Boat races are no drag
Racers come from near, far to Lake HanskaBy FRITZ BUSCH, Journal Staff Writer
Article Photos
LAKE HANSKA - For Travis Wieland of Hanska, it's about adrenaline and being out on the lake.
Wieland and his blue metal flake Hydrostream boat with a 225 horsepower Mariner outboard motor won the Lake Racer I class.
He advanced to the Lake Racer II class Saturday at Barefoot Bob's Hot Boat Drags Saturday on Lake Hanska.
"It's a huge adrenaline rush when the motor starts whining and you go fast, said Wieland who has also placed high in the Brown County Fair Demolition Derby.
"I just like being out on the lake. I'm out here three or four times a week," he added.
Much of the Lake Hanska County Park Beach was filled with fans who watched the boats race between buoys a quarter-mile apart.
Aaron Drap of Omaha, Neb. won the Lake Racer II class to conclude the drags.
Radar (gun) runs were held to determine the top speeds of boats, that have been know to reach 120 mph.
In an effort to promote the sport locally and have fun, "Barefoot" Bob Sorenson of New Ulm began hosting the races several years ago on Lake Hanska.
Since fans watch in a public county park, admission is not charged and no food or beverages are sold at the event.
Racing is for the fun of it. There are big cash prizes.
Drivers wear helmets and life jackets.
If their boats start swerving, they back off on their throttles and regain control.
"It's a good thing they do that, preventing something from happening," said Rebekah Freed of Madelia Hospital Community Ambulance Service.
She stood by on the beach along with her colleagues Debra Guyer and Jon Gappa of Madelia.
Chuck Arneson and his wife Rachel of Champlin watched the races from the beach. Chuck Arneson usually competes in the boat races.
"My engine broke so my punishment is taking videos of the races," he said in jest.
The Fairmont Chain of Lakes Boat Drags will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23. Fans are invited to watch in Gomsrud Park. Sorenson is the point of contact for that event too. For more information, call 359-1197.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com
