Press Release

APBA’s Region 4 Adds
Port Deposit, Maryland Race to 2004 Schedule

Region 4 of the American Power Boat Association has a long tradition of world record setters, national high-point champions and some of the best power boat racing and race sites in the world.  In 2004, Region 4 adds another race to it’s already world class venues of Cambridge and Kent Narrows, Maryland.  The first annual “Ragin’ on the River”, will be held in Port Deposit, Maryland on September 4^th and 5^th at Marina Park.  The Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce and racing professionals; Robin Shane, President of Region 4 and Jim Robertson, Race Director promise a two-day race filled with exceptional events for competitors and spectators alike.  

RACERS FROM 4 STATES
APBA Region 4 includes racers from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. That tradition of racing excellence continues in 2004 as Region 4 racers will compete within the region and travel through out the United States and to Canada to challenge for dominance. 

APBA HISTORY
The history of the American Power Boat Association reaches back over 100 years.  Just before the end of the nineteenth century, a few boats primarily in the Long Island Sound waters of the United States were fitted with internal combustion engines.  By 1902, enough boats existed for competition to flourish. Since these early propeller driven crafts were of many varieties and capabilities, it was agreed that rules would be necessary to handicap all boats equally.  In 1903, twenty racing clubs attended organizational meetings, adopted the name American Power Boat Association, set up a constitution, adopted rules and elected officers.  The rest is history.

In 1911, the first sanctioned APBA powerboat race to be held on the Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries, took place on the Choptank River.  What is known today, as the Cambridge Classic has evolved into the World Championships and will be held this year on July 23, 24 and 25^th,  in Cambridge, Maryland.

CHESAPEAKE BAY RACE SCHEDULES
On August 7^th & 8^th, “Thunder on the Narrows” races on Kent Island.

September 4^th and 5th: “Ragin’ on the River”, Port Deposit’s jewel is seeking race sponsors as well as food and craft vendors.  For additional information, please call Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce Representatives Tom Knight at 410-935-1306 or Linda Read at 717-278-1152.  For updates on “Ragin’” and other APBA news, please visit www.portdeposit.com, www.goboatracing.net and www.apbaregion4.com.  A portion the race proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County.

Change in the parking.
 The parking will now be held at the WWFD and not Bainbridge. There will be shuttle busses running from WWFD to Marina Park on Sat and Sun starting at 10am with the last run back at 8pm.