State Fair Park bringing sprint boat racing to Yakima
By Paul Delaney/ NW Motorsports News
State Fair Park illustration. The schematic of what the new jet spring course will look like at Yakima.
YAKIMA, Wash. — There’s high-speed action coming to the Yakima Valley August 16th and 17th. State Fair Park & Event Center is making waves – literally – with the introduction of Sprint Boat Racing.
A portion of the fairground’s old horsetrack infield is being transformed into a Sprint Boat course, bringing a brand-new kind of adrenaline-fueled entertainment to the region.
“We have been working on this project for the past two years,” said CEO Kathy Kramer. “It’s so exciting to see this project become a reality. There are countless benefits – not just for State Fair Park, but for the entire Community.”
State Fair Park is partnering with the American Sprint Boat Racing, LLC (ASBR) to produce the event, which is expected to attract 35 - 40 boat racing teams, as well as fans from across the country and internationally.
The former horsetrack at Playfair in Spokane hosted sprint boats abut 25 years ago with a similar course.
This two-day racing format will kick off Saturday, August 16th, with a full day of qualifications, and continue Sunday, August 17th, with rounds of eliminations culminating in the finals — all racing against the clock.
This event is expected to attract more than 3,500 spectators per day, many of whom will travel from outside the region. Visitors are expected to stay in local hotels, dine at area restaurants, and support local businesses – contributing to Yakima’s economy.
“American Sprint Boat Racing is proud to be partnering with State Fair Park to bring Yakima arguably the most exciting motor sport racing in the world. Sprint boat racing is a fast-paced show that completely engages the fans.” said Dan Morrison, President ASBR.
Also known as “Jet Sprint,” racing, this high-speed motorsport originated in New Zealand and is rapidly growing in popularity across the United States. Currently, Sprint Boat tracks exist in Port Angeles, WA; St. John, WA; and soon Lewiston, ID. With the addition of Yakima’s new track, it solidifies a racing circuit for the Pacific Northwest.
Each sprint boat is manned by a driver and a navigator, who must memorize a complex course, known as the “Rotation”, which they are not provided until the day before the event. Navigating shallow channels at extreme speeds demands exceptional skill and coordination between the two-person team. Sprint boats are compact, high-powered jet boats, typically measuring 12 - 14 feet in length, with engines ranging from 500 – 2,000 horsepower. These boats can accelerate from zero to 80 mph in mere seconds, providing a thrilling spectacle for fans.
Tickets — including VIP packages and sponsor tent experiences with info available by visiting statefairpark.org. On-site RV and tent camping will also be available for this event and can be purchased online as well.
Visit ASBR’s website (www.asbracing.com) for a full race schedule.
DESPITE RAIN BASEBALL A SUCCESS AT BRISTOL SPEEDWAY CLASSIC
From NASCAR Media
BRISTOL, TENN. — Aug. 3, 2025 — When Larry Carrier opened what would become Bristol Motor Speedway in 1961, this image never crossed his mind: an MLB player standing at home plate near the racing surface waiting on a fastball from the mound 60 feet, six inches away.
Baseball? At Bristol?
Why not? The place built for stock car racing also has hosted professional football, college football, concerts, worship services and boxing, among other events.
With the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com, baseball officially joined the ranks Saturday evening, where the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, two historic National League teams, locked horns for a one-of-a-kind battle at the “Last Great Colosseum.”
Due to persistent rains the event took two days to complete but was a first for MLB in the state of Tennessee, and it attracted a crowd of 85,000-plus, a baseball attendance record that surpassed the mark established more than 70 years prior, when Cleveland Stadium hosted 84,587 on Sept. 12, 1954.
Showers fell several times during the day, and the start of the contest was delayed two hours and 17 minutes by a downpour that started during pregame ceremonies.
The first pitch was finally thrown at 9:41 p.m. ET, but rain intensified, and the game was suspended in the bottom of the first inning with the Reds leading, 1-0. The game resumed Sun-day at 1 p.m. ET, with the Braves prevailing, 4-2.
Celebrities in attendance included Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, one of the Reds’ all-time greats, and Chipper Jones, who held down third base for the Braves for most of two decades. Bench, 77 years old and a baseball immortal, looked like he still might cut you down stealing second base.
The planning took years. The idea first crossed someone’s desk in 2021, and it wasn’t a massive surprise because Bristol has hosted other major events and has one of the world’s biggest seating capacities.
There was a rumor between dugouts that NHL representatives were looking on.
TATE, U-91 GOODMAN REAL ESTATE CAPTURE APOLLO MECHANICAL CUP AT SEAFAIR
Andrew Tate literally flies across the water on Lake Washington where he won the Apollo Mechanical Cup at Seattle's Seafair. H1 Photo
Seattle – August 3, 2025 – For a second consecutive race, the winner of the championship heat at an unlimited hydroplane race was cast into doubt by boats crossing the start line.
And a different boat, but one familiar with capturing the checkered flag, this time the U-91 Goodman Real Estate with Andrew Tate at the wheel, won the Apollo Mechanical Cup at Seafair on Lake Washington.
The drama included U-12 Graham Trucking, driven by Jeff Bernard, was disqualified before the start after entering the demilitarized zone (DMZ) during the pre-start milling period.
Once the boats were on their way towards the start, both U-8 Beacon Electric and U-11 FLAV-R-PAC jumped the gun, earning each a 1-minute penalty, effectively disqualifying them from championship contention.
A week earlier in Tri Cities, Beacon Electric with J. Michael Kelly, Corey Peabody in U-9 Beacon Plumbing and U-21 Spirit of America and Gunnar O’Farrell all jumped the start and landed a one-lap penalty handing the 2025 Gold Cup to Dave Villwock who was third at Seafair.
That opened the door for the consistent and quick U-91, with Tate taking full advantage. He nailed the start, controlled the inside lanes, and earned vindication from a trouble Tri Cities outing.
“This one means a lot,” said Tate, who now sits atop the national driver high points standings. “After the mechanical setbacks and frustration in Tri-Cities, to come here and put together a weekend like this is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to our crew’s work ethic and to our partners at Goodman Real Estate and BWR Racing who support us every step of the way.”
With precision driving, flawless boat handling, and a team firing on all cylinders, Tate surged through the competition all weekend long—claiming Heat 3A while recording the fastest lap of the heat at 145.181 MPH.
“We knew we had a shot if we just kept it clean,” said crew chief Mike Hanson. “Andrew gave us a perfect drive, and the crew gave him a perfect boat. It’s the kind of weekend you dream about.”
The next and final 2025 race is San Diego Bayfair, September 13–14, 2025. The national high points championship is still within reach for Kelly, Peabody and Villwock but Tate’s dominant weekend in Seattle has made him the clear favorite heading into San Diego.
