Lake El Reno Hosts 'Smoke On The Water' Drag Boat Races

Boats racing up to 150 miles per hour will fill up Lake El Reno this weekend for the Smoke on the Water drag boat races.

Thursday, July 10th 2014, 7:04 pm

By: News 9

Lake El Reno Hosts 'Smoke On The Water' Drag Boat Races

Boats racing up to 150 miles per hour will fill up Lake El Reno this weekend for the Smoke on the Water drag boat races.

“It’s probably one of the most dangerous sports there is, but safety is our top priority," Organizer Karon Grulkey said.

This is the 14th year for the Smoke on the Water races, but the first time in El Reno.

The organizers used to run them on Fort Cobb Lake, but mother nature dried up those plans.

“The lake got down so far, and it silted in and they gave us a really nice cove, you know, but we just couldn't run there anymore,” Grulkey explained.

That is when El Reno jumped at the chance to host it.

“We've done a lot of preparation for it," said El Reno Mayor Matt White. "We've had a lot of the boat racers. I think they're excited about being here, and we're excited about having them in our community.”

The race has grown over the years to nearly 60 drivers, while the engines keep getting bigger and faster.

“They drop the flags, and it's just like on the streets," said Grulkey. "Whoever gets to the finish line first, wins.”

The races feature 11 classes of boats from ski boats up to the top fuels boats. The track is 1,000 feet, and the race is double elimination, so everyone races both days.

“It's pretty exciting," added Grulkey. "If you like the speed and the loud horsepower and all that stuff, this is the place to be.”

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., and races start each day at noon.

One-day passes are $15, and two-day passes are $25. Two-day kid passes are $10, and children age five and under are free.

Ice chests are allowed, however, glass containers are prohibited.

For more information, call 405-641-6386.