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National Speed Records Predicted to Fall During RegattaFest

By Staff | Sep 26, 2024

#62 Fairchild, F 200 Class, waves to the crowd during a past event.

National speed records, sanctioned by American Power Boat Association, are predicted to be broken during the 13th annual RegattaFest in New Martinsville, West Virginia.

On Friday, September 27, 2024, drivers from five categories of powerboat racing will challenge the 1/4-mile course on the Ohio River starting at 10 am and ending around 5 p.m.

Five records were set during the 2023 RegattaFest bringing the total number of 1/4 mile records from this storied stretch of the Ohio River to 39. In addition, 57 straightaway and competition records have been set during previous New Martinsville Regattas from 1941-82, making the combined, an amazing total of 96. The new World and National F200 Champion, RJ West, Manteca, California has registered to attempt the class record established here last year by Chris Rinker, Houston, Texas. Junior Class record-holder Elise Hearn returns to up the ante on her records from 2023 and two new Pro teams, Thirlby and Nydahl are determined to break existing speeds. All competitors realize that setting a record earns extra points for APBAs Hall of Champions nomination. There is a good chance that the century mark will be achieved this year, making New Martinsville the “Fastest Freshwater Course in the Nation”. No other venue has ever had one hundred world and national speed records set in the history of powerboating.

For fans, the fun does not stop at 5pm. Following the record runs at 6 PM there will be a boat parade down Main Street followed by an autograph session at the Wetzel County Museum.