Saturday, Apr. 04, 2009

ABRA drops San Diego from hydro race schedule

From Herald news services

The American Boat Racing Association said Friday it is dropping San Diego from its official schedule for the 2009 season.

The unlimited boats have raced for 40 consecutive years on the Mission Bay course.

"Unfortunately, the San Diego race committee has missed two deadlines with us and has not paid any deposit fees for the event," said ABRA Race Chairman Sam Cole.

"The ABRA has been very supportive of the event for the past four years and has worked to assist the committee each year to help them achieve financial stability," he added. "The ABRA has raised more than $680,000 to help Thunderboats Unlimited in just the past four years."

The ABRA has declared that if San Diego can make the necessary payments and arrangements, the sanctioning body would definitely consider reinstating the event.

The hydroplane season's opener is scheduled for July 3-5 in Madison, Ind.

The Lamb Weston Columbia Cup in the Tri-Cities is scheduled for July 24-26.