THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 4, 1994 TAG: 9410040405
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CAMDEN LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
The Carolina-Virginia Racing Association will hold its annual Camden County Pig Pickin' Regatta on the Pasquotank River Saturday and Sunday at the foot of Shipyard Landing Road.
``Last year we had just under 300 entries. We're looking to break that 300 mark,'' Jeff Huson, one of the event organizers, said Monday. ``Who knows, we might be the largest race in the country this year.
``This already is the largest two-day event in the nation, as far as numbers go.''
Held for at least the past 15 years, the Camden competition has always been a big draw. ``It's probably one of the last races of the season for a lot of people,'' Huson explained. ``And it's an excellent race site - it's fast, good water.''
The event, sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, is expected to draw drivers from all over the East Coast, including 500cc hydroplane national champion Gary Augustine of Arlington, Va.
Augustine and hundreds of others will be entered in 20 different stock, modified and professional outboard class races. Some of the area's entrants include Kevin Harrell, a Waldman Trophy winner, eight-time Region 4 high-point champion Jeff Huson and Doug Hagatha, who races his green boats under the John Deere flag. All are from Elizabeth City.
While the top drivers churn up the water at speeds up to 120 mph, competitors age 9 to 14 will travel in their own division at 40 mph in slower boats.
The event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with a driver's meeting at the race site. Five- orsix-boat heats with clock starts will begin shortly afterward on Saturday, closer to noon on Sunday.
``And we will probably be running until the sun goes down if we have anywhere near the number of boats we're expecting,'' Huson said.
Huson stressed that while the race attracts a specific breed of boaters, it is also very much a community event.
Bob and Eric McDaniels donate the property used for the race site and pig pickin'. Shiloh Boy Scout Troop 158 will provide food from a booth donated by Lamb's of Camden.
The Camden County High School Key Club will sell race T-shirts, and Saturday evening's drivers and crews will feast on pork barbecue prepared by race organizers Herb Davenport and David Owens.
The Camden power boat competition also is the final race in a nationwide series. The winner of a trip for two to the Bahamas will be announced Sunday morning before the races begin again.
Waterborne spectators who anchor a safe distance from the competition are welcomed. Those traveling by vehicle are asked to car pool since parking is limited.
There is a possibility some events may be canceled if winds are too strong; otherwise, the race goes on rain or shine.
``The chances of us getting blown out are slim to none,'' Huson said, noting only two or three cancellations in the regatta's long history.
For more information on the event or registration, call Huson at 919-331-2228. by CNB