After the offshore racing powerboat drought called July, fans were rightly ready for the season to resume in August. And resume it did two weekends ago with XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Ind. The event attracted a record-setting 60-plus-boat fleet. Competition in multiple classes was strong, as was fan turnout for the races at the south end of Lake Michigan.
The stage was set for another strong offshore affair last weekend at the Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge. Not only was it an American Power Boat Association-sanctioned national points event, it was the second round of the Powerboat P1-produced Monster Energy Triple Crown Series of offshore racing in Sheboygan, Wis.
But with high winds, rain and lightning in the area on Saturday more lightning and rain plus fog, on Sunday, the weather didn’t cooperate. Action both days was cut short.
Which was exactly the right move from all decision-makers including members of the SSR Safety and Rescue Services safety crew and APBA and P1 officials. Racers and fans were, of course, disappointed. No one sane would expect them not to be.
Offshore racing is neither gladiator school nor a chest-thumping contest. No one need die for our entertainment. Anyone who suggests the decision to cancel somehow involved a lack of fortitude and courage among the racers and safety crew members is deeply mistaken.
Or a complete idiot.
Offshore racing is inherently dangerous, and while risk to life and limb can be mitigated nothing can eliminate it. When the risk becomes unacceptable in the eyes of experienced individuals tasked to make such decisions, calling off races isn’t just one option.
It’s the only one.
To those who made that decision last weekend, pat yourselves hard on the back and shake off whatever ignorance gets thrown your way. You did your job.