Part of a previous Ohhh Ahhh Festival included a demonstration of Stock-Mod Outboard Hydro racing. Anthony Powell, foreground, and William Clinton zoom past the shores of Lodi Lake during one of the exhibition races. (News-Sentinel file photo)

Local woman working to bring boat races back to Lodi Lake

It has been a few years since the high-pitched whine was heard throughout Lodi in the midst of summer. Due to the cost and complaints of noise, 400cc powerboat races came to an end after a long history at Lodi Lake.

But now, Traci Morris, of Lodi, is doing her best to bring the races back, and she's seeking sponsors to help her do it.

After budget cuts forced Morris out of her job as a teacher at Linden Elementary School, she decided she had the time to pursue the coordination of the once-popular pastime in Lodi.

The American Power Boat Association races are still held every season at various locations as part of the racing circuit, but the last time a competition was held in Lodi was September 2003.

"It was a staple growing up in Lodi," Morris said. "On the Fourth of July, you'd get up, go to the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, then go to the races at Lodi Lake."

Though noise has been cited in the past as one reason the races ended, Morris said the biggest opposition is money. She would need to raise at least $10,000 in order to cover the cost of renting the lake, obtaining insurance, retaining paramedics and sanction fees for the APBA. The tradition of the races stretches back to 1933, when Chuck Parsons Sr. was instrumental in establishing the races through the Northern California Outboard Motorboat Association. And it's not just professionals boaters who the races are open to.

Morris said that for $100, anyone from age 9 and up will be rented a boat, motor, safety gear and given lessons. That person can then enter into one of the races in the competition, which spans two days. The boats can reach a top speed of about 55 mph.

Jim Rodems, Interim Director of Lodi's Parks and Rec Department, said that he wasn't aware of Morris' plans, but that they are open to any proposals.

"Anything is possible. We would look at any proposal and review it on its merits," Rodems said. He went on to say that it's the department's goal to have people using the parks, and people are encouraged to fill out the proper applications for review.

Morris is also considering having a charity event that would possibly pit Lodi police officers against Lodi firefighters. She said past racers have told her they would come out of retirement for the event.

Sponsors would be listed in event pamphlets, along with racers' names, and an announcer will publicly thank those who donated to the event by mentioning their names via loudspeaker.

But for Morris, it's more about bringing the community together.

"We'd just like to bring back the tradition," Morris said. "We're losing all these things."

For more information, or to find out about sponsoring the races, contact Morris at treneemorris@hotmail.com.

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.