Boaters race for the finish line and try to beat their times at the Ragatta Races at Lake Sule. This weekend the lake will once again be the site for the races hosted by the Rochelle Tourism & Visitors Bureau.

ROCHELLE — Lake Sule will hear and feel the scream of stock and modified racing engines when the Illinois championships return to Rochelle.

Friday will see outboard racing teams from across the Midwest arrive and prepare for a rigorous two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday.

Based on early feedback, a large turnout of boats is expected at the race.

All the drivers want to win at Rochelle and will push their boats to the limit to do so.

This year’s race will feature hydroplane and runabout style boats so small that there is no place to sit!

All drivers must kneel or lay in the eight- to 11-foot-long boats that speed from 35 m.p.h. in the novice classes, to exceeding 80 m.p.h. in the open exhaust modified classes.

Perfect setting

“Lake Sule is the perfect place for our kind of racing,” said Tad Olson of Marine Racing Club. “It’s small enough to give my 14-year-old son, Carter, a smooth ride on fast water, and yet big enough where the faster boats can really get up to speed. The other unique thing about Lake Sule is that you are so close to the action. It’s one of the few places we race where spectators can see all the action without binoculars. It’s very exciting.”

Lake Sule is located at the northwest corner of I-88 and I-39. Races start at 11 a.m. and end at 5 p.m..

The Rochelle Rotary Club will be selling pizza crepes, brats, hot dogs, candy, ice cream, pop and water on Saturday and Sunday.

For the first time, there will also be a “Drivers School” this year on Friday, July 23rd from 2 p.m. to 5 p,m.

The public will have an opportunity to learn how to drive the same boats that the professionals race.

If you are interested in signing up, please call Mike at 815-757-3389.

For more information, contact the Rochelle Tourism & Visitors Association or visit the American Power Boat Association website at www.apba-racing.com.