Veteran drag boat racer Tommy Thompson of Locust Grove will be among the many top racers on hand for the event.

“This is a good race track, a pretty race track and close to home,” said Thompson, who has been racing since the early 1980s. “It’s a lot of fun and something you don’t see in this part of the country very often.”

Thompson has been working with Booer, Grand River Dam Authority and Eddie Sinor, owner of the park at Chouteau Bend, to bring the races back to Mayes County. Race fans will be able to watch the drag boats on a quater mile track with speeds over 150 miles per hour.

Thompson’s boat, Fist Full of Dollars, can go from zero to 170 mph in seven seconds. The motor used by the boat enthusiasts is the same as motors used by members of the National Hot Rod Association.

“We’re doing the same thing on water they (NHRA) do on asphalt,” Thompson said.

Another draw will be the four top fuel boats that will be attempting to set a new national record.

“They’ll see some 200 mph runs,” Thompson said on the top fuel boats.

In an effort to make this a family friendly event, 24-inch coolers will be allowed and can be filled with food or drink. Anyone with coolers over 24 inches will be charged a $20 fee. No glass is allowed and Booer said alcohol will not be sold at the event.
“We’re really trying to promote family style racing and entertainment,” said Booer.

Another way the event is bringing families in is by allowing children under 12 to get in free and keeping ticket prices low. Adult tickets are $25 for the weekend or $15 a day.The tickets will not only get visitors into the park but they will be able to get up close to the boats in the pit area.

Fans will also get a chance to see the boats and drivers up close and personal at the Show and Shine event scheduled for the town of Chouteau Friday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Show and Shine is free to the public.

Thompson said he feels this racing event will be very professional.

“There’ll be plenty of security and ambulance on staff,” Thompson said. He also expects to have other medical professionals on hand in case of an emergency.

There will be 10 different classes of boats and a class for jet skis. Thompson said he’s even seen people bring their bass boats to test them on the track.

Thompson said he feels its important to bring events like this into the community especially since it helps bring revenue into the surrounding towns.

Booer agrees, “We’re really about supporting the community.”

Booer said the Pryor High School Football team will be on hand to help at the outramp and MESTA will be available for emergencies. The Chouteau Police Department will work as security for the event and the Oklahoma Lake Patrol will keep the water safe.

The gates will open both Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. The qualifying races will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and the elimination races will begin Sunday between 9 and 10 a.m. depending on the number of boats.