Rocky Fork Thunder set for Sept. 15-16

American Power Boat Association representative and Rocky Fork Thunder race director David Archiable invite the community to this year's Rocky Fork Thunder hydroplane races set for Sept. 15-16 at Rocky Fork Lake.

The 2012 event will mark the Thunder's 24th year, with the races being cut last year due to financial issues. With top speeds on the water of close to 150 mph, event chairman Dean Armstrong said the hydroplane races are popular for drivers and fans alike.

"Drivers love to race on Rocky Fork Lake," Armstrong told The Highland County Press. "We've had 18 official world records at Rocky Fork Lake, with another six to eight records that weren't reported because those drivers didn't win their races – even though they did break the record."

This year, the event will host approximately 55 high-quality boats, Armstrong said. Past races have attracted drivers and pit crews from Florida, Texas, New York, Georgia and Canada.

Archiable said that the race's two "primary sponsors" are WVNU Lite 97.5 FM and the Highland County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"I'm so pleased to continue our relationship with the Thunder," WVNU general manager Pat Hays said. "Our station went on the air in 1994, and this was one of our first events we were ever involved in.

"We feel it's so important to Highland County. We want to give all the support we can."

According to a press release by Rocky Fork Thunder, "General admission to the race is free, and VIP tickets, officially licensed clothing and sponsorship opportunities are still available."

For more information on attending, participating in or sponsoring the event, visit www.rockyforkthunder.com or email RFT@rockyforkthunder.com.