Thunder on the Narrows, held June 27-28, is organized by the Kent Narrows Racing Association (KNRA), and its members, all of whom support racing on the Chesapeake Bay and specifically this annual race, sanctioned through the American Power Boat Association (APBA).
This year’s race has these special features: the Divisional Championships, EPIC Championship Events, the MACH Series Event, and both the Paul Sohn Memorial and the James Curtis Memorial Awards.
Jersey Speed Skiffs (perhaps the wildest race boat ride to watch), Hydroplanes (the fastest racing boats, running in several classes), and Ski Boats (patterned after the West Coast classes) will race both days with larger than normal race fields thanks to the unique awards and this year’s special events. Top racers such as Valerie Wilson, the Thompson Brothers, and John Shaw are among the top owners or drivers coming.
Free limited bleacher seats are available right in front of the race course. Food and drink are sold on site for your convenience. Fair warning: The pit beef sandwich is my choice. Get one made by Marilyn in the concession stand if you can.
Directions: The race course is located at Kent Island Narrows (N38° 58.03’, W76° 14.82’) in Chester, MD, and it is reached by land from US 50/301 exit 41, four miles east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Once off route 50, follow the special parking signs. A free bus goes between the parking lot and the racing. The race course site location for GPS directions: 117 Yacht Club Road, Chester, MD 21619.
kentnarrowsracing.com
Upcoming 2015 Racing Events
June 21: Atlantic City, NJ, Atlantic Ocean Powerboat Racing
This is near-shore ocean racing with viewing from the A C boardwalk from noon to 4 p.m., racing will be along the city’s beaches with the northern-most turn placed off of the Steel Pier and the southern-most turn placed off of the Tropicana Hotel & Casino. Boats from 21 to 50 feet in length will compete on Sunday to determine the winners in seven different classes, with speeds ranging from 60 miles per hour to more than 170 mph. The event will be free and open to the public, both on the water and at the Race Village at the Golden Nugget. (908) 910-8025,
[email protected]
Upcoming Racing Schedule On and Off the Bay
June 19-21: Atlantic City, NJ, Atlantic City Grand Prix
June 27-28: Chester, MD, Thunder on the Narrows
July 10: Manasquan, NJ, Atlantic Ocean Powerboat Racing
July 18: Kent Narrows, MD, KIYC Regatta Cocktail Class Racing
July 25-26: Cambridge, MD, Cambridge Classic Powerboat Race
August 8-9: Hampton, VA, Hampton Cup Regatta
August 8-9: Leonardtown, MD, Classic Outboard Racing and Display
August 15: Rock Hall, MD, Cocktail Class National Championship
October 2-4: Ocean City, MD, OPA National Championships
October 17: Kent Narrows, MD, Oktoberfest Cocktail Class Regatta
Cocktail Class Racing
Official 2015 Urbanna Cup Results
6hp Early Classic Mixed
1. Fred Allerton, 53, Smookin Loon
2. Lawrence Fuccella, 101, Brass Monkey
3. Gretchen Granbery, 7, Cliquot
6hp Early Classic Heavy
1. Morgan Friday, 133, Skittles
2. Jim Smickler, 214, River Madness
3. Keith Carew, 81, Blue Hawaiian
6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40, Flying Kiwi
2. Kim Granberry, 7, Cliquot
3. Curt Blufield, 10, Rum Runner
6hp Late Classic Women
1. Shannon Matthews, 10, Rum Runner
2. Deb Lovey, 96, Sazerac
6hp Late Classic Heavy
1. Bob Hundley, 93, Hurricane
2. Bill Yoke, 10, Rum Runner
3. Jim Smickler, 214, River Madness
Youth
1. Jack Pusser, 10, Rum Runner
2. Caroline Fuccella, 101, Brass Monkey
6hp Men Post
1. Matt Fintress, 9, Bay Breeze
2. Lawrence Fuccella, 101, Brass Monkey
3. John Milby, 91, Old Fashioned
6hp Women Post
1. Shannon Haley, 666, Pickled Tink
2. Tammy Jackson, 91, Old Fashioned
3. Laura Harvey, 90, Bay Breeze
6hp Heavy Post
1, Morgan Friday, 133, Skittles
2. Jim Smickler, 214, River Madness
3. Keith Carew, 41, Dram
8hp Open
1. Chris Riddick, 73, Urbanna Oyster Shooter
2. Morgan Friday, 133, Skittles
3. Russ Bowler, 40, Flying Kiwi
by Chris “Seabuddy” Brown