore, which already have grandfathered recreational activity usage within the Corps of Engineers operating mandate. Boat racing is recreational activity, and the Corps is loathe to fight a local jurisdiction over statutory use of its own property.
Go forth and conquer, Frantz! But find a lake or reservoir that’s close to population.
Jim
Thanks so much for the input, Jim. I spent the weekend, about 650 miles of driving, looking at five sites to address these problems. I was in contact on the phone this morning with a man who ramrods Lake Ouachita that has a lot of persuasion with the Corps.
As Jim mentioned, finding a place for spectators is causing my problems. Thus the reason for his (the contact) location to be out of the question. He doesn’t have the ramp size, viewing, and all the above for this venue at his location. He has put me in touch with another park on the same lake who might be able to accommodate this issue. I’ll be putting a call in for him today. If this fails, I have only two more locations available in size for such an event, and if that fails, the next step will be to look at Memphis and the Mississippi River.
I’ll let you know how that goes when I find out something. Till later; Frantz
ARKANSAS UPDATE: The Corps of Engineers has denied my request to use the lake I proposed. I now will go over the head of my first contact.
I do have alternate sites in mind that the Corps do not have control over. It seems, from our talk, that they have an issue with taking up the lake’s room for the course. As I explained to them, we’re talking about 40,000 acres here, what are you taking about room?
I think the real issue is liability, or they just don’t want to mess with it. There were several other issues they mentioned. I will now proceed with the host city, parks and tourism, and other avenues that probably can put pressure on the Corps to persuade then to change their minds. If not, it will be their loss not to let me use the preferred lake.
A lot of interest is getting stirred here. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing.
Till later; Frantz
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Dave has asked me to share my recent experience with consummating a race site. Being there are so many bodies of water here in Arkansas, this alone was going to take in a lot of research. Most of this can be done on the web or your state parks commission. The web was quicker because by phone you really get a lot of, “you need to talk to Joe”, and Joe say’s “you need to talk to Bill”, and so on an so on.
The next step is determining whether or not the waterway is privately owned, state or city controlled, or a federally controlled containment. I contacted H1 sanction first, and advised them of my hopes and plans to bring Unlimited to Arkansas. In some of the info I requested from them was a course layout chart. Let me give some praise here for the moment. H1 has provided me with every request I have asked of them.
Now, here was my first mistake. I had hopes for a particular city (Little Rock) for a host. There were many reasons for wanting that city, and this was before I received the information from H1. The first thing I did after (you got that,right? “AFTER”) receiving this info, was to contact the Army Corps of Engineers to see if the course would fit in the general location at this choice of cities. I figured the Corps, if anyone, would know because they generally control most navigable rivers. In my situation, this was the case.
Be patient with these people – they have a lot on their plate. You can count on making several phone calls.
The Corps finally visited me in person to take a look at the race course requirements. This is where my first (mistake) bubble was burst. The course would not fit at this location. Now you might say, “well you dummy, didn’t you know?” No, because I had been premature in my excitement of trying to make this happen without the proper information. Yes, the Arkansas river is big but not big enough for H1’s requirements. Then when the mayor of Little Rock returned my call, I almost came across as a fool because I had to give him the bad news.
Let me put this tidbit in here: don’t be intimidated to contact anyone. He (the mayor) finally asked me just who or what I was. I was honest, and said I was just a fan of the most exciting sport on earth, and it was my desire to bring this wonderful venue to my state. His door was left open for any help he could provide.
Time to drop back and punt.
The Corps suggested two other bodies of water, one of which I had in mind already. So I contacted the State Parks Commission because this body of water is also located at a state park, and the water is controlled by the Corps of Engineers. I have been in contact with the Corps, at length this time, in using Lake Ouachita for the race. I have made the decision to use Hot Springs for the host city.
The next step is to send a request to them (the Corps) with detailed information of what H1 requires. I am putting in a call to H1 this morning to help me with this because I am sure they have dealt with the Corps before, and they know what they require. Best I can tell, there won’t be a problem pushing this through for approval. Other types of boat races have been held on Lake Ouachita in the past. Looks as if the first Razorback Regatta will be coming to life!
Thanks everyone, and I’ll get back when I have more “good news.”
Frantz
Frantz! You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your effort, and for sharing your progress with us here. I hope the growing group of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing readers will weigh in on your story and add to it.
Outstanding!
Dave
ARKANSAS UPDATE! Hi race fans; I contacted H1 to ask if they could help me with the request that has to be sent to the Corps of Engineer for permission to use Lake Ouachita. I was informed that would be my responsibility. They do not make the request,it is the organizer responsibility. The formal request with as much detailed information has been submitted to the Corps. Now we wait. I contacted a major news paper today to give them the heads up on my intentions. They were very interested. I have got to get as much info into their hands as possible. I can foresee this hitting print could possibly start a spark of a lot of interest. That’s all for now,and for now we wait for a response. Thanks everyone; Frantz
Good job, Frantz! You’ll get racing in Arkansas before you know it!
I’ve recently discovered this site, and find it really interesting. I am a semi-“insider” I suppose, having been a mostly volunteer photographer at all races but one over the past seven years. The topic of starting up a new race in the US is a great one! It has become a daunting challenge to overcome a growing number of obstacles, from permits to sponsorships. I think soliciting input from “new blood” is a laudible idea, and I’m hoping to see some real “out of the box” thinking posted here over the next few weeks.
Welcome, Jim! Any help we can get from experienced people like you will be appreciated.