The Southern Outlaw Drag Boat Association (SODA) and the Hamilton Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department will host the 2^nd annual 800-foot outboard drag boat race on Saturday, August 3 at Lake Simmie, three miles south of Brundidge.

The gates will open at 9 a.m. and the racing will start at 11 a.m. Admission is $8. Ages under 12 will be admitted free.

Jay Jackson, SODA, said between 32 and 35 entries are expected in eight classes. The local entries will be from Ozark, Wicksburg and Eufaula, as well as from Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina and possibly Tennessee.

“Lake Simmie is one heck of a race site so are looking forward to great races in all classes,” Jackson said. “Drag boats race for the lowest elapsed time over a straight race course of a defined length. Unlike drag racing on land, which begins from a standing start, drag boat racing begins from a short rolling start.

“And, there’s a point that cannot be passed until the green ‘start’ light flashes. Even if you’ve never been to a drag boat race before, you’ll be able to get into it right away.”

The speeds will be from 90 to 100 mph, depending on the classes, so the races will be fun and exciting for spectators.

“Drag boat racing is a great way for families to enjoy an afternoon together as well as for those who enjoy boat racing or racing in general,” Jackson said.

Lake Simmie is a made-made lake and is the property of Rayvon and Polly Graham. Recent upgrades have the lake at 3300 feet in length and 600 feet in width.

Lake Simmie was the site of a SODA drag boat race last year with 27 boats entered.

“That was the first time Rayvon and I had been to a drag boat race and we really enjoyed it,” Polly Graham said. “We are looking forward to having the race back at Lake Simmie and invite everyone to come out, bring umbrellas and lawn chairs and enjoy the races.”

Concessions will be available on site and will include hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hamilton Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department to help fund an addition to the department’s fire station.

For additional information, contact jayjacksonjcsanddfs@gmail.com.