2012 RIVER ROAR -- Formula Light starting line shows off the colorful boats.
25th Annual River Roar In Downtown Bay CIty
June 24, 2012
By: Stephen Kent
The River Roar returned to Bay City and found perfect weather and great crowds waiting. This year the riverfront had both concerts and a carnival with rides and amusements.
Of the three classes, the Formula Light boats provided some excitement with a couple of crashes on Saturday. There were no injuries, but the crowds certainly got a thrill.
Formula Light was won Sunday by 21 year old Carlos Mendana from Florida. Essexville's James McGuire took 8th. Bay City's Gary Barber took 7th after crashing his boat on Saturday.
The formula 2 races was won by Dan Lick from Minnesota. He was thrilled with his victory. Formula 1, the "big boats", was won for the fourth time by Terry Rinker, who's bright yellow boat couldn't be missed.
MyBayCity.com was on hand to catch some pictures again this year and this time we also took some video. Check the YouTube link for a little taste of what the crowds enjoyed.
The course is an oval just under half a mile in length. The formula 1 boats can hit
130 MPH in that short straight away.
Try this
Goggle Map Link to see the area in a satellite view.
These boats are fast. They all catch some air on the straight-away
With the pack going full speed, the chop around the turns can be formidable.
Driver's view. How do that do it at that speed?
An overview of part of the pit area shows many of the RV and support vehicles used by the teams.
Sometimes you just can't get it all right.
Nobody was hurt, but the boat certainly took some damage!
Another crash right in front of Waterfall Park and Pier gave these spectators a first hand view.
That's a small, tight fit for a driver.
Formula 1 winner Terry Rinker checks out the controls.
Front view of the number 35 boat.
Helmet required!
The bridge makes for some great photos, if you don't mind trucks and buses right behind you. Hope those drivers are watching the road and not the boats!
Formula Light starting line shows off the colorful boats. The race featured two female drivers. One is in the pink boat (her dad raced in formula 2). The other is in the Yellow and green boat number 4.
Every boat and driver gets an official weigh in after the races.
OK, this little guy has had all the excitement he can take. But what's a photo spread without a cute puppy picture?