Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series at Marble Falls, Texas

21st Annual Lakefest

Words and photos by J. M. Hallas

A couple of Pro Modifieds go at it on Lake Marble Falls.

The final day of the 21st Annual Lakefest featuring the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series started with a change of plans. Racing on water is not nearly the same as land and, with Mother Nature kicking up a breeze, the Pro classes had to be delayed on Sunday, Aug. 12. At the high speeds the Pro classes hit even slight chop could spell disaster. The slower classes, of course, were somewhat less susceptible to the less than perfect water conditions.

As part of the festivities, motorcycle builder, television star and Austin native Jesse James was on hand taking in the action on the liquid quarter mile. Matt Hagan, who was on vacation from NHRA this weekend, picked up his Lucas Oil Drag Boat license piloting Randy Benson’s Texas Bounty Hunter, and then also stuck around to enjoy the racing.

Pro Modified driver Tommy Thompson took a spill during round 1 of eliminations in the class. The boat jumped out of the water, nosed back in and came apart. The capsule stayed intact and above water. Thompson was able to give the rescue crew the ‘thumbs up’ and only suffered a sore back.

Daryl Ehrlich pounds the water while Scott Lumbert catches some air in Top Fuel Hydro final.

Daryl Ehrlich backed up last year’s win, pretty much dominating the class in his Eddie Knox owned, Red Line Oil sponsored Problem Child. Ehrlich was paired up with Scotty Lumbert (Spirit of Texas) for the finals and spotted him a tenth on the tree. After half-track, Ehrlich drove around Lumbert who had issues and slowed his pace, giving the win light to Ehrlich.