AS the invitation announcement so states, this is in conjunction with the APBA Pro national championships. There are several street vendors plus the Depue Men’s Club food pavilion. The local vendors are largely known for their Tacos, HUGE & I mean HUGE tenderloin sandwich & ice cream trucks.
Boat Racing Outboard History (BROH) Weekend Event
Prize Money – minimum $1000
What: Vintage Outboard Racing & Non Racing Classic & vintage Boats & Motors Showcase
Who’s invited: All vintage, antique, and classic outboard racing motors/engines, including Stock, Pro & Mod. and Classic & Vintage non-racing boats & Motors
When: Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
Where: APBA PRO Nationals, Depue IL – Conducted by the US Title Series
Open for Parking: Wednesday, July 26, 2023, after 10 am
Purpose: To promote “Boat Racing Outboard History” (BROH) and the beginnings of outboard racing.
Explanation: The greatest place to race or watch a boat race is Depue IL. For decades, boat racers and their families have been traveling across the country to Depue to race. This has not only become a tradition for racers but also the boat race fans. Race fans take their family vacations every year just to come to Depue to cheer their favorite racer(s).
This year the Town of Depue has asked for “Boat Racing Outboard History” (BROH). This is the chance that all of those with a vintage race boat and motor have been dreaming of. We will be signing up to display, for everyone to view, for all 3 days. If you would like, you may choose to sign up to take a run in Lake Depue during an intermission of the PRO Nationals to showcase your rig in front of the largest audience you will ever see at a boat race. During your run, the announcer will broadcast information (provided by you) about your boat and motor.
On top of this being an opportunity you don’t want to miss, spectators will vote on their favorite boat/motor and there will be prize money for Raceboats & Plaques for Non Raceboats. We anticipate a big turnout from the AOMCI since the AOMCI is the pioneering authority.
Three-Tier Event Registration:
Display only – Not eligible for judging or prize money
Display with Judging
Display with Judging + Showcase on water (raceboats only)
• Registrants may choose to have their motors and/or boats on display for public viewing between Friday, July 28, 2023, through Sunday, July 30, 2023.
• You are welcome to arrive early and stay late for the event.
• Although there are few issues with theft, there will be security patrolling the area.
• There will be an opportunity to showcase your Raceboat boat and motor on the water at intermission on all three of the days (weather permitting). If the showcase on water show is cancelled the registration fee will be refunded minus the $20 wristband fee for pit access.
• All individuals will be asked to provide a brief history of their boat and/or motor to share with the announcing booth in order to promote the event and share with the crowd.
• Spectator voting will be determined as the best in show whether on land and/or on the water. Let’s give them something to vote and talk about!
Final Voting will conclude at 5 pm Saturday July 29, 2023.
PRIZES:
Raceboats (Display with Judging + Showcase on water)
Prize Money* – $1000 purse guaranteed.
People’s choice (Best in show) – $500
Second – Fifth place – $125/each
*Prize money may increase once final sponsorship is secured.
Vintage Classic boats and motors (Display with Judging)
First, Second, and Third place winners will receive Boat Racing Outboard Racing (BROH) plaques.
All individuals will be recognized at the US Title Series Awards Banquet held on Saturday July 29, 2023. Details regarding time and place of the awards banquet TBA at Depue.
Voting: Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 with ballots available in the display area for spectators to complete and deposit in the ballot box in the display area.
Registration
Registration dates and times TBA. Whether you choose to display only, display plus judging or display plus showcase on the water you will need to register online (preferred) or in person. You will be required to sign the weekend waiver. Once registered, individuals will receive their display number for identification and voting purposes. Should you want to pre-register, go to www.brohv.com.
Safety Requirements
Registrants participating in the showcase on water are required to go through safety inspection and show that they have safety gear as mandated by the 2023 APBA Safety rules (i.e. Kevlar, lifejacket, cut-suit and helmet). If you do not own safety gear that meets current standards, you may borrow gear. If you are unable to find gear please contact Karl Williams, Jay Walls, or Mike Thirlby. They will help you find the gear needed.
All Display with Judging and Display + Showcase on the water applicants will be required to attend a separate Vintage driver’s meeting at the Thirlby trailer. Information regarding voting requirements and rules for participating on the water will be discussed. You will receive the date and time at registration.
Please remember that this is the first event of this nature in the town of Depue. If you know anyone that would be interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Julia Thirlby by email at juliathirlby@gmail.com. Several volunteers would be helpful for the registration are which will be in the vicinity of the VFW in the display area.
Contacts: John Schubert
jschubert19j@gmail.com
309 509-1959
