Racers Gear up for Quake on the Lake

Racers began gathering from all around the country for Quake on the Lake Friday afternoon in anticipation of the event today and Sunday. 

Quake on the Lake is an annual event on Pontiac Lake which sits on the border of White Lake Township and Waterford. The event is known for its hydroplane races and live music.

As Cisco, IL. resident and Decatur police officer Sean Bowsher walked down the pits he had a kind word and a handshake or hug for every racer. After all, there is a camaraderie among inboard hydroplane racers that isn’t common in other sports. 

“I brought my whole family with me because it’s a family event not just for the spectators but the racers,” Bowsher said. He will be racing a 1-liter modified hydroplane this weekend. “It’s the people, friends and family that keep me coming back.” 

Spending time with other racers is a common theme among the Quake competitors. And so is the notion of family. Michigan native and current Kent, WA resident Jeff Bernard took home third place at the “unlimited” Gold Cup hydroplane race last weekend on the Detroit River. The unlimited are the sport’s version of the major leagues, which earned Bernard a nice payday. 

But Bernard came to Quake this weekend to compete not for the prize money, which isn’t significant, especially compared to the Gold Cup, but for the chance to see friends and family members that he may only get to see once a year. 

“I still have family in this area and because I live on the West Coast I don’t get to see many of my friends from the East Coast that I have raced against over the years,” said the 26-year-old. 

Bernard is part of a fourth generation of hydroplane racing in his family. His uncle and cousin are also racing this weekend on Pontiac Lake. So the strategies inherent to succeeding are in his blood. 

“You want to be the first one out of the first turn and we all have a plan going into each race,” Bernard said. “It’s a great sport and to be honest I don’t know what I would be doing without it.” 

Becky Wilson will be making her 2011 debut to competitive racing. The 18-year-old Bloomfield Hills college student is also part of a racing family in that her mother Mary Anne Wilson is the race director for Quake on the Lake. 

Becky Wilson recently had her engine rebuilt and targeted Quake to be ready for racing. She has competed since the age of 14 and hopes to finish among the top 6 (of 10) in her class this weekend. 

“I want to keep getting experience because you really learn to race while on the water,” Wilson said, adding that racers can’t “practice” on a normal day simply because speeds of 80 mph or more aren’t allowed on waterways in a non-race setting. “There’s really no way to prepare for the race and you need to go on experience and feel.” 

Quake on the Lake will take place today and Sunday at Pontiac Lake with admission $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under the age of 4 are free. Activities for families, including a children’s fun zone, musical acts like The Verve Pipe and plenty of food and drinks will also be available for fans to enjoy. Visit www.quakeonthelake.org for more information.