Press Release

8th Annual Quake on the Lake Revving Up to Roar on Pontiac Lake July 21-22

Pontiac, MI, June 13, 2007 – The 8th Annual “Quake on the Lake” American Power Boat Association (APBA) inboard hydroplane races are returning to Pontiac Lake in White Lake / Waterford Townships on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, 2007.

Last year more than 80 of the best hydroplane racers in the United States and Canada competed for championship points in the weekend-long event. Over the past seven years, 13 APBA world records have been set in five racing classes on the challenging one mile course. 

Since “Quake on the Lake” began in 2000, more than 175,000 people have witnessed world record setting performances from the beautiful one-third mile long sandy beach that provides an ideal vantage point for all the high speed racing action.

All proceeds from the “Quake on the Lake” directly benefit The Rainbow Connection, a 501(c)3 charity founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in the 1980s that grants special wishes to Michigan children with life threatening or terminal illnesses.  Last year, proceeds from the race granted special wishes for three Rainbow Connection children.

New this year are the “Sandblast Volleyball Tournament” scheduled for Saturday, July 21st and a Silent Auction, featuring sports memorabilia, hydroplane prints and gift cards, which will also benefit the Rainbow Connection.  In addition, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock will bring their year-round hoops “Basement Experts Truck Tour” to the “Quake on the Lake.”  Fans can stop by to test their skill at four basketball hoops or check out the display area with Piston NBA Championship trophies, Palace Sports & Entertainment memorabilia and replicas of the Pistons and Shock locker rooms.

Returning feature attractions include the latest and greatest Chrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicle displays, Saleen High Performance Race Cars as well as the Flaming Pistons Classic Car

Club displaying classic and antique vehicles of all kinds.  In addition the Family Fun Zone is back to provide fun for kids of all ages including moonwalks, rock climbing wall, face painting and much, much more.

Two Pre-Race Parties are planned prior to race weekend.  The first party will be held on Wednesday, July 18 starting at 4:00 p.m. at Airway Lanes, 4825 Highland Road in Waterford.  The second party will be held on Friday, June 20 starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Shark Club, 6650 Highland Road in Waterford.  Race fans will have an opportunity to meet the race drivers and view up close and personal many of the hydroplane boats competing in this year’s event.

“Quake on the Lake” is officially an award winning event.  The North American Region VI, sanctioned by the APBA, selected the Quake as the “Best Promoted Race” for 2005 and 2006. In addition, race chairman Dale Hampshire was honored last year as “Race Official of the Year”.

“Quake on the Lake” is located at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, M-59 and Williams Lake Road in White Lake / Waterford Townships.

Admission to the event is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2 years old and younger.  Racing is 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with gates opening at 9:00 a.m. on both days.

This year’s sponsors for Quake are:  Sam’s Club, Budweiser, DOUG 93.1 FM, Kowalski Companies, Royce Richards, Suburban Ford of Waterford, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58, Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet, Buick / GMC, Szott Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge, Skier’s Pier, Oakland County and the Oakland Press.

For additional information on the event, please go to www.QuakeOnTheLake.org.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.
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