Congratulations to Jeff and the Augusta crew on their great spectator turnout, and to Liquid Quiker on their amazing passes. While I'm sure the spirited thread on Augusta will continue, I'd like to let you all know about what's happening in Marble Falls this year.
Things are pretty much back to normal after last year's flood. The route to and from the outramp has been repaired, and spectators should have a lot easier time getting around as well.
Our Friday night concert (included with racer wristbands) will be Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison in Lakeside Park, so we're looking forward to that.
On the attendance side of things, we recognize that fuel prices and the economy in general may impact our race, but we are working on something new this year to try to encourage teams to come to Marble Falls.
For pro classes, we will add a 25% bonus to the purse for a full field of 8 qualifying boats. This will result in the following payouts:
TFH
Winner $9,000
Runner-Up $4,500
Semifinalists $3,250 each
Quarterfinalists $2,750 each
TAH
Winner $4,000
Runner-Up $2,000
Semifinalists $650 each
Quarterfinalists $325 each
TAF
Winner $3,200
Runner-Up $1,600
Semifinalists $500 each
Quarterfinalists $250 each
PM
Winner $2,500
Runner-Up $1,250
Semifinalists $500 each
Quarterfinalists $250 each
Sportsman classes will receive prize money for first and second places, but we will also add a $300 bonus for the low qualifier.
If we end up with less than a full field, we will still pay above the IHBA purse minimum, but we won't be able to do the full 25% bonus. Those of you who were here last year might remember that we rolled empty spots back into the purse, resulting in about a 20% higher payout.
We have a limited number of local sponsorships, primarily for lodging assistance, available on a first-come, first-served basis. When our guaranteed blocks run out, please check with accommodations in Burnet County for lodging (www.visitburnetcounty.org).
Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in August!
Christian Fletcher
Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce
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