Race the Joe dates announced
COEUR d'ALENE - The third annual Race The Joe dates have been set, organizers announced this week.
"We are full speed ahead with plans to once again sponsor an awesome event that showcases our beautiful St. Joe River area," St. Maries Chamber President Shirley Ackerman said.
The Race the Joe 2015 Jet Boat Race is scheduled for May 22-24 on the St. Joe River at St. Maries.
The official title sponsor of the race is the Inland Empire Toyota Dealers Association including Parker Toyota and Rogers Toyota Scion.
In addition to Toyota, several Idaho-based businesses have also signed on as class sponsors for the race.
This year's Memorial Day Weekend tradition will feature the following five sponsored race classes:
* Burly Racing Unlimited Class
Burly Racing is located in Post Falls and owned by jet boat driver Ross Schlotthauer. He won the coveted 2014 USA - 1 Overall Champion title last season. Featuring turbine and piston engines, the Burly Racing Unlimited Class will showcase race boats reaching speeds as fast as 140 mph.
* Peet Dryer Unlimited Piston Class
Peet Dryer specializes in safely and efficiently drying footwear, handwear and protective headwear for men, women and children. Peet Dryer has been doing business in St. Maries for 44 years and has developed a loyal following around the world for its products. The UP Class promises to deliver some of the largest piston engines ever to race Northwest rivers at speeds as fast as 125 mph.
* Les Schwab A Class
St. Maries Les Schwab Tires has sponsored jet boat racing in St. Maries since 2012. Local store manager Gary Gertje is excited to be part of the community event once again.
"The jet boat racers and fans have been wonderful to our St. Maries community," Gertje said. "We look forward to the race every year!"
* Truline RV CX Class
Truline RV is a family owned company located in the Spokane area. The CX Class features boats generally racing at top speeds of 105 mph. The race boats in this combined class must use a specific crate engine that cannot be modified.
* Coors Light FX Class
Odom Corporation, based in Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston, which distributes Coors Light has agreed to sponsor the FX class. FX race boats are quick, maneuverable and generally have a top speed of 90 mph. The race boats in this combined class must also use a specific crate engine that cannot be modified.
Race the Joe 2015 will feature a free community Show and Shine event with fireworks at dusk on May 22 in St. Maries, which is the Friday night before the races.
During the Show and Shine event fans may view the race boats and talk with race teams in person.
Race fans will see two days of action-packed racing on May 23 and 24. The 25-mile race course will start at the Idaho Forest Industries Landing on the St. Joe River and go to the Calder Bridge and back, with several race legs along the way.
Race boat teams will compete in one of the five race classes based on engine size, speed and hull design. Spectators may watch the race for free from a riverbank with public access along the St. Joe River.
Referees estimated 10,000 people watched last year's free event that included race teams from New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
For more information search "racethejoe" on Facebook, or visit the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce website: www.stmarieschamber.org.
Additional race information is available at the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce at (208) 245-3563 or email racethejoe@outlook.com.