Marble Falls - LakeFest Drag Boat Races - Aug 7 to 9

[angiem357]

LakeFest 2009, August 7th-9th, marks the 18th year that the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce transforms Lake Marble Falls into a liquid quarter-mile "racetrack" and the banks of the lake into a wild three-day boat race party.

On Friday, more than 120 boats go in the water for Test & Tune. Drag boat fans swarm Johnson Park on Friday evening for a chance to get up-close and personal with the drivers and boats at Show & Shine. Fans have an opportunity to purchase official shirts and posters for autographs and have their picture taken with the stars of the show. The highlight of the evening comes at dusk as top-fuelers "fire up," shooting flames out exhaust pipes and splitting every ear-drum in the park. Immediately following Show & Shine, a concert featuring Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison will begin in Lakeside Park.

Gates open bright and early on Saturday at 7 a.m. for qualifying races that last all day. Experience “The Gambler” where racers of all classes go head to head based on the luck of the draw.

Early-birds can arrive Sunday at 7 a.m. to see another round of “The Gambler” and get a great seat for opening ceremonies at noon when the Top-fuel boats thrill crowds with astonishing speeds up to 240 miles per hour. The day will end with the awards ceremony following the last race.

(taken from www.marblefallslakefest.com)

I've been there, once, with a broke-down camera that got me 3 shots before dying forever. It's an awesome experience, if you've never been. Like a cross between an NHRA race and a weekend at the lake! Lots of photo ops and the incline to the bank makes it easy for everyone to see.

[limeybob]

All 3 days are good (including practice) but the best light is late in the day. The very last races have the best light and the chance to slow the sutter and get some panning, motion action. I have been 3 years - Nascar meets bass fishing in my book.
Very cool!