Lake Hopatcong Grand Prix

2024 RACE RECAP

War at the Shore Presented by Ocean Casino

07/01/24

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** 

by Raul Gascot

Atlantic City, NJ - In the second race of the OPA Offshore Championship racers traveled to the "Las Vegas of the East Coast" Atlantic City. Known for the Casinos, hospitality and famous boardwalk to most offshore racers just mean rough water racing and that’s exactly what it was.

   3 races throughout the day for the 33boats that showed up provided the action to the thousands of boardwalk tourists and fans along the beach as well as the VIP area in the Ocean Casino.

   Sunday started with what has been one of the biggest Class 700 fleet in recent history 14 Class 700 boats battled in 3–5-foot waters in the morning race. The high seas limited visibility to Class 700 racers and several boats omitted buoy #1 causing a big shuffle in positions but not a single Speed Breakout. After everything was set and done Seed Marine took first place followed by team progression and Goofing Around.


   Second race of the day had Mod Vees, Class 500 and 600. in similar water conditions to the first race. The Mod Vee Speed Marine jumpedinto the lead with their recently debuted LSB extreme hull dominating the water over Stock Vee Typhoon since Brothers Racing and Wazzup had early retirement in their respective classes.

   Class 500 presented a great battle between TC Marine who took the early lead at the start of the race and Shoreline Pluming who then captured the lead in lap 3 until an exhaust clamp took them out of the race letting TC Marine regain the lead and finally taking the checker flag over, We Haul Boats and Shocker. In class 600 belonged to Logan Heroes who maintained the lead over Dirty Martini for all 6 laps.

   The last race of the day presented the most anticipated battle between Knucklehead Racing and long-awaited debut of Wazzup new Super Vee Fountain. Early on Saturday was communicated Throttleman Anthony Smith was throttling the Wazzup Fountain with his dad Ed “Smitty” Smith and World Champion Johnny Stanch reuniting with his old boat, now Knucklehead Fountain now with Evil Ed Smith who was moving to the throttleman seat.

   Water conditions got considerably worse for last race of the day forcing officials to put an early finish to the race after 5 laps completed.

   Super-Vees got the green flag with Extreme, Factory Stock, Class 300 and 400 boats. Class 300 belonged to Mr. Herbott Racing while Class 400 had a good field of boats having a different leader every lap until the end of the race.
Wazzup jumped into the lead and put on a rough water clinic stretching their lead over everyone on the field. Wazzup maintained the lead until issues took the out of the race. This allowed Knucklehead Racing to keep their super vee winning streak, whichseems will see its strongest threat this year with more super vees expected throughout the year. Both JBS and Montlick / Doug Wrighthad early retirements.


   Class 400 Saris racing jumped into an early lead until Team Hamilton 39 feet Velocity took advantage of their 7 extra feet over Saris passingthem on lap 3. Serafino Cazzani brought his beautiful 30ft Chris Cat American Express out to play with Class 400 vees and was able to get to second place until Perdition phantom with a late charge was able to pass both American Express and Team Hamilton to take the lead. Results after the end of the race had Saris Racing, Team Hamilton, American Express and Perdition in that order.


   Next OPA Race would be Saint Clair Michigan after Eastlake cancelation was announced during the Atlantic City race weekend. Big participation of Super Stocks as well of bracket classes is expected in St Clair as the debut of a new Super Vee team to battle alongside both Ed Smiths Fountains Powerboats.