Event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at Connelly Park

MOSES LAKE - Championship dreams begin in Moses Lake for a number of hydroplane racers this weekend.

"This is where the championship starts," said Ana Cappelletti, race director of the Papa's Casino presents Moses Lake Regatta. "These guys are coming here to start their national championship and to get great water, and to have the support of the community come down and watch, is what we're all really looking for."

More people in attendance brings joy to racing teams, Cappelletti said.

The racing event begins 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Connelly Park, lasting until about 2:30 p.m. The event continues on Sunday, beginning at the same time and ending a little earlier, Cappelletti said.

Admission is $3 for both days. Children aged 12 and under are free.

The Moses Lake Lions Club serves breakfast and lunch at the event. Four-wheel drive club, the Ace of Clubs, helps in the pits during races, moving boats around and anything else.

Cappelletti said the pits will be open after the races on Saturday. Autograph forms will be provided.

Present at the race will be about 15 classes, including outdoor performance classes, superstock classes and, for the first time, several Grand Prix class watercraft, which will also be seen at SeaFair in Seattle, Cappelletti said. She estimated at least 40 boats would be in attendance.

"They're very large, very loud and it's a lot of excitement of racing," she said.

Cappelletti said one of her main goals is to bring everything together for a successful family event.

Hydroplane racing dates back to the 1930s, Cappelletti said, noting the APBA Gold Cup is the oldest motor sport trophy ever.

"So we're just really wanting to bring people back into hydroplane racing and really just draw a crowd to make it such a success," she said.

This weekend marks the fourth annual event, Cappelletti said.

"Moses Lake is such a great community to come to," she said. "It's been a tradition to come to Moses Lake in the past, and I've just brought back it back to the community because it is such a great community to come and race at. It's great waters, it's just a joy to be able to be there, to get the support of the community."

For more information, call 425-218-2452 or access the regatta Web site at www.moseslakeregatta.com.