World Inboard Hydroplane Championships coming to Quake on the Lake 2011

This summer’s 12th annual 'Quake on the Lake' will host one of the nation’s premier boat races -- the 2011 National Inboard Hydroplane Championships.

Members of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) recently held their national meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, where they decided to return the hydroplane championships to Michigan after 42 years. The last time the National Inboard Hydroplane Championships were held in Michigan was at Ford Lake near Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1969. 

"'Quake on the Lake' is among Oakland County’s best quality of life events," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "To host the National Inboard Hydroplane Championships validates what a great event 'Quake on the Lake' is."

'Quake on the Lake' is scheduled for Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in White Lake and Waterford townships. The racecourse at Pontiac Lake is recognized as the fastest one-mile racecourse in North America.  Since the competition's inception 11 years ago, 17 world speed records have been broken in 10 classes of inboard hydroplanes.

This year’s hydroplane racing will feature classes that will run from 90 miles per hour to those that approach 175 miles per hour in the straight-aways.  The Eastern Divisional Championships were held at Pontiac Lake in 2009 and over 100 race teams attended from across North America.

The best part of 'Quake on the Lake' remains the same -- raising money for charity.  Event producers, the Oakland County Community Club, have given over $100,000 to various charities.  Once again this year, all 'Quake On The Lake' net proceeds will benefit The Rainbow Connection, a 501(c)(3) charity founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson that grants wishes to Michigan children with terminal or life threatening illnesses as well as support other community grass-root initiatives.

In addition to the high-speed action on the water, there will be loads of family entertainment for all ages including musical entertainment from national and local acts.  Last year’s lineup included Mark Farner, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad, along with Night Ranger and the Tubes.

For more information, click on www.QuakeOnTheLake.org.