Drag racing may be the easiest motorsport to understand. Two competitors at the starting line. A short, furious sprint to finish line. First one there is the winner. The goal of the Wisconsin-based Upper Midwest Power Boat Association (UMPBA) is to keep powerboat drag racing this uncomplicated, and as much fun as possible. Boats and competitors are required to meet basic safety standards, but beyond that there are very few rules. Racing is open to boats powered by outboards, inboards and jet drives. This is real “run what ya brung” racing, and in the slower classes it’s not uncommon for fast family runabouts and bass boats to enter. Sounds like the perfect way for a Mercury Racing fan to experience the Wide Open lifestyle.
In drag racing, quickness, rather than top speed, often determines the winner. A boat able to out-accelerate a faster competitor – or the driver with quicker reaction time at the start – may end up winning the race. Minimal weight is the key to quick acceleration, and faster UMPBA classes are dominated by 18- to 20-foot hulls produced by brands like Checkmate, Allison, STV and Hydrostream that may weigh less than 400 pounds. Hang a lightweight outboard on the transom, like a modified Mercury Racing 2.5 Drag making 400 hp on alcohol fuel, and you’ve got a real rocket.