Monticello — Fresh on the heels of the success of the recent Lake Cumberland Grand
Prix‹Kentucky's first-ever Offshore Super Series Powerboat race‹plans are
already in place to bring the event to the east end of Lake Cumberland in
2010.
Ron Polli, president of Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing
Association (OSS), has announced that the 2010 race will take place in the
Somerset-Pulaski County area of Lake Cumberland, and the official event
dates will be Tuesday, June 1, through Monday, June 7.
Additionally, The Center for Rural Development, located off of U.S. 27
in Somerset, will serve as the base of operations for the 2010 Race Village,
the primary site where spectators can get a closer look at the speed boats,
meet the driving teams, and get autographs and photos.
"We are looking forward to coming back for many years to come," Polli
said. "Lake Cumberland is a spectacular place, the people love it, and I'm
sure our racers are going to love it."
According to a two-year agreement between the OSS and the Lake
Cumberland Association, the 2010 event will feature a five-mile oval race
course visible from the Waitsboro Recreational Area, located off of U.S. 27
north of Burnside, and near Burnside Marina by way of water.
J.D. Hamilton, president of Lake Cumberland Association and
president/owner of Lee's Ford Marina and Resort, said the contract agreement
contains an option for renewal beyond 2010.
"I think rotating the race location will help the promotion of the event
because you get people around the lake engaged," Hamilton said. "Drivers
like having a different course to run and it changes the venue to keep it
interesting for spectators as well."
Hamilton said the race is an example of what is possible when everyone
works together around Lake Cumberland.
"This is a great promotion. I'd really like to see us work together on
the long-term economic development and recovery of Lake Cumberland," he
said.
Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, agreed.
"The Center is honored to be chosen as the Race Village for next year's
Grand Prix," Lawson said, "and we're excited about partnering in an event
that holds such great tourism potential for Lake Cumberland and the entire
region."