Young Powerboat Racing Standout Ready For 2012 Racing Season

Submitted to Easton Patch:

Hydroplane driver Lily Deware thinks the 2012 racing season will be better than the 2011 season.  In fact, the 7^th grader from Easton believes it will be exactly one position better.  In 2011 Deware finished second in the Northeast Region of the American Power Boat Association’s Junior Hydroplane division.  In 2012 she plans on being #1.  Additionally, because of the national association’s rules for rookie status Deware will also be running for rookie of the year.  American Power Boat Association rules state that a driver is a rookie until they race ten events.  Last year Deware raced in eight events in the Junior Division. “It will be a little strange starting this year with a rookie stripe still on my helmet,” said Deware, “But I will be able to take it off in about a month.”  

The Junior Hydroplane class is open to boys and girls from the age of 9 -16 years old.   The boats are 9’ long powered by 15hp engines and can reach speeds of about 50 MPH.  The total weight of the boat, motor and driver must be at least 300 lbs.   

In addition to the Junior class she will be driving her O’Connor built, Mercury powered hydroplane in the AX class.  This class is designed to be a Novice class for all ages and the boats reach speeds over 55 MPH.  

The 2012 season will kick off on May 19 – 20 in Standish, Maine.  The event is sponsored by Standish Kiwanis and The South Shore Outboard Racing Club and sanctioned by The American Power Boat Association.   

And with the season about to start what is Lily’s biggest concern?  “I just hope it’s warm.” “It will be bad enough with the cold water from the lake.”  With that comment her dad Scott had a simple answer; “If you want to stay dry, just stay out front.”