ALBANY, Oregon (September 13, 2010) — The USSBA National Finals race weekend will be focused on honoring U.S. Military Veterans.

From Oregon JetSprint:

We are hosting the Portland VA hospital at the race this Saturday. We will be honored to have men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan attending this race. They are also donating a flag to OREGON JETSPRINT that has come from the war, for us to use at our track from now on. The Vets will have special VIP seating. Please make sure to stop by and visit with them during the day in the Pit area.
 

The schedule this weekend will be as follows:

FRIDAY SEPT 17th
TECH IN will take place at the track from 5-8pm.

SATURDAY SEPT 18th
7:00am- Gates open for racers
8:00am- Gates Open
8:30am- Drivers meeting Please do NOT be late!
9:00am- Ramp Open for Boat warm up
9:55am- Warm-up ends
10:00am- Singing of the National Anthem(s)
10:05am- Racing will start
TBA- Lunch Break After the 4th qualifier
Finals follow lunch break
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR FANS

The Address of the track is: 33131 Witt Rd. Tangent, OR 97389

TICKETS are available NOW at http://www.ticketswest.com (search: sprint boats) or you can purchase them at the gate for $15.00 adults, $10.00 kids, 5 and under FREE, Parking is $2.00 at the gate.

Gates open at 8:00am, racing starts at 10am. Usually racing is over around 4-5pm depending on boat count and crashes from the day

Small Coolers will be allowed; NO outside alcohol allowed on race premises. This includes the pit area. Smoking is only in designated areas.

We do have a beer garden available. Please drink responsibly

Food vendors available on site.

Bring your families, lawn chairs, sun canopies. Canopies will be allowed in marked designated areas only.

PLEASE, NO PETS

EAST WENATCHEE, Washington (September 3, 2010) — Arrived today about 2pm and drove out to the track. Wow! It's a beautiful thing to behold. I've seen the pictures, but it's so much more impressive in person.

And one person who definitely deserves mentioning here is Dawn Collings. She has worked very hard since about January to make this happen. Yes, there are many other people who have also gone beyond the call of duty to create this track and this race against heavy odds, and we all thank you too. It's great to see this happening and many in the community are embracing the inaugural race at Thunder Swamp tomorrow.

KCSY-FM was onsite broadcasting live from the Show and Shine this evening at the mall in front of Macy's interviewing drivers and navigators. Many fans showed up to purchase their tickets and meet the teams. And some even got to sit in a boat!

KCSY-FM will also be broadcasting live tomorrow from the track.

If you cannot make it to the race we will be live-streaming the race on Ustream. See above for links.

Here are a few photos from the Show and Shine. See you all at the track tomorrow morning!

EAST WENATCHEE, Washington (September 2, 2010) — The inaugural race at the new track in East Wenatchee, Thunder Swamp, is pivotal as the teams head down the wire to the season ending, championship event at The National finals in Albany in two weeks. Leaving Thunder Swamp with a substantial lead will be a huge advantage.

All three classes are up for grabs and it will be the most aggressive and fine-tuned racers that will come out on top of the podium at the end of the day on Saturday, September 4th. They will all begin on a level playing field. Not one team has ever had their boat wet on this track. No practice time. No play time. The track is closed until Saturday morning.

Thunder Swamp is a twisty pretzel, patterned after tracks found in New Zealand, the home of Sprint Boat Racing, or Jet Sprinting as they call it. There are no straightaways. It should be a fun track to master and an exciting day of racing for the fans at the track and watching on the USSBA's live Ustream channel.

For complete details on Friday's Show and Shine, camping, directions and more, go to the Thunder Swamp Website.

EAST WENATCHEE, Washington (August 30, 2010) — While we were racing at Webb's Slough Prazer Excavation was busy putting the finishing touches on the new track, coined Thunder Swamp, and filling it with water.

The track is looking beautiful and a standing ovation to all the people at Prazer for making this possible. They have been working seven days a week, from 5am until 8pm, to make the race this weekend possible.

Thank you Tricia Prazer for the latest photos!

(Click on any photo for a full size view)

ONTARIO, Oregon (August 23, 2010) — In a telephone interview this afternoon, Jack Bright Sr. announced that he was cleared medically to race this weekend at Webb's Slough. Jack Jr. will also be back navigating Rock Chucker as this classic USSBA racing team once again takes to the track. Dale Barger and his navigator will be double-teaming the boat with Jack and Jack Jr.

For those of you who are wondering, Jack had major surgery five weeks ago to remove a cancerous tumor in his abdomen. His recovery has been remarkable!

"I know I'm out of the points," Jack said, "but I can sure stir up the pot. We had the pump totally overhauled and with myself finishing first, and Dale finishing second this weekend, that will just leave a few crumbs for the others to feed off of." Technically, Jack is not out of the points for the Group A-400 championship, but it is tough to make up points missing just one race in this series.

Several others in the class have also performed serious pump overhauls so it may not be so easy for Jack to claim this weekend's top spot. However, there are a few more kinks in the 400-class.

Hanna Macke will not be able to navigate at Webb's Slough or the inaugural race at the brand new Thunder Swamp track being built in East Wenatchee, Washington. Cara McGuire, Dan Morrison's regular navigator, will be double-teaming for the Wicked Racing boats the next two races at least. These are the first races Hannah has missed in eleven years and she's none to happy about it.

But, Jack Bright, known for his matter-of-factness, is confident he can pull off a comeback win. "My pump builder said he was shocked I was running as fast as I was with the pump in the horrible condition it was in. I will be much faster."

Determined to stir the championship pot, Jack said that he will be fast enough to make Doug (Hendrickson) nervous enough to make mistakes and make a run for the top spot on the podium this weekend.

Hendrickson is making a run for his third 400-class championship in five years and is 90 points ahead of second place, Paul Gahr Jr. Doug's boat has been incredibly fast this season and his driving more precise than ever. Though teaming up with a new navigator will be a challenge, Doug is confident that they can team up nicely.

No matter what happens, it will be a joy to see Jack Bright Sr. at the track again this weekend. We didn't expect to see him racing until East Wenatchee, so this is an unexpected surprise for us all!

The weather this weekend will be Pacific Northwest Perfect! Mid-70's and beautiful sunshine on the Palouse's golden hills of wheat as the focus of the entire area reigns down on this beautifully maintained facility in St. John, Washington.

There are points battles in the Super-Modified class and Super Boat class that will be watched very closely this weekend. Check the standings for your favorite team to root for!

See you at the track!

ST. JOHN, Washington (August 10, 2010) — Webb's Slough Racing is giving away a Prize Pack for what? For just buying tickets online. I mean heck! You're gonna buy tickets anyway, and now you'll be entered in a contest to get the coolest Webb's Slough Gear on Earth!

Here's the details:

Purchase your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets and your name will be entered into a drawing for Webb's Slough Gear!

2 Hooded Sweatshirts,
2 Travel Tumblers
1 Tote Bag
plus goodies from our sponsors!

Tickets must be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets by 8pm on 08-27-2010. Drawing will take place 08-28-2010.  Winner will be announced during the race. Must be present to win. Must have photo ID to claim the prize pack.
 

PORT ANGELES, Washington (July 30, 2010) —  In what was becoming a ridiculous exercise in futility with seemingly no end, Dan Morrison, landowner and Sprint Boat track developer, finally is seeing the light of a very, very long and expensive tunnel.

The Peninsula Daily News reported in an undated story: After a year of working with the Army Corps of Engineers, and more than $40,000 in studies, the investors hoping to create a sprint boat racing course have been given the go-ahead to go forward with applying for a city permit to build the course.

This does not mean that a race will happen anytime soon. This only means that The Dan Morrison Group, official owners of the land, can apply for a permit. The permit process will have its own hurdles and hoops to jump through.

If and when a permit is issued then construction of the track can begin and then possibly racing as early as summer 2011.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

PORT ANGELES, Washington (July 31, 2010) —  TNT Racing showed off the boats at the Auto Dare devils Show in Port Angeles recently. The fans were excited to see the boats and are thrilled to hear that racing in Port Angeles may come as early as next year!

SEATTLE, Washington (July 11, 2010) — Jonathan Hillstrand, co-owner of the Time Bandit crab fishing vessel, and star of the wildly popular Deadliest Catch TV show tries on Dan Morrison's Super Boat for size.

The Wicked Racing team was at the Seattle NHRA Northwest Nationals to show off the boats and caught the eye of Jonathan on Saturday.

Jonathan said he, "really wants to get a ride in one of these boats," and was impressed with the videos they were showing. His schedule keeps him busy and he might be able to make a race until 2011, but will at his first chance.

USSBA Pre-Race News

15 minutes of fame

Get yours at Webb's Slough this weekend!

By Jim DeFord

TANGENT, Oregon (July 16, 2010) — Oregon JetSprint today announced they will offer kid's prices for all adults showing a valid Military ID when purchasing tickets at the gate for the July 24th event. Adult prices are $15 and with the discount, would reduce the ticket cost to just $10.

Note this ONLY applies to tickets purchased at the gate on race day.

TANGENT, Oregon (July 13, 2010) — The following is valuable information for our fans and racers headed to the Albany race on July 24th:

Off-track dry camping is available. $10 per night. Follow the signs to the track. The camping site is 1 mile before the track entrance. You can't miss it!

TICKETS are available NOW at www.ticketswest.com (search: sprint boats) or you can purchase them at the gate for $15.00 adults/$10.00 children  - 5 and under FREE Parking is $2.00 at the gate. NO PETS.

Gates open at 8:00am. Qualifying starts at 10am. Race is over around 4-5pm depending on boat count and crashes from the day.

Small Coolers will be allowed: No outside alcohol allowed on race premises. This includes the pit area. Smoking is only in designated areas.

We do have a beer garden available, please drink responsibly. Please assign a designated driver.

SEVEN awesome food vendors available on site!

 
If you are planning to sell your merchandise or to post your sponsor banners outside of your pit area, you MUST arrange this with us ahead of time and sign a vendor agreement BEFORE race day.
 

Bring your families, lawn chairs, sun canopies. Canopies will be allowed in marked designated areas only.
PLEASE, NO PETS
 

Friday, July 23rd - SHOW AND SHINE

LAKESHORE LANES
5432 Pacific Blvd SW
Albany, OR 97322

Starts at 5 pm and ends around 8:00pm. Most of the boats racing Saturday will be at this event Friday night. (Some will still be driving here, so they won’t make it in time).

This is a great chance for you to come down, meet the teams and vote for the boat that you think is the shiniest and best looking, that boat will win the “Show and Shine” event and receive something special at the awards ceremony after the race on Saturday!

Enjoy the Bowling, Putt-Putt Golf, and Sports Bar while at this show and shine.
 

Saturday, July 24th - RACE EVENT

Track address: 33131 Witt Rd. Tangent, OR 97389

7:00am- Gates open for racers
8:00am- Gates Open
8:30am- Drivers meeting (Do not be Late, this will be at 8:30am)

8:30am- Media Safety meeting at announcers stand
9:00am- Ramp Open for Boat warm up
10:00am- Singing of the National Anthem
10:05am- Racing will start
Lunch Break After the 4th qualifier (no break after 3rd qualifier)
Finals after lunch break
 

TANGENT, Oregon (June 26, 2010) — Oregon JetSprint, the organizing body of this incredible track just south of Albany, will be adding more cabling and catch fencing as they prepare for their first event of the 2010 USSBA Racing Series season.

There is a huge contingent behind every track as they prepare for each race and with the Albany track being the largest by far, of any track on the circuit, it's even more work for these folks who also race in the USSBA Racing Series.

So, in addition to preparing boats and teams and traveling and on and on, Oregon JetSprint also maintains the Field of Dreams. Quite a monumental task with the majority of the team also holding day jobs on top of all that.

The racing this season has been nothing less than uber-exciting with the fastest boats we have seen in ALL classes in many years.

That speed will be amplified several times over at this great facility. Track co-owner, Kyle Patrick informed me the other day that we will also be shooting photos from a helicopter for part of the race in four weeks.

We shot from a helicopter for the first event at Webb's Slough and DeFord Photo is very excited to be able to offer that perspective at the Field of Dreams during the July race, in addition to on-track shots and other photographs from around the track.

A special thanks to Oregon JetSprint for providing those facilities for the USSBA media photo and video crews.

EAST WENATCHEE, Washington (June 23, 2010) — The East Wenatchee city council, Tuesday, voted to authorize the funds, sign the land lease and also sign the USSBA contract that moves the September 4th event closer to reality. The vote was 4-2 with the same council members voting the same way as they have through this entire process.

CLICK HERE for the complete story from Wenatchee World.

MARSING, Idaho (May 21, 2010) — The entire track has been re-groomed like never seen since its inception. The scary shoals have been removed, shoreline rock moved back where it belongs and leveled, and the entire bottom of the track has been leveled and cleaned up. The racing should be the fastest and most intense we have seen at Marsing in many years!

Free, dry camping is being provided. Porta-potties will be available but there are no other facilities so bring your own water and generators if you need electricity. Parking will also be free at Marsing for the 2010 season.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under with a paid, supervising adult. VIP tickets are $20 at the gate. For quick entry, fans are highly encouraged to purchase their tickets online at ICTICKETS.

The official USSBA motel will be LaQuinta Motel in Caldwell. There are a block of rooms set aside for the racing teams.

Show and Shine will be in Marsing at Upper Park on Friday, June 4th from 5-8pm. Just drive across the bridge and follow the signs.

On raceday, the driver's meeting is at 9:00am SHARP! DRIVERS: DO NOT BE LATE FOR THIS MEETING! No running or tuning of boats during the driver's meeting. All tuning will cease at 9:50am. Racing will start promptly at 10am. Teams are highly encouraged to be on the ball and ready to go. Excessive delays may result in penalties and/or loss of your run for that session.

TRACK SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

7:00am: Gates open for racing teams

8:00: Gates open to public

7:00 to 8:55: Pits hot for tuning

8:55 to 9:20: Pits cold - NO RUNNING OR TUNING

9:00 to 9:20: Driver's Meeting

9:00: Media safety meeting at announcer's booth

9:20 to 9:50: Pits hot for tuning

9:50: Pits cold - ALL running and tuning ceases

9:50 to 9:59: Teams prepare to race

10am: First boat on the water

EAST WENATCHEE, Washington (May 2, 2010) — After much deliberation, citizen input, hand wringing and gnashing of the teeth, the East Wenatchee city council has voted to cancel the proposed July 3rd race. And with this change the whole scenario needs to be revisited as now with just the proposed September race looming.

In others words, it's once again back to step one, with the odds being the September race also being canceled and two races (once again) being considered for 2011.

From Wenatchee World: Another proposed race scheduled for Sept. 4 is now on hold until the city council can vote to approve it. At Tuesday’s council meeting, Lacy said he expects a new proposal and vote at the next City Council meeting, on May 11. The vote is necessary because the scope of the races have changed — from two races to one race this year — thus the costs and revenues also are different, he said.
 

From reading the above quoted article from Wenatchee World, it looks as though the major roadblock was in the acquisition of water. With those roadblocks in place, though not insurmountable, it was decided to cancel the July race due to the tight timeframe of getting everything properly organized and permitted by the proposed July 3rd race date. MORE —>>

East Wenatchee, Washington (February 25, 2010) — Sprint boat racing is on its way to East Wenatchee this summer.

The East Wenatchee City Council approved sponsoring the event with a 4-2 vote Tuesday night.

The city is considering two proposed dates for races, July 3 and Sept. 4. Dawn Collings, the city’s events board director, said she has received positive feedback from people and businesses in the Wenatchee Valley. “I think we’ve addressed the major issues. I think we’re in a good position to bring this event to the community.”

The proposed location for the races is east of Union Avenue on 10th Street N.E. In preparation for the race, a course would be dug and filled with water. Collings said irrigation water is available through the Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District. Fencing and gravel also would be added.

Collings presented the City Council with estimated expenses and revenues of the proposed races. The first race is estimated to cost $40,000 — which will cover trenching, leasing property, a county event permit, United States Sprint Boat Association fees and other expenses. Revenues for fees and passes are conservatively expected to be about $43,500. The city also estimates that about $55,000 will come in to the city through hotel rooms, food and fuel for visitors. Subsequent races are estimated to cost about $25,000. Money to fund the races will come from undesignated sales tax revenue.

“Those are probably not accurate numbers; they’re just as close as you can get, as accurate as you can get,” said Mayor Steve Lacy during the meeting. Collings estimated revenues and expenses based on information received from area businesses, the Sprint Boat Association and the Wenatchee Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

“The city’s risk here would be approximately $10,000 to $15,000, maybe $20,000,” Lacy said. “First of all, that’s not going to break the bank. It’s not going to raise taxes, and it’s probably not going to happen. ... The risk is not that significant, but the benefit to the community is significant.”

Lacy noted that the first year the city held the Wings & Wheels Festival, fewer details were known about revenues and expenses of the festival than are known now about the sprint boat races. That year, 2002, about $4,000 was lost. Now, the city makes about $8,000 on the event.

Before he voted no, Councilman Dennis Hendricks expressed concerns about not having enough facts. “I’m not about to be a risk taker with other people’s money,” he said. Councilman Dave Bremmer also voted no.