2007 Madison Regatta

Madison Regatta returns
with new ‘Dash for Cash’

Locals await debut of city’s new race boat

Staff Report

(June 2007) – Race fans attending this year’s Madison Regatta will be treated with a new event on Friday called “Dash for Cash” to feature the top five Unlimited hydroplanes from 2006 and 2007 going head-to-head for big prize money. The event will precede a entire weekend of racing July 7-8, marking the 57th anniversary of Unlimited hydroplane racing in Madison.

2007 Madison Regatta Schedule of Events (All times are EDT-fast time) • Saturday, June 30: Little Miss Pageant (ages 5-8). 10 a.m. at the Madison Consolidated High School Auditorium. • Saturday, June 30: Miss Pre-Teen Pageant (ages 9-13). 1 p.m. at the Madison Consolidated High School Auditorium. • Saturday, June 30: Miss Teen Pageant (ages 14-17). 6 p.m. the Madison Consolidated High School Auditorium. • Monday, July 2: Xi Beta Upsilon Miss Madison Regatta Beauty Pageant (ages 18-26). 8 p.m. at the Madison Consolidated High School Auditorium. Tickets $6. • Tuesday, July 3: Fillin’ Station Liquors Waterball Fight. 6 p.m. on Vaughn Drive and Broadway Street. • Wednesday, July 4: Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corp. Bed Race. 6 p.m. on Main Street in front of Jefferson County Courthouse. • Wednesday, July 4: WORX 96.7 FM Street Dance. 8-11 p.m. at Fireman’s Park, foot of Jefferson Street & Vaughn. • Thursday, July 5: Topline Communications Media Party & Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the VIP Tent at the riverfront. (Open to the media, race drivers, team owners, race officials, chamber members and their guests only.) • Thursday, July 5: Madison Regatta Auction, sponsored by M&M Towing & Recovery. 6:45 p.m. at the VIP Tent. • Music on the River, sponsored by Arvin Sango Inc., Big-O Tires, KIA, Mom’s Music, Papa John’s Pizza, & Ponderosa Steakhouse at Fireman’s Park on the riverfront. 7-11 p.m. • Thursday, July 5: Radio 96.3 WJAA Battle of the Bands 7-11 p.m. • Friday, July 6: 95.3 WIKI, 1460 AM WJCP and Eagle 99.3 present Audible Point and other bands, 4-11 p.m. • Saturday, July 7: WORX 96.7 FM / WXGO 1270 AM present the Jimmy Davis Band, Big Diggity and other bands, 7-11 p.m. • Friday, July 6: Madison Regatta Parade. 6:15 p.m. on Main Street beginning at Jefferson Street. • Saturday, July 7: The Madison Courier Firecracker 10k Walk/Run. 8 a.m. walk; 8:30 a.m. run, beginning at the Madison Consolidated High School. • Friday-Sunday, July 6-8: Grote Industries Air Shows. Times TBA at the riverfront. •  Saturday, July 7: American Legion Post No. 9 Fireworks Spectacular. approximately 10 p.m. at the riverfront. (Free admission) • Tickets: $20 through July 1. $25 thereafter. To order, call (812) 265-5000 or visit: www.madisonregatta.com. Tickets also available at several local stores. VIP and other passes available. Souvenir buttons $5. Pit Tours $3. Programs $5.

The weekend will include races by 2.5 liter stocks, time trials and testing and several Unlimited heat races, culminating with the 3:40 p.m. ABRA sanctioned Madison Regatta Indiana Governor’s Cup Trophy.
In addition, local race fans will get their first look at the new Oh Boy! Oberto-Miss Madison hometown boat and to see if the new boat can repeat her 2001 victory here.
Madison is one of six race cities on the 2007 ABRA Unlimited Hydroplane Racing calendar.
The Unlimiteds can top speeds of up to 200 mph. The 2.5 liter stocks, meanwhile, can exceed 100 mph and are powered by 4-cylinder Ford engines (2000cc or 2.3 Litre) on pump gas.
A very popular event occurring at night on Saturday, July 7 is the American Legion Post No. 9 Fireworks Show. The same company that conducts the world famous “Thunder Over Louisville” will be back in Madison.
In addition to racing and fireworks, the weekend will keep fans hopping with live music from Thursday through Saturday.
More activities during Regatta Weekend include the Madison Regatta Parade, three days of air shows, with a twilight air show Saturday night before the fireworks, driver’s autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday, food and commercial vendors, and activities for kids along the riverfront.
Admission Wristbands to the Madison Regatta are $20 each through July 1 and increases to $25 each on July 2 through the final heat of racing at the gates on Sunday. A wristband is required for daytime access to Vaughn Drive and the riverfront from 6 a.m. Friday until after the final race on Sunday. Children 10 and under are free. Wristbands may be purchased by calling the Regatta office at (812) 265-5000 or visiting www.madisonregatta.com. Wristbands are also sold at several local stores and banks.
The Music on the River program for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday require an admission wristband or a $5 limited-edition, collectible race boat button that can be bought at the gate. Each night includes a different collectible button used for admission. Saturday night activities are free.
Special seating for viewing the 2007 Madison Regatta includes a VIP Tent area, Hospitality Tent area, Tarp Space areas, and RV Parking to name a few. Pit Tours, sponsored by the VFW Post 1969 Men’s and Women’s Auxiliary, will be conducted on Friday and Saturday, while Cold Pit Passes can be bought for $20. Collector edition Madison Regatta race programs will also be available at $5 to keep as souvenirs.

• For more information on the activities, race and event schedules, sponsors, merchandise, pricing and ticket information, and much more, call the Regatta office at (812) 265-5000 or visit www.madisonregatta.com.