Doug Pace: Webb’s Slough prepares for popular sprint boat racing
St. John has become the Daytona International Speedway of Sprint Boat racing in large part because of the dedication of Webb’s Slough owners, Matt and Amanda Webb.
Thousands of fans and the top racers in the sport flock to St. John every year to take in the fast-paced boat racing at Webb’s Slough, which creates a big economic impact for a community of just more than 550 people.
The Webb’s venue has seen tremendous support over the last decade as the unique form of racing makes its only tour stops in Eastern Washington at their property. While the family gets behind the year-long process of hosting two races, their events would not be as popular without volunteers to guide traffic, take tickets and keep things running smoothly, according to the organizers.
Sprint Boat racing is built around a two-person team, their boat and the ability to cut the fastest lap among the competitors over a tricky shallow-water course. Built into the farmland of the Webb’s Palouse property, the twists and turns of the course are some of the most challenging in the sport.
Side-by-side racing gives way to one 1,000-horsepower boat against the clock. Safety is a priority among race organizers with each boat featuring a roll bar over the two-person team.
Driver and navigator are required to wear helmets and safety gear to compete in the race.
A section of the Webb’s property has been set aside for camping, offering an inexpensive option for taking in the weekend’s racing without leaving the course. The area is split into two spaces and those who wish to camp together are encouraged to arrive at the same time, as no camping spots will be reserved.
Action begins Friday evening with a technical inspection of competitor boats taking place along the main street of St. John. Those camping at the Slough will be able to take a shuttle bus to downtown for the show and shine event.
Info: webbsslough.com.
Big rigs arrive at Stateline
Stateline Speedway’s annual Father’s Day tradition of Big Rig Racing rolls into the Post Falls facility this weekend. Featuring a full flight of racing among drivers in specially prepared semi-trucks, the race is one of the most popular events of the season.
Also on the schedule will be the stars of the Hobby Stock division, which features one of the largest fields of cars of any class racing at Stateline.
Bryer Reynolds clings to a one-point lead over Aaron Clanton as the chase for the championship in the Hobby Stock class heats up heading into the summer portion of the schedule. Mark Loudin, Bryce Rupert and Aaron Nevers round out the top five running order in the points race.
Clanton, Loudin and Nevers have been down the road of tight championship battles, but this is a new experience for Rupert and Reynolds, rising stars in the division. Reynolds comes into the night as the winner of the most recent main event, nipping Clanton in a tight battle.
Once racing wraps up, a Father’s Days fireworks extravaganza will close out the night. Info: raceidaho.com.
Flat-track racing returns
Flat-track motorcycle racing returns to the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds on Saturday night as part of the annual Monster Truck show set for the arena. Organized by Joe Kopp and a group of volunteers, racing will be held in five divisions during breaks in the Monster Truck action.
A professional division is among those being run this weekend with a 75 percent payout of entry fees offered as a purse. Also competing will be riders in the 50cc ranks, 65/85 cc, Vintage and Kopp’s Micabilly group.
Practice sessions and heat races will be held prior to the Monster Truck kickoff at 7 p.m. Main events will be rotated through the night’s breaks.