Karl St-Vincent was emotional at the end of the first day of racing at the Sorel-Tracy Regatta. The 44-year-old Campivallensian completed a perfect day to dominate the day in the Hydro 350 class.
“We worked so hard and for so long,” said the H-37 Bull Shark Racing pilot. It’s starting to pay off. We left to come here and I didn’t have a goal, but a mission. The weekend, I know it’s not over, but it’s off to a good start. »
All day long, he took advantage of every opportunity to take the lead. In the morning, Bobby King of H-242 LDC Construction and Yannick Léger of H-21 Supernova were at fault at the start.
In the afternoon, during a crazy race, he saw three rivals forced to retire while Joe Less stole the start in the H-500 Centless 14.
The 50 points amassed allow him to dream of a favorable corridor in anticipation of the final. “It’s a lot for the team,” he added. It’s a lot for me. I’m emotional. I did not expect that. I knew we had a good machine. It’s the best machine I’ve ever had.”
A gap of 0.19 seconds
The Hydro 350 class put on a good show for the Sorelois on Saturday. In an exciting race from start to finish, Tyler Kaddatz of H-195 Ahh Sum Secret held off Eric McKenna’s push from lane six. A slim gap of 0.19 seconds separated the two rivals at the end of a race that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
McKenna nevertheless set the best time of the day, a 3:26.09 to bank 46 points to his account. A performance imitated by Danny Léger of H-666 Charpentek who also earned a victory in qualifying and a second position result.
The other win went to Paul Barber’s H-52 Legacy 1 too.
From the scrapyard
The H-4 Big Decision showed heavy damage. (Photo Journal Saint-François: Eric Tremblay)
Some boats suffered significant damage. This is the case of the H-4 Big Decision piloted by Érik Allard. Victim of a flight as he took the last turn of his race, a break in the back of the boat compromised his weekend.
That of Bobby King’s H-242 LDC Construction, however, is completed. His left pontoon was fractured during a dive in the waves.
Tate dominates
The name, number and color changes do not seem to affect Andrew Tate. The American dominated the Grand Prix free practice, being the only one to complete the one-mile lap under 33 seconds.
Later, a good fight with Jack Lupton of GP-33 Lupton motorsport left marks on the hull of GP-71 The Wild One, but victory was still achieved.
The fastest time of the day in qualifying, however, was later set by Ken Lupton. The Lucas Oil GP-577 driver completed four laps of the 1-mile course in 2:20.05.
Shortened program
Prevailing winds forced the postponement of many races. So much so that the Novices, 2.5 liters and Formula 2500 did not complete any races.
The Jersey Speed Skiff completed their two qualifying waves. Jimmie Stewart and Peg Ewancio won a race in the JSS-10 Yumpin’ Yiminy, but the fastest time of the day was recorded by Max and Samantha Ewancio of JSS-45 In the Red.
