THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011 - Here is a press release being sent out today by The Huntington Classic race committee regarding a powerboat racing preview event set for next Wednesday night.  If you are in the Huntington area and would like to see some powerboat action on the river stop by and see us next week.  While the event on the deck is limited to potential sponsors and the media, the general public will be able to watch this event from the restaurant if you want to stop by and have a snack or meal at Schooner's that night.  Hope to see you there!

HUNTINGTON CLASSIC OFFERS POWERBOAT PREVIEW JUNE 8

HUNTINGTON - The Huntington Classic race committee, APR Superleague and Herd Racing will offer Tri-State powerboat racing fans a sneak preview of top notch racing action June 8 at Schooner's Waterfront Grille in Huntington.

The free event, which is open to the local media and interested potential event sponsors will be hosted on the east deck at Schooner's and will feature two 20-minute powerboat demonstrations on the Ohio River in front of the restaurant and marina.  The event will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Light snacks and drinks will be available free of charge to those attending.

Huntington Classic race committee chairman Dan Ferguson said the event is being hosted in an effort to provide local businesses, media and fans with a sneak preview of what they can expect to see August 5-7 when the Huntington Classic powerboat championships bring more than 20 top boat racing teams from across North America to Huntington.

"We want to build fan excitement, sponsorship support and media interest for the event," Ferguson said.  "We need corporate support from Huntington area businesses and organizations to bring this type of event to town.  We hope business owners will come out see how powerboat racing can be a great way to promote their business.  Only seven cities across the nation will be hosting a Superleague tour event in 2011 and Huntington is very fortunate to have been chosen to be part of that elite group of host cities."

The demonstration will include a retired race boat being staged in the Schooner's parking lot which visitors can actually climb into to get the feel of a real race boat cockpit.  Both a Formula 2 and Formula 3 race boat from West Virginia's only professional powerboat racing team, Herd Racing, will do a short racing demonstration on the river.

More information about the event is available by contacting organizer Dan Ferguson at 304-544-9191.

Dana Tomes