Hydroplane Racing isn't New To Owensboro

For the first time since 1979 Hydroplane racing is back on the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. The 2021 Owensboro HydroFair presented by Jagoe Homes, is happening this weekend. Let's take a look back at what was once known as the Owensboro Regatta.

Chris Arnold with Bill Muncey

I've been with my husband Chris Arnold for 25 years and the subject of the Owensboro Regatta and hydroplane racing has come up many times throughout the years. Being from Northern Michigan, I'd really never heard much about the sport except for what I'd see on Wide World of Sports back in the day. He talked fondly of spending time as a family in downtown Owensboro when the races would come to town. His Dad was friends with Owensboro's own Jim McCormick, who piloted U-6 Miss Madison to a Gold Cup victory in 1971 in Madison, IN. Bill Muncey was hands down my husband's favorite driver (shown with Chris in the picture above).

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So, it's fitting as Owensboro gears up for the Owensboro HydroFair that we would reminisce about those days gone by. My husband's Dad has since passed away, but we know he'll be looking down with a smile this weekend as racing returns! And, we'll be watching the race from the shoreline in his honor.

As we take a walk down memory lane, you can get the complete schedule of events for the Owensboro HydroFair below.

Remembering the Owensboro Regatta

In 1979 was the last time we've seen hydroplane racing on the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. Until now!

Owensboro HydroFair presented by Jagoe Homes Schedule of Events

The waters of the Ohio River will never be the same after 60+ teams from all around the United States and Canada come to compete in the North American Championships for the American Powerboat Association. Come to downtown Owensboro on Friday, August 20th, 2021 for hydroplane testing from 1 PM to 5 PM. Then, the qualifying races will begin on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM. The weekend concludes with the Championship Races which are set for Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.

The race-course will be an oval-shaped track of 1.25 miles beginning and ending in front of the Owensboro Convention Center, and drivers will cycle the track four times.

MORE INFO

Listen and Watch the Owensboro HydroFair Live

You can listen to all of the exciting action of the FREE Owensboro HydroFair live on the American Hydroplane Events page. You can also watch a live stream of all racing heats on Saturday, August 21st, and Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 HERE.

You can purchase special reserved seating for Saturday and Sunday events.

RESERVED SEATING

Get ready to cheer on our very own Miss Owensboro this weekend!

Barb Birgy

Remembering the Rich History of Hydroplane Racing in Owensboro

The 2021 Owensboro HydroFair Gets Underway

Will you be in downtown Owensboro enjoying the 2021 Owensboro HydroFair presented by Jagoe Homes? It should be a fun weekend for the entire family!

Thank you to all of the sponsors, event coordinators, volunteers, and the City of Owensboro for what is sure to be another terrific weekend in Owensboro.

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