SOAP LAKE - It's been 30 years since the hydro's had skimmed the waters at Soap Lake.

But the wait didn't put a damper on the excitement as 52 boats racing around the mile and a quarter course thrilled fans over the two-day Del Red Hydroplane Regatta held on Saturday and Sunday.

"The people in the community of Soap Lake were pumped," Race Director Terry Anderson said. "The 26 foot-long big block engine boats in the grand prix competition hit straightaway speeds of 160 mph and splashed up walls of water all along the course."

Anderson said the regatta was the biggest hydroplane event in the region so far this year, and expects the race to be an annual event in Soap Lake.

"I think we are on pretty secure ground to make it happen," he said. "It will be a bigger and better event next year."

More than 45 heats of highly competitive racing action was made possible by the American Powerboat Racing Association and Seattle Drag and Ski Sprint Boat Association.

The overall winner was Jerry Hopp of Snohomish. Dustin Echols of Sultan won both finals, but Hopp took the overall for the weekend based on points.

Class Winners

Grand Prix: 1st Jerry Hopp, Snohomish, 2nd Dustin Echols, Sultan, 3rd Kevin Eacret, Edmonds.

2.5 Mod: 1st Jared Knelleken, Eatonville, 2nd Karen Toulouse, Eatonville, Kevin Eacret, Edmonds.

1 Litre Mod: Corey Peabody, Fife, 2nd Kayleigh Mallory, Carnation, 3rd Nick Bononcini, Issaquah.

J Stock : 1st Travis Ulsh, Eatonville, 2nd Cameron Hein, Soap Lake, 3rd Cameron Hein, Soap Lake 4th Kierra Marquard, Puyallup, 5th Taylor Anderson Spokane 6th Jacob Mauldin, Friday Harbor

Vintage: 1st Jeff Schneider, Sammamish, 2nd David Kancianich, Tacoma, 3rd Shawn Kelson, Bonney Lake, 4th Wesley Gray, Ellensburg, 5th David Leach, Tacoma, 6th Jerry Kelson, Bothell, 7th Bob Bolman, Hayden Lake, Idaho.

2.5 Litre Stock: 1stJ Michael Kelly, Bonney Lake. 2nd Austin Eacret, Seattle. 3rd Steve Whisman, Des Moines

5 Litre: 1st Corey Peabody, Fife. 2nd Travis Johnston, Helena, Mt. 3rd Brian Perkins, North Bend

SE : 1st Marc Halvorsen, Olympia. 2nd Dave Hooker, Shelton

Pro Stock: 1st Lenny Baker, Edmonds, 2nd Brandon Cushing, Kennewick. 3rd Tim Hamilton, Tacoma

National Modified: 1st Brent Harnack, Spokane, 2nd Bill Strain , Auburn.