By Mike LaBella
Staff writer
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HAVERHILL — Some refer to it as NASCAR on water.
This weekend, hydroplane racers will fly across the Merrimack River at speeds of up to 80 mph as they compete in Haverhill River Run 2010. After a successful resurgence last year, the races will be hosted by the Crescent Yacht Club and South Shore Outboard Association.
Racing is this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with heats taking place on a three-quarter-mile closed course between the yacht club and a point downstream opposite the Water and Groveland streets traffic light.
A 20-mile marathon, the only one in New England according to race organizers, takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday on a course that stretches almost a mile upstream of the Comeau Bridge.
When last year's marathon winner pulled into the pit area, he was met by a cheering crowd.
"The racers love the fans and the fans love the racers," said Dave Goodwin, chairman of the Crescent Yacht Club's racing committee.
The races, which were very popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s, have gained national attention since last year's Haverhill River Run, organizers said.
"People have been asking me when are we having the races this year," said Pam Nolin, a member of the race committee. "This is a fun, affordable family event that showcases the race and the river."
Hydroplane drivers, including some national champions, are coming from all around the country and eastern Canada in hopes or earning trophies and national points in their racing class, in this American Power Boat Association sanctioned event.
For race director Steve Noury, 57, of East Hampstead, N.H., bringing racing back to Haverhill is a dream come true. His father, Norm Noury, raced on the Merrimack River when the Crescent Yacht Club and South Shore Outboard Association hosted the competitions in the late '50s and early '60s.
"I was just a kid in 1963 when I started racing," said Noury, who competes in upward of 50 events across the country each year. "As a driver, the Merrimack River is more challenging that racing on lakes. It's a tight river course with not much room to turn."
The public can view the boats up close and mingle with the drivers at the yacht club's race staging area. The club will host a cookout featuring entertainment, a raffle and more.
Last year's races saw more than 60 entries. Noury expects more than 80 this weekend.
After last year's races in Haverhill, Noury was in a race in Lockhaven, Pa.
"So many people came up to me and said that race you had in Haverhill went really well," Noury said.
He said the only problem was how they pronounced the city's name.
"I'll have a poster board explaining that it's Haverhill, not Hav-er-Hill as racers have been pronouncing it," Noury said jokingly about an orientation class he intends to hold for drivers.
Goodwin said the mayor's office helped the yacht club secure the necessary state and federal permits to hold this weekend's event. The permit allows the club to shut down the river to recreational traffic between noon and 5 p.m., when racing takes place. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will assist with traffic control on the river, along with Haverhill Harbormaster Michael Vets.
Spectator watercraft viewing area:
Boats can anchor opposite the Groveland Street traffic light, near the red and green buoys numbers 75 and 76.
Best on-land viewing areas:
The Crescent Yacht Club, where parking is free.
Along the Buttonwood Trail off Water Street.
Opposite Central Plaza, along the public walkway at the edge of the Merrimack River.
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