The Final Stretch of the Sheboygan Midwest Challenge: Get Ready for an Epic Sunday!

SHEBOYGAN, WI – August 11, 2024 – The Sheboygan Midwest Challenge is nearing the end of an exciting weekend with just four more races to go. As the action continues on the water, there’s still plenty of adrenaline-fueled excitement in store. Before we dive into today’s thrilling events, let’s break down the race categories and what they mean, so you can fully appreciate the intensity and skill on display.

Race Categories and Meanings:

Race 1 – Super Stock:

Super Stock: This category includes stock boats with limited modifications allowed. These boats are closely matched in performance, making the races highly competitive.

Race 2 – 450R, Super V:

450R: Refers to a specific class of high-performance boats, likely powered by 450 horsepower engines.
Super V: Refers to a V-bottom hull design class, which is common in powerboat racing.

Race 3 – Class 1 (Race 1) 40 Mins Plus 1 Lap:

Class 1: Considered the premier class in powerboat racing, featuring the fastest and most advanced boats. “Race 1” indicates this is the first race in this class, with a duration of 40 minutes plus one additional lap.

Race 4 – Class 1 (MAVTV – Race 2) 30 Mins Plus 1 Lap:

Class 1 (MAVTV – Race 2): Indicates the second race for Class 1 boats, with coverage or sponsorship by MAVTV, a motorsports television network. The race lasts for 30 minutes plus one additional lap.

Race 5 – Bracket Class 700, 600, 500:

Bracket Class 700, 600, 500: In bracket racing, boats must run within a specified speed range or bracket (e.g., 700, 600, 500). This format levels the playing field by matching boats with similar performance capabilities.

Race 6 – MOD V, Bracket 400, 300, 200:

MOD V: Refers to Modified V-bottom boats, which are modified to enhance performance.
Bracket 400, 300, 200: Similar to the previous bracket class, these categories require boats to run within specified speed ranges (e.g., 400, 300, 200).

Race 7 – Super Cat:

Super Cat: This class features catamaran-style hulls, which are twin-hulled boats known for their stability and speed. Super Cat races often include some of the fastest boats on the water.

As you watch the heart-pounding races unfold, you might be wondering what the colors of the flags the officials are waving around mean as the speed boats circle the course, hoping to take home the trophy. Here’s what those flags signify:

Flag Colors and Meanings:

YELLOW: PARADE LAP AT THE START OF RACE OR CAUTION AREA

Used by a pace boat to guide race boats from the wet pits to the milling/assembly area during race setup and until the green flag is raised. A single yellow flag also denotes CAUTION and may be displayed at any checkpoint or by rescue/patrol craft during a race to indicate an accident or hazardous situation on the course. No overtaking is allowed, and boats must hold their positions.

GREEN: STARTS THE RACE OR THE RACE IS UNDERWAY

When the pace boat displays the green flag, it signals that the race has officially started.

ORANGE: STATIONARY BOAT

Flown by official boats, including start/finish boats, turn boats, or perimeter boats. It is also used by marine observers and media personnel.

WHITE: LAST LAP

Signals the start of the last lap of the race.

CHECKERED: OFFICIAL FINISH OF THE RACE

Marks the official end of the race. Boats should return to the pits in a safe and orderly manner.

RED: EMERGENCY. RACE HAS STOPPED

Indicates an emergency, and the race has stopped. Boats should be alert for further signals. Red/orange smoke or flares may be used in conjunction with red flags.

BLACK: COURSE IS CLOSED

Indicates that the course is closed, and boats must return to the pits.

RED CROSS: NON-RACE FLAG

Denotes a vessel as medically equipped or a boat with a paramedic/EMT dive team on board.

The Excitement Builds

As we gear up for a fun-filled Sunday starting at 9:00 am, the anticipation for the final races is reaching a fever pitch. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just here for the spectacle, today’s events will be the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable weekend. Don’t miss a moment of the action as we prepare to crown the winners at the awards ceremony, wrapping up the Sheboygan Midwest Challenge with the excitement it deserves.

Get ready for a day of speed, skill, and thrills on the water—this is powerboat racing at its finest!