May 25, 2011

Fort Custer State Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County will host the third annual "Smoke on the Water" mini-hydroplane races on Eagle Lake on Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5.

The race, sponsored and sanctioned by the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association and the American Power Boats Association, starts at 10:30 a.m. both days with heats running throughout the day until 6 p.m.

According to event organizer Mark Miskerik, the mini-hydroplanes, which average 10 feet in length, are classified as stock outboards and can travel between 55 and 85 miles per hour. Races use a two-heat, three-lap format.

"Racers range in age between nine and 15 years old in the Junior Division, with racers up into their 70s competing in the various adult divisions," Miskerik said. "The boats have no design limitations. Some boats are made of wood, others are made of a carbon fiber, some are hand built, and some are purchased from manufacturers."

Spectators are welcome to arrive early to check out the boats and talk to drivers. Viewing vantage points are on the hillside along Eagle Lake.

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is located at 5163 Fort Custer Dr. in Augusta. Signage will provide directions to the park entrance. Fort Custer features three lakes, a river, second growth forests, prairie restoration, the Kalamazoo River, and an excellent trail system used by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The park also offers modern campsites and three rustic cabins.

Camping reservations can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling the central reservation system at 1-800-447-2757.

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park supervisor at 269-731-4200 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/fortcuster.

Admission to the races is free; however a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering the park. The Recreation Passport replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "Yes" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport, or call 517-241-7275.

Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid Non-Resident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site, which can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.