Grants Pass, Ore. — Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. And hundreds celebrated the holiday by packing the banks of the Rogue River in Grants Pass to catch one of the final hydroplane races of the season.
It was all part of Cal-Ore River Racers U.S. Championship.
11 of the best hydroplane drivers in southern Oregon and northern California took to the river,racing at speed of up 80 miles per hour.
“The boats run up to Grants Pass which is 12 miles up river,” said Don Burnison, the race starter.
The race consists of 4 laps, totaling 48 miles.
“They’re having to know where they are going. They gotta know the wind conditions out there, and of course, they are competing with one other. So, they got to figure out what the other guy in front of them is doing,” Burnison said.
Spectator Dave Wozniak came out to support one of his friends in the race.
He says he misses the day when he would race drag boats.
“My race only lasted like 6 and a half seconds. But these guys out on the course for a period of time is pretty exciting. It beats them up, gotta be in good shape,” Wozniak said.
Burnison agrees, the wear and tear these drivers put themselves though takes a toll.
Official results will be posted when calculations are complete. To see the results from the race click here.
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