Picture yourself traveling at 60 miles per hour; not sitting in your 3,000 pound steel car, but kneeling – inches above the water – in a 120 pound wooden boat. Your left hand squeezes the throttle. Your right hand is glued to the steering wheel. As the boat skims above the surface, your slightest movement affects its ride over the ever-changing water.
Now picture yourself surrounded by 11 other boats, just inches apart. Rough water jolts you. The spray of the other boats drenches you. You anxiously take your shot to pass your closest opponent; pushing your mind, will, and body to the limit. Three laps of flawless timing and outsmarting your competitors puts you in front for the win. The heart-pounding excitement lasts only minutes per heat, but Stock Outboard boat racing leaves you thirsting for more.
Joining MRC is easy! Simply
send us an email leting us know your membership needs, and we will respond back to you within 24-hours. We offer three levels of club membership:
- Racing Membership – Cost is $25 annually
- Junior Racing Membership – Cost is $15 annually
- Non-Racing Membership – Cost is $10 annually
MRC membership expiration date is the same as APBA (October 31).
Marine Racing Club of Illinois FAQs
Q: Is boat racing safe?
A: Boat racing is a motor sport, which by definition, always involves some degree of risk. However, our high standards for equipment and safety gear help keep that risk to a minimum.
Q: Is boat racing expensive?
A: Boat racing is actually on the lower-end of the cost spectrum for a motor sport when compared to go-karting, motocross, or auto racing, to name a few.
Q: What are the boats made of?
A: Most race boats are made of spruce or mahogany framing, skinned with marine-quality plywood, and sealed with marine epoxy. Some boats are made of composite materials such as carbon fiber.
Q: Where do you buy boats from?
A: Many racers design and build their own brand of hulls for themselves and other racers during the off-season. Some racers have been designing and building boats for over 40-years! Kit boats consisting of pre-cut framing and detailed build/finishing instructions, as well as plans to build your own hulls are also available.
Q: What kinds of engines do you use?
A: It's a mix: some of our engines actually use power heads and mid-sections derived from stock fishing motors that are then married to racing lower-units. Our other engines are race-specific built only for outboard boat racing. But all of our engines use racing propellers.
Q: How can I get involved in racing?
A: You may always
send us an email. Better still, come to a race in your area, and talk to the drivers in the pits! If the bug bites you hard enough, you may also consider attending a Racing School. Either way, you are welcome!