There was excitement in the air when it was announced that hydroplane racing would return to Owensboro.

Now we know how.

Hydroplanes will be back on the Ohio River in Owensboro for the first time in 42 years with the Owensboro HydroFair.

Mayor Tom Watson, joined by Mayor Pro Tem Larry Maglinger. made the announcement at a Wednesday press conference at the Owensboro Convention Center.

With the Owensboro Air Show not returning until 2021, the decision was made "to put the boats back out on the water."

Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
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The Owensboro HydroFair will take place August 14 through the 16th and there will be boats on the water every day of the event.

American Hydroplane Events will oversee the event which will feature three days of hydroplane racing excitement.

AHE's Randy Lientz explained that on Friday, August 14th, spectators will be able to watch the boats go through testing on the Ohio River from 1-5PM.

Saturday, August 15th, will be the day for qualifying, with races every 15 minutes.

And, on Sunday, August 16th, the grand finale.

The day will begin with one more qualifying round from 11AM to Noon with championship heats to follow from 1-4PM.

The pits will be located at English Park and more than 50 teams are expected to participate in seven increasingly fast and loud classes, finishing with the Grand Prix class that features hydroplanes that travel in excess of 170MPH.

The Owensboro HydroFair promises to maintain a festival-like atmosphere with food vendors and, of course, hydroplanes on the water in Owensboro for the first time in more than four decades.

I cannot wait.

 

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