By Tom Rohrer
It may take a miracle to walk on water, but speeding across it proved an easy task for those involved in the boat races at Black Lake this past weekend.
From Saturday, July 7 through Sunday, July 8, Black Lake was the host for the 2012 Western Divisional Regatta sponsored by Skookum Creek Tobacco and Kamilche Trading Post.
Tens of racers piloting various types of speedboats entertained the hundreds of fans watching at the south eastern corner of the lake, where there was a sizeable grandstand, various food vendors and a pit where racing teams made their final adjustments before entering the water under the blue sky.
The event attracted racers from across the state and region, as Black Lake has a terrific reputation of being an entertaining and hospitable race.
“Black Lake has been a fast track for thirty years. It’s a really unusual event because not only is it racer friendly but the community is really embracing,” said Will Muncey of Monroe, Wash., who drives in the unlimited light division for Evergreen Moving Systems. “It also has grandstands here so people can come and sit and watch it. Very often, an event will be racer friendly but it’s not spectator friendly. This community puts up the grandstands and does a great job making everyone feel welcome. It’s the best of both worlds”
Along with waterfront access to watch the races, spectators could purchase a pass allowing them access to the racing pit, where drivers and teams prepare their futuristic looking vehicles for peak performance. The pit was loud and crowded, but friendly as well, with drivers speaking to any fan who ventured into the area.
A crane located near the water front plucked each boat from the area and positioned it into the lake in preparation for an upcoming heat or race.
Mack Elliot, a driver from Shelton, was one of the more accomplished racers in attendance, as he has won the National Championship in the modified boat division the last three years. Elliot has traveled across the country to compete, but believes the Black Lake event to be one of the most enjoyable races.
“It’s one of the best, and it’s one I enjoy to come to a lot,” Elliot said. “Part of that is being close to home, but a lot has to with just the friendly atmosphere and the camaraderie.”
It was not uncommon for drivers of competing teams to be swapping stories or jokes, as laughter was evident in the air over the sound of motors being tested and power tools flaring up.
Bianca Bononcini, a 25 year old driver from Sammamish, Wash., has been racing for six years and is no stranger to the rigors of the sport and the Black Lake event.
“It’s a lot of time and dedication,” Bononcini said. “You spend your weekends waking up at 6 am. It’s another job, you work eight hours and then head to the shop or an event. It’s demanding and you really have to love it.”
Bononcini, who rides for Bononcini racing, travels to up to 15 events per year to locations as far away as Louisiana and Arizona. Growing up, Bononcini’s father was on the circuit, allowing for his daughter to see what it takes to become a professional. While Bononcini does compete in the unlimited division, which is considered professional, she was putting her one-liter inboard machine into the water at Black Lake, allowing for a more relaxing weekend.
“When you come into an event like this, it’s a chilled atmosphere much more relaxed,” She said. “There is money on the line, but it’s not as serious as the unlimited races. It’s more fun, and I think other racers in a similar situation can attest to that.”
Muncey spoke about a sign created by a nearby resident that summed up the event’s character and reputation.
“Pulling in here, you will notice there was a sign up that said thanks racers,” Muncey said. “It’s a nice touch. So, it’s a good track don’t get me wrong, but it’s the community that makes it fun. Other places, there may be signs that aren’t as friendly, but you would never have that in a place like this.”
