Powerboat action is set to take place in downtown New Martinsville this weekend with the second annual New Martinsville Records Challenge and Regatta. With the financial assistance and support of the Wetzel County Commission, the City of New Martinsville, the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce, and community volunteers and businesses, the weekend will offer fun for the entire family. The whole community has worked together to restore New Martinsville’s standing in powerboat history.

The roar on the river returned to the Parlor City last year after a nine-year absence when a group of community volunteers partnered with Powerboat Superleague, which also donated its talent and expertise. The offered the Stock, Mod, Pro, Inboard, OPC, Offshore, and Junior Class categories the chance to establish and break the APBA quarter-mile straightaway record and add to racing history. Drivers will return this year in an attempt to break the records established.

In particular, Jeff (#34/F2) and Carole Reno (#16/F3) of Okeechobee, Fla., have announced their plans to attend the New Martinsville Records Challenge and Regatta. As Jeff explained, “Carol is currently in first place in the Superleague Formula Three Championship chase, and I wanted to make sure that she had every opportunity to keep adding points. I’ll be looking for points as well. The Formula Two competition is close; right now, I’m in the top five of the SST 120 division, and racing in New Martinsville could put me in the top three.”

If Jeff gets his wish it will be the first time in tunnel boat history and in Superleague history that a husband and wife share year end championship honors.

Mark your calendars for Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28, and watch as the Renos try to make history.

In addition to record runs on Saturday, tunnel boat regional and divisional championships will take place that day. On Sunday, time trials will finish at noon, and heats will begin for Grand National Hydro and I Litre Mod racing and J class racing.

Not only does New Martinsville have a reputation for fast waters-the site of 86 world and national records, the small city also has a 65 year reputation in the powerboat community for hospitality. Area residents have opened up their homes to drivers during their weekend stay, so that they may be more comfortable when they aren’t out on the water.

There will also be a variety of entertainment for the whole family on land including live bands, an interactive fish tank, inflatables, face painting, and artisan and food vendors.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy both the action on the water and the live music. The best areas to see the boats will be behind the courthouse, WesBanco, or Wetzel Valley Agencies along the Ohio River. For additional information about powerboat action call 304-455-2049 and for more information about land entertainment, call 304-455-2475. You can also visit www.newmartinsvillerecordschallenge.org/.