Watershed Voice recently spoke with Mark Miskerik from Constantine’s Racer School about the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association program, which is currently seeking students for its next session.

The class will take place on Friday, June 14 at the Constantine American Legion (65079 Bus US-131, Constantine) from 12 p.m. until approximately 4 p.m. Registration must be completed online before the day of the event, which can be done so here.

Editor’s note: The following interview was conducted via email in March.

Alek Haak-Frost: What exactly is the Racer School program and when did it start?

Mark Miskerik: The program could be compared to a NASCAR driving experience that some may be more familiar with such as the Richard Petty Driving Experience. We started it in 2008 and have held about 26 of them over these past 15 years (COVID year excluded). 

The program allows people interested in getting started in outboard hydroplane racing a chance to learn the basics in a classroom environment, then go to the beach and practice driving positions and finally then the chance to pilot the hydroplane by themselves and take 2-3 separate short sessions around a race course under our instruction.  

AHF: How does someone get involved? Are there eligibility requirements like age or where folks live? Who would they contact for more information?

MM: All the important information, including a registration option, can be found on the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association website (http://www.michiganhydroplane.com/Register-Racer-School.html).

You must be at least 9-years-old for the junior class hydroplane by the date of the event which is Friday, June 14. There is no age limit, although we want people to understand that there is some physicality to driving the hydroplane, and you must kneel in the cockpit for approximately 5 minutes at a time. 

AHF: How much does the school cost, if anything? 

MM: The cost of the school is $100 and it approximately 4-5 hours long for the entire session. This includes a weekend membership to APBA (American Power Boat Association) and helps to cover safety related personnel and equipment.  

AHF: What do you hope to accomplish with the program? 

MM: MHRA hopes to gain new members who want to potentially become racers and be part of the family like atmosphere of outboard hydroplane racing. We understand that this is a different type of vehicle than most people have access to and want to provide the opportunity for the participants to “wet” their feet before make a commitment to purchasing racing equipment.  

AHF: How many local race teams are there currently and how does that compare to previous years?

MM: In the southwestern Michigan area there are about a half dozen teams, and (around) the state probably close to 50 race teams that all support races throughout the Midwest. The numbers have declined slightly in Southwest Michigan, but we hope that programs like this will help to improve those numbers, as it’s a great area to race from with over six events within a relatively short drive.  

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.